Macitentan
Information about Macitentan
Macitentan uses
Macitentan is used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
How macitentan works
Macitentan is an endothelin receptor blocker. It blocks the action of endothelin (a natural substance) that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). This narrowing increases the pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. Macitentan helps relax these blood vessels and increases the supply of blood to the lungs.
Common side effects of macitentan
Headache, Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Urinary tract infection, Influenza, Cardiac conduction abnormalities, Fluid retention, Costochondritis, Breast enlargement in male, Neuralgia, Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), Hypersensitivity, Liver toxicity
Available Medicine for Macitentan
Expert advice for Macitentan
- Your doctor has prescribed Macitentan to treat high pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs (the pulmonary arteries).
- It helps improve your quality of life, exercising ability, and delay disease progression.
- Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Your doctor may ask you to get routine blood tests done to check for anemia and to assess the functioning of your liver.
- Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Macitentan affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you notice weight gain, swelling of your arms and legs, or difficulty breathing.
- Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of skin/eye, dark urine, or stomach pain.
Frequently asked questions for Macitentan
Macitentan
Q. What is the recommendation for birth control while on Macitentan?
Females who are able to get pregnant should use 2 acceptable methods of birth control during treatment with Macitentan and 1 month of stopping it. This is because it takes some time to get the medicine flushed out of the body. If you have tubal sterilization, a progesterone implant, or have an IUD (intrauterine device), these methods can be used alone. Consult your doctor if you are not sure about the birth control method.
Q. How should Macitentan be taken?
The prescribed dose of Macitentan is advised to be taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. It should be swallowed whole with water and not be crushed or chewed. For best results, it should be taken at the same time each day.
Q. Does Macitentan affect fertility?
There is some evidence that it may decrease fertility in men. It could also be a reason for decreased sperm count. Hence, before taking Macitentan, discuss with your doctor about the risks of taking Macitentan.