Uses
Selexipag is used in adults to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, high blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood to the lungs) to slow down the worsening of symptoms and reduce the chance of being hospitalized for PAH. Selexipag is in a class of medications called selective nonprostanoid IP prostacyclin receptor agonists. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily.
Side Effects Of Selexipag
Selexipag may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- pain in jaw, joints, muscles, arms, or legs
- decreased appetite
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- flushing
- rash
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- shortness of breath
- rapid breathing
- dizziness
- weakness
Selexipag may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking selexipag:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to selexipag, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in selexipag tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention gemfibrozil (Lopid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with selexipag, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD; blockage of veins in the lungs), or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking selexipag, call your doctor.
Dosage Of Selexipag
Selexipag comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice a day. Take selexipag at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take selexipag exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of selexipag and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every week.
Selexipag controls the symptoms of PAH but does not cure it. Continue to take selexipag even if you feel well. Do not stop taking selexipag without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Selexipag is not available at retail pharmacies. Your medication will be mailed to you from a central pharmacy. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about how you will receive your medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
