Drug
Bosentan
Pronounced
"boe-SEN-tan"
Uses
Bosentan 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, which helps lower blood pressure in the lungs, slow the worsening of symptoms from the disease, and improve your ability to exercise.
Warning
Bosentan may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver damage. Rarely, liver problems have happened in people after stopping treatment with bosentan. Your doctor will perform liver function tests before you start treatment and once a month during treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you notice nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, or dark urine.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication and for 1 month after treatment. Female patients must use reliable birth control during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose. Ask your doctor which forms of birth control to use while taking this medication. Female patients must take a pregnancy test before starting treatment, monthly during treatment, and 1 month after the last dose. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
To receive bosentan in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using bosentan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening). If half tablets are needed for your dose, break the tablets along the score line. Do not break the tablets into quarters. Put the tablet(s) in a small amount of water to dissolve. Once dissolved, drink all the mixture right away. Unused half tablets may be stored back in the opened blister for up to 7 days.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, 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 this 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 does not get better or if it gets worse.