Verquvo

The active ingredient in Verquvo is vericiguat. This medication belongs to a class known as soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (sGC). It is an enzyme in the body that is involved in nitric oxide pathways that relay messages to the heart. Nitric oxide is a chemical that promotes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. Increasing its levels will allow blood to flow more easily, so your heart does not have to work as hard. This helps to relieve symptoms in those with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (hFrEF).

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Verquvo. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Verquvo:

• Verquvo should be used exactly as prescribed.
• It is typically taken daily with food. Depending on your response, your healthcare provider may adjust until your target dose is achieved.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, you can crush the tablets and mix the powder in water for easier administration.
• If you are a female of childbearing potential, you must use an effective form of contraception throughout treatment and for 1 month after stopping due to the risk for embryo-fetal toxicities.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on that day. If it is the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses on the same day to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Verquvo seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Hypotension or low blood pressure.
• Anemia (low red blood cell count).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Verquvo. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Verquvo. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Verquvo, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you:

• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
• Are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant

Boxed Warning

• Due to the risk of fetal harm, do not use Verquvo during pregnancy.
• Females of reproductive potential should perform a pregnancy test before using and use an effective form of contraception throughout treatment and for one month after stopping treatment.

Do not use Verquvo in the following situations:

• Concomitant use of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators
• Are pregnant

Verquvo starts to work right after the first dose. However, it may take a couple of weeks of regular use to see the effects of vericiguat.

When Verquvo is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil
• Any soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators

Verquvo tablets are available as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets.

Verquvo should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Verquvo is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co.

Currently, there is no generic available for Verquvo.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Verquvo.

Veruqvo should not be used during pregnancy. Due to the risks of birth defects, women of childbearing age must use birth control while taking this medication and for 1 month after the last dose. Talk to your provider about effective forms of birth control that you can use to prevent pregnancy while taking Verquvo.

It is unknown if Verquo passes into human milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Verquvo. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.