Vericiguat is used in certain adults with chronic heart failure, to lower the risk of death or needing to be in the hospital.

Vericiguat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use vericiguat if you are also using riociguat.

Vericiguat can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while taking vericiguat and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Do not have unprotected sex.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food.

If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, you may crush the tablet and mix it with water. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Heart Failure:

Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: The dose should be doubled about every 2 weeks to reach the target dose of 10 mg orally once a day, as tolerated by the patient.

Use: To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization after a hospitalization for HF or need for outpatient IV diuretics, in patients with symptomatic chronic HF and ejection fraction less than 45%

You should not use vericiguat if you are also using a similar medicine called riociguat.

Do not use vericiguat if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you miss a menstrual period or think you may have become pregnant during treatment.

You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

You should not breastfeed while using vericiguat.

Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Take your next dose at the regular time and stay on your once-daily schedule. Do not use 2 doses in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Vericiguat may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of vericiguat may include:

• anemia; or

• low blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• erectile dysfunction medicine such as sildenafil, tadalafil, Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, Stendra, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect vericiguat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to vericiguat.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.