Patient Information l Common Questions l Important Safety Information
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Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for PAH. However, some treatments may help you feel better. Your doctor will decide on a treatment that is right for you. He or she should then talk to you about the overall goals of your treatment.

Your doctor will choose what treatment is right for you based on a number of things, including:

  • How advanced your PAH is
  • Whether you are on any other medications
  • If you have any other conditions that would affect your PAH treatment

Your doctor may also talk to you about changing certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking or drug use. Such habits can worsen PAH and get in the way of treatment.

There are several treatment options that your doctor may discuss with you.

Treatments for PAH include:

  • Medicines that prevent blood clots – These medicines are called anticoagulants. They work by making it less possible for the blood to clot so it flows more freely
  • Medicines that help the heart – These medicines, such as digoxin, can help the heart work better
  • Medicines that reduce swelling – These medicines include diuretics. They help the body get rid of excess fluid, which can help the heart work better
  • Oxygen therapy – This is used if breathing gets too difficult. A mask is placed over the nose and mouth, and patients breathe in the extra oxygen through the nose
  • PAH-specific therapies – Such as sildenafil, bosentan, epoprostenol, treprostinil, and iloprost
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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.