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Compare Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

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

Key takeaways

Uptravi (selexipag) and Tyvaso (treprostinil) are both medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but they have some key differences. Uptravi is a prostacyclin agonist taken orally as a tablet or through an intravenous (IV) injection, while Tyvaso is a man-made version of prostacyclin, a hormone your body naturally makes. It is available as an inhalation treatment through a nebulizer or dry powdered inhaler (DPI). Uptravi is taken twice a day, whereas Tyvaso needs to be used four times a day. Uptravi can cause side effects like headache, diarrhea, and nausea, while Tyvaso commonly causes cough, headache, and throat irritation. Additionally, Uptravi can cause excess fluid in the lungs, while Tyvaso can cause low blood pressure and increases the risk of bleeding.

  • Uptravi (selexipag)
    Tyvaso (treprostinil)
  • Uptravi (selexipag)
    Tyvaso (treprostinil)

  • Summary of Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

    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 Prostacyclin
    Prescription only

    Tyvaso (treprostinil) is a medication prescribed for adults to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. This medication works to open up blood vessels leading to the lungs to help your body get more oxygen. Tyvaso (treprostinil) is available as a nebulizer and a dry powdered inhaler (DPI). This medication is typically only available at specialty pharmacies, so your provider will need to help set that up for you.

  • Indications of Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

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

    High blood pressure in the lungs, including:

    •Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
    •Pulmonary hypertension from severe lung problems

  • Pros and Cons of Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

    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 Prostacyclin
    Pros
    •Improve the distance people with PH could walk in 6 minutes
    •Can be inhaled directly into the lungs
    •Available through both a DPI and a nebulizer
    Cons
    •Need to use 4 times a day
    •Not approved for children under 18 years old
    •Commonly causes cough as a side effect

  • Common Side Effects of Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

    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

    Tyvaso (treprostinil) nebulizer

    •Cough (54%)
    •Headache (41%)
    •Throat pain or irritation (25%)
    •Nausea (19%)
    •Flushing (15%)

    Tyvaso (treprostinil) DPI

    •Cough (35%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Trouble catching your breath (8%)

  • Warnings of Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Excess fluid in lungs
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Bleeding
    •Worsening of breathing
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

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    Learn more about Tyvaso

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