Ambrisentan is used to treat high blood pressure in the
lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). This condition is thought to be
caused by increased levels of a certain natural substance (endothelin-1).
This medication blocks the effects of endothelin-1, thereby helping to
decrease the blood pressure in the lungs, slow the worsening of symptoms,
and improve your ability to exercise.
This drug is controlled through a special program. A
program worker will call you each month to make sure that you have gotten a
pregnancy test if you are a woman who may become pregnant. See also Warning
and Precautions sections.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using ambrisentan and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush, chew, or break
the tablets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting
your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly
stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Stuffy nose, runny nose, or flushing may occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fast heartbeat
- extreme tiredness
- swelling ankles/feet
- sudden/unexplained weight gain
Other medications that are like ambrisentan may rarely
cause very serious liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you
develop symptoms of liver disease, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- dark urine
- yellowing eyes/skin
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking ambrisentan, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other endothelin receptor
blockers (such as bosentan); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- certain lung conditions (pulmonary fibrosis)
- anemia
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for swelling
ankles/feet while using this drug.
This medication can affect fertility in males. Ask your
doctor for more details.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It
may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control
(such as condoms, birth control pills) during treatment and for 1 month
after the last dose. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant,
tell your doctor right away. See also Warning section.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function,
hemoglobin level) will be done while you are taking this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.