Compare Uptravi vs. Adempas
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Uptravi (selexipag) and Adempas (riociguat) are both medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but they have some key differences. Uptravi is a prostacyclin agonist that works by relaxing the blood vessels in your lungs, and it is taken twice a day either orally or through an IV. In contrast, Adempas is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator that also relaxes blood vessels but is taken every 8 hours and is only available in tablet form. Adempas is also used to treat chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), while Uptravi is not. Adempas has a significant risk of causing severe harm to unborn babies, so it is only available to females through a special REMS program, whereas Uptravi does not have this restriction. Common side effects for Uptravi include headache, diarrhea, and nausea, while Adempas also commonly causes a headache as well as indigestion, and dizziness. Additionally, Adempas can cause severe bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure, which are less common with Uptravi.
- Uptravi (selexipag)Adempas (riociguat)
- Uptravi (selexipag)Adempas (riociguat)
Summary of Uptravi vs. Adempas
Summary for Prostacyclin agonistPrescription onlyUptravi (selexipag) is a prostacyclin agonist that's used in adults to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is high blood pressure in the lungs. This medication can help prevent PAH from getting worse and lower the risk for hospitalization. Uptravi (selexipag) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. It's also available as an intravenous (IV) injection for people who can't take the medication by mouth. The most common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and nausea.
Summary for Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulatorPrescription onlyAdempas (riociguat) is a medication used to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), both of which are types of high blood pressure in the lungs. It's available as tablets taken by mouth every 8 hours. Common side effects include headache, indigestion, and dizziness. Adempas (riociguat) can also cause severe and life-threatening harm to unborn babies, so the medication is only available to females through the Adempas REMS program.
Indications of Uptravi vs. Adempas
Indications for•Pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH (high blood pressure in the blood vessels in your lungs)Indications for•Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults•Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in adultsPros and Cons of Uptravi vs. Adempas
Pros and Const for Prostacyclin agonistPros•Can help prevent PAH from getting worse and lower the risk for hospitalizations•Tablets available in many different strengths•Available as an injection for people who temporarily can't take the medication by mouthCons•Can have a lot of side effects•Dose needs to be raised slowly•Not known if it's safe to take while pregnant or breastfeedingPros and Const for Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulatorPros•Makes it easier to exercise and perform normal day-to-day activities•Taken by mouth•Can crush and mix with water or soft foods if you're having difficulty swallow pillsCons•Not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding•Taken 3 times per day•Can lower your blood pressure and cause bleedingCommon Side Effects of Uptravi vs. Adempas
Common Side Effects for•Headache (65%)•Diarrhea (42%)•Nausea (33%)•Jaw pain (26%)•Vomiting (18%)•Pain in arms or legs (17%)•Muscle pain (16%)•Flushing (12%)Common Side Effects for•Headache (27%)•Indigestion or stomach irritation (21%)•Dizziness (20%)•Nausea (14%)•Diarrhea (12%)•Low blood pressure (10%)•Vomiting (10%)•Anemia (7%)•Reflux or heartburn (5%)•Constipation (5%)Warnings of Uptravi vs. Adempas
Common Side Effects for•Excess fluid in lungsCommon Side Effects for•Not safe to use during pregnancy•Low blood pressure•Bleeding•Blockage in the lungsPrices with our coupons for Uptravi vs. Adempas
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