What is Ambrisentan?
Ambrisentan lowers blood pressure in your lungs, helping your heart pump blood more efficiently.Ambrisentan is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. It improves your ability to exercise and prevents your condition from getting worse. Ambrisentan is sometimes used with a medicine called tadalafil (Adcirca).For women, ambrisentan is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. You must be registered in the program and sign agreements to use birth control and undergo pregnancy and blood testing.Ambrisentan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Side effects of Ambrisentan
Seek medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as symptoms of hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Ambrisentan may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Extreme breathlessness, wheezing, coughing with foamy mucus, and chest pains
- Swelling, tiredness, and rapid weight gain;
- Low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin and fatigue, unusually tired, feeling faint or lightheaded, cold hands and feet,
- Problems with the liver: loss of appetite nausea, stomach discomfort (upper right side) nausea, vomiting, fever, the sensation of itching, and a dark-coloured urine jaundice (jaundice that is coloured by clay) (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common adverse effects of ambrisentan could include:
- Swelling in your legs, hands, or ankles;
- Stuffy nose, sinus pain,
- Flashes of hotness and redness on your face.
This is not an exhaustive overview of every side effect. Others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not take this medication in the event that you are pregnant or believe that you are expecting. You will need to conduct a pregnancy test prior to, during, and following treatments with ambrisentan. Take advantage of an extremely effective birth control method using ambrisentan for a minimum of 30 days following the last dose.Ambrisentan should not be used in the case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Prior to use this drug
Ambrisentan should not be used in the event that you are allergic to it or you suffer from an idiopathic pulmonary IPF.Do not take ambrisentan when you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. This medicine can cause serious birth defects. Inform your doctor immediately in the event that you don't have your menstrual cycle or believe you might have been pregnant.You must have an ultrasound test that is negative prior to beginning this treatment. The test will be repeated each month throughout your treatment and also 1 month after the last dosage.
Even if you're not planning to become pregnant, you are considered capable of becoming pregnant if:
- You've entered the puberty stage (even if you haven't yet started to experience menstrual flow);
- You've never been through a hysterectomy, had your ovaries removed,
- You've never experienced menopausal changes (you have never been for more than 12 months without a menstrual cycle).
If you take ambrisentan until at least 30 days following the last dose, you must take a highly efficient method of birth control or two methods in conjunction.
The most recommended birth control forms include:
- A tubal ligation or an IUD made of copper (intrauterine device) or progesterone implant;
- One hormone type (birth control pill patch for skin, implant vaginal band, or injection) plus one barrier form (condom diaphragm containing an spermicide solution, or a cervical cap containing an injection of spermicide);
- A condom and female barrier are formed together (diaphragm with spermicide or cervical cap containing the spermicide)
- A partner's vasectomy and one hormone form or barrier form
Ambrisentan includes patient instructions on appropriate birth control options to use when taking this medication. Follow these instructions carefully. Consult your physician regarding the possibility of emergency contraception in the event that you are experiencing unprotected sexual relations or think your contraceptive has failed.
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Liver disease
- Anaemia (low number of red blood ells)
It is not recommended to breastfeed when you are taking ambrisentan.Ambrisentan can decrease the number of male sperm and may impact fertility (your capacity to have children).
How to take Ambrisentan?
Follow all the instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.Use the medicine every day, whether with or without eating.Take the tablet in one swallow, and don't chew, crush, or break it.You'll require regular medical tests.Keep ambrisentan in the original containers at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Pulmonary Hypertension:
Initial dosage: 5 mg orally every day, once.
Comments:
Consider increasing the dosage to 10 mg once per day in the event that 5 mg is not acceptable.
When used in conjunction with tadalafil, the dose of each drug may be increased as necessary, and it is tolerated for 4 weeks at intervals of 4 weeks.
Uses:
for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group 1) to enhance exercise performance and slow the progression of clinical symptoms.
Treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group 1), when used in conjunction with tadalafil, lowers the risk of advancement and hospitalisation, treats the deterioration of hypertension in the pulmonary artery, and increases exercise capacity.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Tell your doctor about any other medication you use especially:
This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications can affect ambrisentan, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are listed here.
