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Lifestyle TipsIf you have PAH, you may sometimes feel tired, have shortness of breath, or feel dizzy. Changing the way you do certain things may make it easier to manage your symptoms. NutritionA healthy diet helps to keep your weight the same and is good for your heart. People with PAH may become less active, which can cause weight gain. It is important to adopt healthy eating habits and to weigh yourself regularly. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor before you start any kind of weight loss program. You can help improve your overall well-being by eating healthy. Try to lower your intake of salt. Include lots of fruits and vegetables, and reduce the amount of fat in your diet. ActivitiesExercise If you wish to exercise, it is important to first talk to your doctor about a plan that is right for you. Doctors used to think that people with PAH should not exercise. They now recommend at least some exercise for people with PAH. Exercise adds some stress to the heart and pulmonary blood vessels. But a little exercise may also be good for people with PAH, as long as they do not overdo it. Try walking or swimming. Start with 10 minutes a day. If you swim, use a flotation device so you can rest and catch your breath. Exercise with a partner in case you need help, and stop when you need to rest or if you feel dizzy or breathless. Travel The key to traveling with PAH is planning. Give yourself enough time to prepare for your trip, get everything you need, and get to your destination. Talk to your doctor about your travel plans and whether you plan to travel on an airplane. Your doctor will tell you about special plans you may need to make and will check to see if you have all the medicine you need while you travel. Next: Coping Tips |
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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RVU00031. August 2007. |
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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. |
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