Patient Information l Common Questions l Important Safety Information
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Coping Tips

Besides taking your medicine, there are things you can do to feel better and stay positive.

Talking with others

People with PAH may face many different feelings, from guilt about burdening their families to frustration about not being able to do the things they want to do. Just trying to talk about PAH with loved ones can be hard. Friends may be confused or scared by the news.

Talk about your feelings with loved ones or friends. Some people with PAH talk to a counselor or therapist, either alone or with loved ones. Another option is to join a PAH support group where you can share your feelings with others.

Relax and manage stress

Stress can make PAH symptoms worse. When you are under stress, the heart beats faster, breathing gets quick, and pain may get worse. It may be hard to focus or remember things. Studies have shown that even small amounts of stress for a short time can make PAH symptoms worse. Managing stress is good for your heart, mind, and overall well-being.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Meditation, yoga, prayer, or relaxation exercises are all recommended for stress relief
  • Do things you enjoy, like reading a good book or calling a close friend
  • Find hobbies, like painting, knitting, drawing, or writing. They can take your mind off stressful thoughts and help you focus on something fun and relaxing
Next: Talking to Friends and Family

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.