Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

This medication is used in the treatment of heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is weak and unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Vericiguat allows your blood vessels to relax and widen. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and oxygen around your body.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional
• You should take this medication with or after food
• The tablets may be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with water immediately before administration

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it on the same day, as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • This medication may cause serious harm to an unborn child. You are advised to practice strict birth control when taking the medication and at least 1 month after stopping the medication

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
• Nausea, vomiting, indigestion and heartburn

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other rare but serious side effects include:

• Low haemoglobin levels (a form of anaemia): Symptoms include tiredness, weakness or having shortness of breath.

These side-effects are often treatable once detected early. Your physician may order more frequent blood tests to monitor for such effects.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Do not take Sildenafil (Viagra®), Tadalafil (Cialis®), Vardenafil (Levitra®) if you are taking this medication. When Sildenafil, Tadalafil or Vardenafil is taken with Vericiguat, your blood pressure can be lowered greatly, resulting in dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on May 2023