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Compare Uptravi vs. Letairis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Uptravi (selexipag) and Letairis (ambrisentan) are both medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but they work in different ways. Uptravi is a prostacyclin agonist that helps relax blood vessels in the lungs, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. It is taken twice a day, either as an oral tablet or as an intravenous injection. On the other hand, Letairis is an endothelin receptor antagonist that blocks a protein called endothelin to relax blood vessels. It is taken once a day and is available as a lower-cost generic. One major difference is that Letairis can cause severe harm to unborn babies, so it is only available through a special REMS program for people who can get pregnant. Uptravi does not have this restriction. Additionally, Uptravi can cause side effects like headache and diarrhea, while Letairis commonly causes swelling in the arms or legs.

  • Uptravi (selexipag)
    Ambrisentan (Letairis)
  • Uptravi (selexipag)
    Ambrisentan (Letairis)

  • Summary of Uptravi vs. Letairis

    Summary for Prostacyclin agonist
    Prescription only

    Uptravi (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 Endothelin receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Uptravi vs. Letairis

    Indications for
    •Pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH (high blood pressure in the blood vessels in your lungs)
    Indications for
    •Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

  • Pros and Cons of Uptravi vs. Letairis

    Pros and Const for Prostacyclin agonist
    Pros
    •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 mouth
    Cons
    •Can have a lot of side effects
    •Dose needs to be raised slowly
    •Not known if it's safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Endothelin receptor antagonist
    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Uptravi vs. Letairis

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

  • Warnings of Uptravi vs. Letairis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Excess fluid in lungs
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Fluid buildup in the body
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count)

  • Prices with our coupons for Uptravi vs. Letairis

    Learn more about Uptravi
    Learn more about Ambrisentan

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