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Ambrisentan Coupon - Ambrisentan 10mg tablet

ambrisentan

Generic Letairis
Used for Pulmonary Hypertension
Used for Pulmonary Hypertension

Ambrisentan, also known by its brand name Letairis, is a medication used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), or high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic. The usual dose is one tablet daily. Ambrisentan (Letairis) is generally well-tolerated, though the most common side effect is swelling in the arms or legs. It also has a risk of causing severe and life-threatening harm to unborn babies, so the medication is only available through the Ambrisentan REMS program for people who can get pregnant.

Last reviewed on August 27, 2023
basics-icon

What is Ambrisentan (Letairis)?

What is Ambrisentan (Letairis) used for?

  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

How Ambrisentan (Letairis) works

Ambrisentan (Letairis) is an endothelin receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the effects of a protein called endothelin. Doing so relaxes the blood vessels that go from your heart to your lungs and allows more blood to flow through. This lowers the amount of work your heart needs to pump blood to your lungs to get oxygen for your body. As a result, it's easier for you to exercise and breathe.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLetairis
Drug ClassEndothelin receptor antagonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Ambrisentan (Letairis)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Swelling in the arms or legs (17%)
  • Stuffy nose (6%)
  • Flushing (4%)
  • Sinus infection or inflammation (3%)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Fluid buildup in the body: shortness of breath; swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet; irregular heartbeat; chest pain; unable to exercise; tiredness; unusual weight gain
  • Liver injury: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach pain in the upper right side, yellowing of skin or whites of eyes, dark urine

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

rapid weight gain

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

Cough

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

fever

headache

muscle aches

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

tightness of the chest

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Chest pain

clay colored stools

dark urine

decrease in the amount of urine

decreased appetite

dilated neck veins

extreme tiredness or weakness

irregular breathing

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

loss of appetite

nausea

noisy, rattling breathing

pale skin

skin rash, itching

stomach pain or tenderness

troubled breathing at rest

troubled breathing with exertion

vomiting

yellow skin or eyes

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred vision

confusion

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

sweating

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Difficulty having a bowel movement

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ambrisentan (Letairis)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to slow the worsening of PAH and improve ability to breathe and exercise

Taken once a day with or without food

Generally mild or moderate side effects

Only available through a REMS program so that it's safe for people who can become pregnant

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a cure for PAH

Might affect sperm count and ability to have children in males

Females who can have children must use birth control and take a pregnancy test every month

Not for people with a lung problem called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) because of risk of harm

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ambrisentan (Letairis)

pharmacist
  • Make sure to mark your appointments on your calendar to see your provider or get any bloodwork done (e.g., liver tests, blood cell counts, pregnancy test for females, etc.). These appointments are important for making sure ambrisentan (Letairis) is working well and is as safe for you as possible.

    • You can take ambrisentan (Letairis) with or without food. But if it's hurting your stomach, taking it with food can help.

      • Swallow ambrisentan (Letairis) whole. Don't break, crush, or chew the tablet. Let your provider know if you can't swallow the tablets.

        • Tell your provider if you're taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral). These medications can make the levels of ambrisentan (Letairis) in your body get too high. Your ambrisentan (Letairis) dose might need to be adjusted to keep you safe.

          • If you're able to get pregnant, it's recommended that you use two forms of birth control during treatment with ambrisentan (Letairis) and for at least 1 month after your last dose. You'll also need to take a pregnancy test every month during treatment and 1 month after your last dose. It's important to avoid getting pregnant because the medication can harm an unborn baby. Tell your provider right away if you get pregnant while you're taking ambrisentan (Letairis).

            • If you're a male and are prescribed ambrisentan (Letairis), let your provider know if there's a possibility you might want to have children in the future. This medication might not be the best option for you because ambrisentan (Letairis) can potentially lower your sperm count. It's not known if this effect is reversible after you stop the medication.

              • Don't stop taking ambrisentan (Letairis) unless your provider tells you to, even if you start to feel better. Stopping ambrisentan (Letairis) can cause your symptoms to come back and can worsen your PAH.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Ambrisentan (Letairis)

                How long does it take for ambrisentan (Letairis) to work?
                In clinical studies, some people started to see improvement in their walking distance and ability to exercise within 1 month of starting ambrisentan (Letairis). But the studies also reported that people had the most benefit from the medication after they took it for 3 months. Check in with your provider regularly to discuss how well your treatment with ambrisentan (Letairis) is doing to help improve your ability to exercise.
                Can ambrisentan (Letairis) be used during pregnancy?
                No, avoid taking ambrisentan (Letairis) during pregnancy. This medication can cause severe and life-threatening harm to unborn babies based on findings from animal studies. For this reason, you must enroll in the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program called the Ambrisentan REMS program if you're able to get pregnant. To avoid getting pregnant, you must use two forms of birth control while you're taking ambrisentan (Letairis) and for at least 1 month after the last dose. You'll also need to get monthly pregnancy tests during treatment. Contact your provider right away if you become pregnant while you're taking ambrisentan (Letairis).
                Can I break, split, or chew ambrisentan (Letairis) tablets?
                No, ambrisentan (Letairis) tablets shouldn't be broken, split, or chewed. This could damage the medication and potentially affect how well ambrisentan (Letairis) works for you. Swallow ambrisentan (Letairis) tablets whole. Let your provider know if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets because you might need to be switched to a different medication.
                Can I eat with ambrisentan (Letairis)?
                Yes, you can take ambrisentan (Letairis) with or without food. There aren't any known food or drinks that interact with ambrisentan (Letairis) or affect how well ambrisentan (Letairis) works.
                What's the difference between ambrisentan (Letairis) and bosentan (Tracleer)?
                Ambrisentan (Letairis) and bosentan (Tracleer) are both endothelin receptor antagonists that are used for PAH. Studies show that they work just as well as each other. Both medications generally have similar side effects. But ambrisentan (Letairis) is more likely to cause swelling in the legs and feet, whereas bosentan (Tracleer) is more likely to cause liver problems. Unlike bosentan (Tracleer), ambrisentan (Letairis) can't be used in children because it hasn't been studied in this age group. Ambrisentan (Letairis) is taken once per day, whereas bosentan (Tracleer) is taken twice per day.
                Can I drink alcohol with ambrisentan (Letairis)?
                Talk to your provider about whether it's safe to drink alcohol while you're taking ambrisentan (Letairis). In general, you shouldn't drink alcohol while taking ambrisentan (Letairis) because this can raise your risk for side effects (e.g., low blood pressure, liver damage).
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                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Ambrisentan (Letairis)?

                Ambrisentan (Letairis) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Not safe to use during pregnancy

                Ambrisentan (Letairis) shouldn't be taken during pregnancy because it can cause severe and life-threatening harm to unborn babies. Because of this risk, ambrisentan (Letairis) is available only through the Ambrisentan REMS program for females who can get pregnant. This Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program helps make sure that the medication is as safe as possible for them.

                If you're able to get pregnant, your provider will ask you take a pregnancy test before you start ambrisentan (Letairis), monthly during treatment, and once more a month after you stop the medication. You should use two forms of birth control during treatment with ambrisentan (Letairis) and for at least 1 month after completing treatment. Contact your provider right away if you become pregnant while taking ambrisentan (Letairis).

                risk-warning

                Fluid buildup in the body

                • Risk factors: Heart failure

                  Ambrisentan (Letairis) can cause fluid buildup in the body, leading to swelling or shortness of breath. Fluid buildup can start to happen within weeks of starting ambrisentan (Letairis). If you have a history of heart failure, this fluid buildup can be severe and worsen your heart condition. Let your provider know before starting ambrisentan (Letairis) if you have any heart problems or heart failure. Contact your provider if you have any signs of heart failure, like shortness of breath; swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet; irregular heartbeat; not able to exercise; or tiredness, while you're taking ambrisentan (Letairis).

                  risk-warning

                  Anemia (low red blood cell count)

                  • Risk factors: Severe anemia

                    Ambrisentan (Letairis) might cause your hemoglobin levels to go down. In studies, a drop in hemoglobin levels happened within the first few weeks of starting ambrisentan (Letairis), but then stabilized throughout treatment. Hemoglobin is the protein on your red blood cells that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. Low hemoglobin levels can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count).

                    You'll need regular blood tests while you're taking ambrisentan (Letairis) so your provider can check your hemoglobin levels during treatment. If you have a history of anemia, speak with your provider before taking ambrisentan (Letairis) so they can make sure it's safe for you. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of anemia, such as weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, or pale skin, while you're taking ambrisentan (Letairis).

                    dosage

                    Ambrisentan (Letairis) dosage forms

                    Typical dosing for Ambrisentan (Letairis)

                    The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once per day. After 4 weeks, your provider might raise your dose if needed. The maximum recommended dose is 10 mg per day.

                    More on Ambrisentan (Letairis) dosage forms

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Ambrisentan (Letairis) and other drugs

                    Ambrisentan (Letairis) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ambrisentan (Letairis). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    • Simeprevir

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    contraindications-icon

                    Ambrisentan (Letairis) contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ambrisentan (Letairis) will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Ambrisentan (Letairis)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ambrisentan (Letairis). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Ambrisentan (Letairis)
                    Used for:
                    • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

                    Used for:
                    • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

                    Used for:
                    • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

                    images

                    Ambrisentan (Letairis) images

                    White Oblong 10 And 406 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "10" And "406".White Oblong 10 And 406 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    Pink Oval Logo And 52 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Logo" And "52".Pink Oval Logo And 52 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    Pink Oval 387 And C - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "387" And "C".Pink Oval 387 And C - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    White Oval 1180 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "1180".White Oval 1180 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    White Oval 1180 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "1180".White Oval 1180 - Ambrisentan 10mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Ambrisentan REMS. (n.d.). The ambrisentan REMS (risk evaluation and mitigation strategy).

                    Ambrisentan REMS. (2019). Ambrisentan REMS guide for female patients.

                    American Society of Hematology. (n.d.). Anemia.

                    View All References (9)

                    Billett, H. H., et al. (1990). Chapter 151: Hemoglobin and hematocrit. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations, 3rd edition.

                    Fagan, K. A., et al. (2001). Role of endothelin-1 in lung disease. Respiratory Research.

                    Galiè, N., et al. (2008). Ambrisentan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results of the Ambrisentan in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Efficacy (ARIES) Study 1 and 2. Circulation.

                    MedlinePlus. (2022). Hemoglobin test.

                    Raghu, G., et al. (2013). Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with ambrisentan: A parallel, randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine.

                    U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Risk evaluation and mitigation strategies | REMS.

                    Zhang, Y. J., et al. (2019). A network meta-analysis for safety of endothelin receptor antagonists in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy.

                    Zhao, Q., et al. (2022). Comparative assessment of efficacy and safety of ambrisentan and bosentan in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

                    Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2023). Ambrisentan tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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