Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Tyvaso

(treprostinil)

Get free coupons

Summary for Uptravi

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.

Indications for Uptravi

Pros and Cons for Uptravi

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

Common Side Effects for Uptravi

  • Headache (65%)
  • Diarrhea (42%)
  • Nausea (33%)
  • Jaw pain (26%)
  • Vomiting (18%)
  • Pain in arms or legs (17%)
  • Muscle pain (16%)
  • Flushing (12%)

Warnings for Uptravi

  • Excess fluid in lungs

Summary for Tyvaso

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 for Tyvaso

High blood pressure in the lungs, including:

Pros and Cons for Tyvaso

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 for Tyvaso

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 for Tyvaso

  • Low blood pressure
  • Bleeding
  • Worsening of breathing
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Uptravi vs. Tyvaso

Price Card Drug Icon
Uptravi60 tablets / 1600mcg
--
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Tyvaso28 packages / refill kit of 1.74mg/2.9ml
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.