Oral Medication: bosentan – Tracleer
WARNING: To receive bosentan, you must be enrolled in the Tracleer Access Program due to its serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of this medication. Bosentan may rarely cause serious liver damage. Your doctor will perform liver function tests before and during treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience dark urine, loss of appetite, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, or yellowing eyes/skin. Bosentan should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and monthly during treatment. Use two reliable forms of birth control while taking bosentan and for one month after stopping treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy. (See Precautions section.)
USES: Bosentan treats high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). It works by blocking the effects of endothelin-1, a natural substance that increases blood pressure in the lungs. This medication improves symptoms and exercise ability.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide before starting bosentan. Take this medication orally, with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your doctor will typically start you on a lower dose and then increase it after several weeks. Take this medication regularly at the same times each day. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, as your condition may worsen. Pregnant women must avoid handling the tablets or breathing in the dust. Do not crush the tablets as it increases dust exposure. Notify your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, flushing, upset stomach, or tiredness may occur. Notify your doctor promptly if these side effects persist or worsen. Serious side effects, although rare, include fast/pounding heartbeat, extreme tiredness, swelling of the ankles/feet, sudden/unexplained weight gain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fainting, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or a serious allergic reaction. This is not a complete list of side effects. Notify your doctor or pharmacist of any other effects.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking bosentan, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you have. Discuss any other medical history, especially liver disease or anemia. This medication may cause dizziness, so avoid activities that require alertness. Alcohol should be avoided, as it increases the effects of dizziness and liver problems. Do not use this medication during pregnancy. It may harm the unborn baby. Prevent pregnancy while using this medication by using at least two reliable forms of birth control. Do not breast-feed while on this medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Bosentan may interact with other drugs, changing how they work or increasing your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
QUESTION
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include severe headache, severe dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed before and during treatment. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep medications away from children and pets. Properly discard when expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised November 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
