Riociguat (By mouth)
rye-oh-SIG-ue-at
Treats pulmonary hypertension.
Drug classes
Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Riociguat is used to treat adults with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) that can be treated after surgery, or that cannot be treated with surgery.
Riociguat is also used to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), 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 and through a special restricted distribution program called the Adempas® REMS program.
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.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you missed your dose for 3 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.
Do not use this medicine together with dipyridamole, theophylline, nitroglycerin or another nitrate medicine, amyl nitrite or a similar medication, or a medicine for impotence.
Some foods and medicines can affect how riociguat works. Tell your doctor if you are using St John’s wort, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, medicine to treat high blood pressure, medicine to treat fungal infection, or medicine to treat HIV/AIDS.
If you are using an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, take it 1 hour after you take riociguat.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to riociguat, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to take this medicine. You will also be required to have a pregnancy test every month during your treatment and 1 month after you stop therapy. Use 2 forms of effective birth control while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, blood vessel problems, heart or blood circulation problems, low blood pressure, or lung problems. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Low blood pressure Increased risk of bleeding (may be life-threatening)This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
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
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Chest pain, trouble breathing, increased sweating, or coughing that may produce a pink frothy sputum
Coughing or spitting up blood
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Stomach pain or upset
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
Adempas
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
