Verquvo (vericiguat) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Verquvo comes as a tablet that’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on certain factors.

Verquvo is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization related to heart failure in certain situations. These include:

  • being recently hospitalized for heart failure
  • receiving treatment with intravenous (IV) diuretic medication outside of a hospital setting
  • experiencing symptoms of HFrEF

Verquvo belongs to a class of drugs called soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. It’s not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Verquvo, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Verquvo, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Verquvo provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Verquvo, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

The typical recommended dosages for Verquvo are described below.

Verquvo form

Verquvo comes as an oral tablet.

Verquvo strengths

Verquvo comes in three strengths:

  • 2.5 milligrams (mg)
  • 5 mg
  • 10 mg

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then, they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for heart failure

Doctors may prescribe Verquvo to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death related to heart failure.

If your doctor prescribes Verquvo for your condition, your starting dose will likely be 2.5 mg. Typically, you’ll take this once per day. About every 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend doubling your dosage until you reach a target maintenance dose of 10 mg.

If your doctor doubles your dose every 2 weeks, it will likely take 2 months to reach the target maintenance dose. This is the typical recommended dosage of Verquvo for people with heart failure.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Verquvo is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Verquvo is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Verquvo, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Verquvo comes as an oral tablet that you’ll typically swallow whole. However, if you have difficulty swallowing tablets, you may crush Verquvo and mix it with water just before you take your dose. Verquvo should be taken with food.

It may be helpful to take Verquvo around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Verquvo can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Verquvo in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Verquvo, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not take more Verquvo than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

The main symptom of a Verquvo overdose is low blood pressure. Symptoms of low blood pressure include:

  • dizziness
  • blurry vision
  • confusion

If you take more than the recommended amount of Verquvo

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Verquvo. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Verquvo for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Verquvo without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Verquvo that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Verquvo. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.