Generic
Vericiguat
18 brands available in the market
At a glance
Vericiguat is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization following a hospitalization for heart failure or need for outpatient IV diuretics, in adults with symptomatic chronic HF and ejection fraction less than 45%.
Description
Vericiguat is a stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), an important enzyme in the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway. When NO binds to sGC, the enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
Indications
- Symptomatic chronic heart failure (ejection fraction <45%)
Therapeutic class
Stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase
Pharmacological class
sGC stimulator
Pharmacology
Vericiguat is a stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). When NO binds to sGC, the enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of intracellular cGMP, a second messenger that plays a role in the regulation of vascular tone, cardiac contractility, and cardiac remodeling. Heart failure is associated with impaired synthesis of NO and decreased activity of sGC.
Mechanism of action
Stimulates sGC, increasing cGMP, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg once daily with food
- Double the dose approximately every 2 weeks to reach target maintenance dose of 10 mg once daily, as tolerated
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablets whole; if unable to swallow, may be crushed and mixed with water immediately before administration
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Low blood pressure
- Low red blood cells (Anemia)
Precautions & warnings
- May cause fetal harm; exclude pregnancy and use effective contraception
- Concomitant use with PDE-5 inhibitors not recommended (potential for hypotension)
- Contraindicated with other sGC stimulators
Contraindications
- Concomitant use of other soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators
Drug interactions
- Other sGC stimulators: contraindicated
- PDE-5 inhibitors: not recommended (potential for hypotension)
Food interactions
Take with food; absolute bioavailability is 93% when taken with food.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Contraindicated; may cause fetal harm; exclude pregnancy and use effective contraception.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Unknown if present in human milk; do not breastfeed during treatment.
Pediatric use
Safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients
Geriatric use
No dosage adjustment required in geriatric patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: eGFR ≥15 mL/min/1.73m²: no dosage adjustment; eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m²: not studied
Hepatic Impairment: Mild or moderate: no dosage adjustment recommended
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Hypotension.
Treatment: Symptomatic treatment; unlikely to be removed by hemodialysis (high protein binding).
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.