Patient Information l Common Questions l Important Safety Information
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Caregivers, Friends, and Family

Caregivers, friends, and family members can make a difference in the lives of people with PAH.

Here are some things you can do to help a loved one with PAH.

  • Learn what you can about PAH by using this site and the resources mentioned on this site
  • If you are a friend or family member, you’ll be able to understand and talk about your loved one’s condition
  • If you are a caregiver, then learning more about PAH will help you understand some of the things you can do to help your loved one cope with the disease. Get to know some of the challenges that your loved one faces, and work together to make the necessary adjustments to his or her daily routine as well as work and social life
  • Talk often with your loved one about symptoms, improvements, problems, and side effects of their treatment
  • Go with your loved one to doctor’s appointments
  • Talk to your loved one’s doctor about his or her care, symptoms, treatment, and overall well-being
  • Be a source of support. Support from family and friends can help people with PAH cope better with the disease and stay positive
  • Attend support groups for people with PAH and their families
  • Remind your loved one when and how to take his or her medicine

Caregiver support resources

These Web sites are neither owned nor controlled by Pfizer. Pfizer is not responsible for the content or services on these sites.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)

PHA promotes awareness among the PAH community, and provides hope, support, and education. The organization sponsors research and helps patients learn about new treatments and ways to cope with PAH. Membership is free. A donation of $15 is suggested.

850 Sligo Avenue, Suite 800
Silver Spring, MD 20910
800-748-7274 (Support and Membership)
301-565-3004 (Administration)
pha@phassociation.org
http://www.phassociation.org

Pulmonary Hypertension: The Complete Resource

This site provides PAH information for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. The site also offers chat rooms, patient diaries, news and events, an online store, and links to other resources.
http://www.phcentral.org/

The Doctor Discussion Guide is a list of questions that you and your loved one can use to talk to the doctor. Read it now.

Important Safety Information

REVATIO is prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group I) to improve exercise ability. REVATIO has not been studied in patients taking bosentan.

If you take any medicines that contain nitrates (like nitroglycerin for chest pain) — daily or just once in a while — you should NOT take REVATIO.

REVATIO is not recommended for patients taking ritonavir or antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. If you are taking REVATIO with bosentan or medicines like barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin, efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampin or rifabutin, your doctor may adjust your dose. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking alpha-blockers for prostate or blood pressure problems.

If you have ever had blockage of veins in your lungs, which is called pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, REVATIO is not recommended for you. If you feel dizzy, have chest pain, or discomfort while taking REVATIO, tell a doctor right away. Also, discuss your general health with your doctor, including if you ever had problems with low blood pressure or blood circulation.

Patients who did not take part in the clinical trial were those who have had: a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening irregular heartbeat within the last 6 months; chest pain; blood pressure greater than 170/110; eye discoloration; or patients on bosentan.

The safety of REVATIO is not known in patients with bleeding problems and those with stomach ulcers. If you have a condition like these, tell your doctor.

Taking vitamin K antagonists (like coumadin or warfarin) with REVATIO may increase risk of nosebleeds. Tell your doctor if you take such medicines.

In rare cases, men who took PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction had a sudden decrease or loss of sight in one or both eyes. It is not possible to know if these cases are related directly to these medicines or something else. If you take a PDE5 inhibitor, including REVATIO, and have a sudden decrease or loss of vision, call your doctor right away.

Although rare, erections that last for more than four hours may occur with all drugs in this class. Call a doctor right away if this happens to you. Erections that last more than six hours may lead to long-term loss of potency.

The most common side effects of REVATIO are nosebleeds, headache, upset stomach, flushing, and trouble sleeping.

At doses more than the approved 20 milligrams 3 times a day, some side effects increased. These included flushing, loose stools, muscle pain, and visual disturbances.

Please See Full Prescribing Information for REVATIO

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The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

This product information is intended only for residents of the United States.