Selexipag (By mouth)
se-LEX-i-pag
Treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Drug classes
Peripheral Vasodilator, Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Selexipag is used to treat symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the small blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Selexipag works by relaxing these blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood to the lungs, which reduces the workload of the heart.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If your next regular dose is less than 6 hours away, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. If you miss a dose for 3 or more days, call your doctor right away.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how selexipag works. Tell your doctor if you are also using gemfibrozil.
When Not To Use
Most people can take this medicine without serious problems. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or other lung or breathing problems.
This medicine may cause pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), especially in patients with pulmonary venoocclusive disease.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blue lips and fingernails, cough, chest pain, swelling in the legs or ankles
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Muscle pain
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Uptravi
There may be other brand names for this medicine.