Description:

Uperio 100mg Tablets (by Novartis) is a fixed-dose combination of sacubitril (a neprilysin inhibitor) and valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker), known as an ARNI (Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor). It is used to treat chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in adults to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization. The 100mg strength provides 48.6 mg sacubitril and 51.4 mg valsartan (as sacubitril/valsartan sodium hydrate), offering a balanced dual mechanism to improve cardiac function, reduce fluid overload, and enhance quality of life. In Ghana (Accra), Uperio (often marketed as the local name for Entresto) is a prescription heart failure medication available in pharmacies (e.g., Country Medical Pharmacy, Vafy Pharmacy) for symptomatic NYHA class II–IV heart failure.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (POM / Rx required in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with a valid prescription from a cardiologist or physician due to risks like hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment; requires monitoring and initiation under specialist care).

Therapeutic Category:

Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) / Cardiovascular Agent (for chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredients: Sacubitril 48.6 mg and valsartan 51.4 mg per tablet (as sacubitril/valsartan sodium hydrate complex; total 100 mg sacubitril/valsartan). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, talc, colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 4000, iron oxides (for coloring, e.g., red/yellow/black in film coat). Film-coated tablet, ovaloid, biconvex (often pale yellow or similar).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (trace sodium from sodium hydrate complex, not therapeutic).

Variant:

• Uperio 100mg film-coated tablets (standard strength; often 28 or 56 tablets per pack). Related variants: Uperio 50mg (24.3 mg sacubitril/25.7 mg valsartan for starting/low dose), Uperio 200mg (97.2 mg sacubitril/102.8 mg valsartan for target/maintenance dose). The 100mg is a common intermediate/titration strength.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush/chew to preserve release).

Directions/Usage:

Take as prescribed by a cardiologist (twice daily).

• Starting dose: Often 50mg (24/26 mg) twice daily (or 100mg half-tablet twice daily if not on ACEI/ARB or low prior dose).
• Titration: Double every 2–4 weeks (as tolerated) to target 200mg (97/103 mg) twice daily.
• For 100mg strength: Typically 1 tablet twice daily (morning/evening) once titrated.
• Take with or without food; consistent timing.
• Allow 36-hour washout if switching from ACE inhibitor.
• Monitor blood pressure, potassium, renal function regularly. Do not stop abruptly; adjust for renal/hepatic impairment.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure; dizziness, lightheadedness).
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium).
• Renal impairment (elevated creatinine).
• Cough
• Dizziness Other: Fatigue, anemia, elevated uric acid. Serious (seek immediate help): Angioedema (swelling of face/lips/throat), severe hypotension, acute kidney injury, or allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 14 or 28 tablets per pack; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated with ACE inhibitors (risk of angioedema; 36-hour washout required), history of angioedema, concomitant aliskiren (in diabetes/renal impairment), or pregnancy (fetal toxicity—discontinue immediately if detected).
• Caution in severe renal/hepatic impairment (start lower dose), dehydration, hypotension history, or hyperkalemia risk.
• Monitor potassium, renal function, and blood pressure closely (especially first weeks).
• Avoid in breastfeeding (limited data).
• If angioedema, severe dizziness, or fainting occurs, stop and seek emergency care.
• Not for acute decompensated heart failure.

Product Substitutes: Similar sacubitril/valsartan 100mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic sacubitril/valsartan 100mg (various importers).
• Entresto (original Novartis brand, same molecule; higher price).
• Alternatives: ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), ARBs (e.g., valsartan), beta-blockers, or other HF therapies (consult cardiologist for switch). Widely available at pharmacies like Country Medical Pharmacy, Vafy Pharmacy in Accra.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Novartis Farma S.p.A. (Italy; manufacturing site) or Novartis affiliates. Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Novartis Nigeria Limited (regional) or local importers/pharmacies (e.g., Country Medical Pharmacy, Scab Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

Italy (manufactured by Novartis Farma S.p.A.; imported to Ghana as per NAFDAC-equivalent registrations and pharmacy listings). Some generics may be from India.