Drug
Macitentan
Pronounced
"MA-si-TEN-tan"
Uses
Macitentan 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 decrease the blood pressure in the lungs, and reduces the risk of worsening of symptoms and hospital stays due to the disease.
Warning
Macitentan 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 before starting treatment, 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. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking macitentan 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 once daily.
Do not swallow the tablet(s) whole. This medication must be mixed with a room temperature liquid (water, orange juice, apple juice, skim milk) before taking. You may use a spoon or a cup to mix the medication. If you are using a spoon, add some liquid to the spoon and place the tablet(s) in the liquid. Stir gently until the tablet(s) dissolves completely. You may drink the mixture right away or you may add it to a small amount of apple sauce or yogurt and eat the mixture right away. Add more liquid, apple sauce, or yogurt to the spoon and take all of the mixture to make sure you are getting all the medication. Do not prepare a supply ahead of time.
If you are using a cup, place the tablet(s) in the cup with some room temperature water and stir gently until the tablet(s) dissolves completely. Drink all of the mixture right away. Add more water to the cup and drink all of the mixture to make sure you are getting all the medication. Do not prepare a supply ahead of time.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
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.