Patient Information l Common Questions l Important Safety Information
Revatio(TM) sildenafil citrate
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Getting Diagnosed

Diagnosing PAH can be hard since symptoms are like those of other heart and lung conditions.

What the doctor will do

The first thing the doctor will do is ask you about any symptoms you may have. Then you will be given a physical exam.

During the exam the doctor will:

  • Listen to your heart
  • Check for other signs, such as swollen legs or ankles

The doctor may also order tests to confirm that you have PAH.

In order for the doctor to be sure you have PAH, the following test may be taken:

  • Right Heart Catheterization – Measures blood pressure in your heart and arteries. A thin tube is inserted into an arm, leg, or neck vein and then threaded into the heart

The doctor may also order the following tests to help make a diagnosis of PAH:

  • Echocardiogram – Looks at your heart by making pictures of it with sound waves. This test checks for heart function, size, and blood flow
  • Blood Tests – Can detect other conditions or illnesses that can cause PAH
  • Chest X-ray – Shows if there is any enlargement of the heart. X-rays may also show other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as emphysema
  • Computed Tomography, or CT/CAT Scan – A computerized x-ray machine that looks at your lungs. This tests for lung tissue that is scarred or destroyed
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Makes images of the human body without the use of x-rays. MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce these images
  • Pulmonary Function Tests – Measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well you can breathe
Next: Treatment Options

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.