Verquvo (Vericiguat) - Oral
What Is Verquvo? Verquvo (vericiguat) is an oral prescription medication used to reduce the risk of dying and the need for hospitalization in certain people with heart failure. Verquvo belongs to a group of drugs called soluble guanylate cyclase
- Posted on 10th May, 2022 15:55 PM
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What Is Verquvo?
Verquvo (vericiguat) is an oral prescription medication used to reduce the risk of dying and the need for hospitalization in certain people with heart failure. Verquvo belongs to a group of drugs called soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. It works by relaxing smooth muscle and widening blood vessels (vasodilation), allowing the heart to pump blood and oxygen more easily throughout the body.
Drug Facts
Generic Name: Vericiguat
Brand Name(s): Verquvo
Administration Route(s): Oral
Drug Availability: Prescription
Therapeutic Classification: Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator
Available Generically: No
Controlled Substance: N/A
Active Ingredient: Vericiguat
Dosage Form(s): Tablet
What Is Verquvo Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Verquvo to reduce the risk of dying or the need for hospitalization in certain people with heart failure. Verquvo may be appropriate for you if:
- You have chronic (long-standing) heart failure and are experiencing symptoms
- You have an ejection fraction (the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat) less than 45%
- You have been hospitalized for heart failure or have received IV (intravenous) medicines to help control your symptoms
How to Take Verquvo
Verquvo comes as an oral tablet that is taken once daily with food. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose slowly every couple of weeks to find the best dose for you.
The FDA has issued a boxed warning (the agency’s strongest warning) for Verquvo due to its potential to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. For this reason, people who can become pregnant must use an effective form of birth control while taking Verquvo and for one month after stopping treatment. Your healthcare provider will require you to take a pregnancy test before starting Verquvo to ensure you are not pregnant.
Storage
Store Verquvo at room temperature. Be sure to keep Verquvo—and all your medicines—in a safe location, up high and out of the reach of children and pets.
What Are the Side Effects of Verquvo?
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Common Side Effects
Verquvo is generally well-tolerated, but side effects can occur. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Common side effects include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
Severe Side Effects
Rarely, Verquvo may cause serious side effects. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience any of the following symptoms. It could mean that your red blood cell levels are very low.
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
Report Side Effects
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dosage: How Much Verquvo Should I Take?
Drug Content Provided and Reviewed byIBM Micromedex®
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For chronic heart failure:
- Adults—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For chronic heart failure:
Modifications
If you have trouble swallowing pills, you may crush Verquvo tablets and mix them with water. Be sure to swallow the mixture immediately—do not save it for later.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Verquvo, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s the same day. If you don’t remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up or take extra Verquvo.
Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Verquvo?
Taking too much Verquvo may cause your blood pressure to drop, making you feel dizzy and lightheaded. It’s important only to take your prescribed dose of Verquvo. Ask your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist if you are unsure how much to take.
What Happens If I Overdose on Verquvo?
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Verquvo, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Verquvo, call 911 immediately.
Precautions
Drug Content Provided and Reviewed byIBM Micromedex®
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.
Do not use this medicine together with another soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator. Do not use this medicine together with medicine to treat erectile dysfunction (eg, sildenafil). Using these medicines together may cause hypotension (low blood pressure).
What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Verquvo?
Certain conditions increase your risk of developing complications from Verquvo. Don’t take Verquvo if you:
- Take other sGC stimulators, such as Adempas (riociguat)
- Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Let your healthcare provider know about all your medical conditions to decide if Verquvo is a safe treatment option for you.
What Other Medications Interact With Verquvo?
Certain medications may interact with Verquvo and affect how it works. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know about all the medicines you take—including over-the-counter, nonprescription products.
You should not take other sGC stimulators (e.g., riociguat) with Verquvo, as doing so can increase your risk of side effects.
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors can increase your risk of low blood pressure when taken with Verquvo. PDE-5 inhibitors—commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension—include:
- Stendra (avanafil)
- Revatio, Viagra (sildenafil)
- Cialis, Adcirca (tadalafil)
- Levitra, Staxyn (vardenafil)
This is not a complete list of all the drugs that may interact with Verquvo. Always keep an up-to-date list of all the medicines you take and let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know if there are changes.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Verquvo?
If you’re struggling to get your heart failure under control, your healthcare provider may add Verquvo to your treatment plan. Verquvo needs food to help get absorbed into your body, so be sure to take your dose with a meal.
Because Verquvo can cause fetal harm, you must ensure you’re not pregnant before starting treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about your birth control options. You must use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for one month after you stop taking Verquvo.
Medical Disclaimer
Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.
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