Macitentan: Introduction, Prescription, Intake, Side Effects, Doses, Precautions, Interactions

What is Macitentan?

Macitentan drug functions by lowering blood pressure in the lungs, thus enabling the heart to pump blood more efficiently. It is recommended to cure pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The drug further enhances the capacity of a person to engage in exercise and avoid aggravation of the ailment. This medication can only be availed under a special course to women from an authentic pharmacy. You need to register and comprehend the pros and cons of taking this drug. The medicine can also be used for purposes not mentioned in this precise medication directory.

What are the common conditions in which Macitentan prescribed?

This medicine is advised to patients for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It helps in lowering the blood pressure in lungs, which thereby amps efficiency of heart in pumping the blood.

How should I take Macitentan?

Strictly follow the instructions on the prescription label and take it in the recommended amounts and for advised duration only. The medication can be used along with or without food. Do not crush, chew or crack the tablet, rather swallow it whole. You may have to undertake regular blood tests when using this drug. Store at room temperature in a cool and dry spot.

Macitentan dosing details

Typical Adult Dosage for Pulmonary Hypertension: 10 mg orally once every day

Uses: For treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I) to deter disease development

When should you not take Macitentan?

Avoid the medicine if you are pregnant, or you expect that you may become pregnant really soon.

Employ extremely operative birth control methods to preclude pregnancy when you are on this medicine and continue for at least a month after your last dose. Taking a pregnancy check test before, during and after the treatment course while you are using this drug.

Do not take the medication if you are hypersensitive to it.

Apprize the doctor if you have ever faced the following:

• Liver condition
• Heart ailment; or
• anaemia (low red blood cell count)

This drug is reported to harm the foetus and may also trigger congenital defects. Avoid this med if you are pregnant or have doubts that you might be pregnant soon.

In case you notice a missed period during the course, inform your doctor.

You need to get a negative pregnancy test prior to starting this treatment. You will also be re-examined on a monthly basis and 30 days after the last dose.

Even though you are not intending a pregnancy, still you are deemed to get pregnant, if you match to any of the following criteria:

• you have reached puberty (even though you have not yet experienced periods);
• you have never had a hysterectomy or had your ovaries amputated; or
• you have not confronted menopause (i.e., you never had your periods for at least a year).

When taking this drug, prefer to utilize really effectual birth control methods, or you may even go for two such methods (to be on the safer side).

• A tubal ligation solely is a pretty reliable birth control technique.
• An intrauterine device (IUD) or birth control implant solely are also deemed to be quite effectual birth control methods.
• If you use contraceptive pills, injections, skin patches, or vaginal rings, you should employ a stand-by barrier form of birth control, like condoms or cervical caps or diaphragms. Constantly use a spermicide gel or introduce it along with a barrier type of birth control method.
• In case your sexual partner has had a vasectomy, you still need to use an alternate way birth control: either a barrier method or a hormonal type (contraceptive pills, injections, skin patch, or vaginal ring).

Carefully read and follow the directions mentioned on the prescription label about the pertinent birth control forms to use while taking this drug. In case you do not get any instruction, ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

In case you happen to be parent or caregiver of a girl child taking this drug, do notice the signs of puberty (breast development or pubic hair), and if you see any, communicate to the doctor even if your menses haven’t started yet.

Avoid unsafe intercourse when using this drug, and at least until a month after your last dose of macitentan.

This medicine can cutback the sperm count, which may further disturb fertility in men (your potential to have children).

Avoid suckling your baby while using this drug.

What are the possible side effects?

If you experience symptoms of allergic response to the medication such as hives, shallow breath, inflammation in your face or throat, seek immediate medical attention.

Quit the medicine usage and tell your doctor immediately if you experience:

• pain or burning during urination.
• inflammation, rapid weight gain.
• liver issues: nausea, upper stomach ache, itching, fatigue, appetite loss, clay-coloured stools, jaundice, or dark urine.
• Additional lung issues: anxiety, sweating, yellowness in skin, extreme shortness of breath, felling puffed, gasping to breathe, cough with frothy mucus, chest pain (angina), fast or random heart rate.

Usual side effects may comprise:

• Blocked nose, sinus pain, strep throat
• A bladder infection
• Headache
• Flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches).

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What to do if I miss the dose?

You administer the medicine daily and miss a dosage, then have it as soon as you remember.

However, if it is almost the time of your next dose, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses at a time to compensate for the missed dosage.

Common Drug Interaction with Macitentan

Other medications may interact with this medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This is not the complete list of drug interactions.

Inform your doctor about the medicine you currently use, and started or stopped using recently.

Bottom line

Macitentan is a drug primarily recommend treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It works by lowering the blood pressure in the lungs, which further facilitates pumping of blood by the heart.

Being a strict prescriptive medicine, it should not be taken without doctor’s consultation. Strictly follow all the instructions while using this drug else serious consequences may ensue.