Pharmacist Medication Insights: Vericiguat for Heart Failure

Vericiguat (Verquvo, Merck) was approved by the FDA approved on January 20, 2021, as the newest addition for treating heart failure. The drug is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, HF hospitalizations, or the need for outpatient intravenous diuretics.

It is recommended in adults with symptomatic chronic HF and ejection fraction less than 45%. Verquvo is a stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase, an important enzyme in the nitric oxide signaling pathway. This drug can augment the level of intracellular cGMP, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.

Verquvo comes in 3 dosages: 2.5, 5, and 10 mg and is recommended to be taken by mouth with food. The dose should be titrated every 2 weeks to reach the target dose of 10 mg once daily, as tolerated by the patient. Adverse effects may include anemia and low blood pressure.