Drug Facts

Type of Drug:

Endothelin receptor antagonist; pulmonary artery vasodilator.

How the Bosentan Works:

Endothelin-1 is a hormone that attaches to the blood vessels in the lung and causes them to constrict (narrow). This constriction causes blood pressure in the lungs to increase (pulmonary artery hypertension). Bosentan interferes with the attachment of endothelin-1 and results in a lowering of the elevated blood pressure in the lungs.

Uses of the Bosentan:

For the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with WHO Class III or IV symptoms, to improve exercise ability and decrease the rate of clinical worsening.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Effective contraception must be used in women of child-bearing potential.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if bosentan appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Lab Tests Lab tests will be required during treatment. Tests include liver enzymes, urine or serum pregnancy tests, or hemoglobin level tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

• Cyclosporine A (eg, Neoral)
• Glyburide (eg, Micronase)
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, lovastatin)
• Hormonal contraceptives (eg, Ortho-Novum)
• Ketoconazole (eg, Nizoral)
• Warfarin (eg,)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: nasal and throat inflammation; flushing; abnormal liver function; swelling; low blood pressure; itching; headache; fatigue; indigestion; anemia; pounding in the chest (palpitations).

Guidelines for Use:

• Read the medication guide provided before starting therapy.
• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.
• May be taken with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Stop taking and notify your doctor immediately if you experience fever, persistent stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual lethargy or fatigue.
• Contraceptive measures (birth control) are recommended during treatment to prevent pregnancy. Taking this medicine while pregnant can result in severe birth defects. Contact your doctor immediately if pregnancy is suspected.
• Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F).

Tagged under:blood pressure, breastfeeding, Cardiovasculars, pulmonary arterial hypertension pulmonary artery hypertension