Key takeaways
Uptravi (selexipag) and Opsumit (macitentan) 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's generally taken orally twice a day but is also available as an IV injection if you can't take it by mouth. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and nausea. On the other hand, Opsumit is an endothelin receptor antagonist that blocks a protein called endothelin to relax blood vessels. It's taken once a day and can cause side effects like headache, sore throat, and anemia. Unlike Uptravi, Opsumit is not safe to use during pregnancy and requires enrollment in a special REMS program to ensure safety. Additionally, Opsumit can cause liver damage and fluid buildup in the body.
