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.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH (high blood pressure in the blood vessels in your lungs)
Uptravi (selexipag) is a prostacyclin agonist. It acts like prostacyclin, a natural chemical in your body, to relax the blood vessels in your lungs. This lowers the blood pressure in your lungs and allows more blood to flow through. As a result, your heart is able to pump better, your body gets more oxygen, and you should be able to breathe and exercise easier.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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
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
You can take Uptravi (selexipag) with or without food. Taking it with food can help lower the risk of stomach-related side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
Swallow the tablets whole. Don't split, crush, or chew the tablets.
If you miss a dose of Uptravi (selexipag) and your next dose is more than 6 hours away, take the medication as soon as you remember. But if your following dose is within the next 6 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.
If you haven't taken Uptravi (selexipag) for at least 3 days, contact your provider before you take the medication. You might need to restart Uptravi (selexipag) at a lower dose.
Since Uptravi (selexipag) can interact with other medications, make sure to tell your provider and pharmacist about all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Don't start any new medications while you're taking Uptravi (selexipag) without talking to your providers first. They can make sure all your medications are safe to take together and adjust any doses.
Talk to your provider to see whether you can take Uptravi (selexipag) if you're pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or breastfeeding. There haven't been enough studies looking at how safe the medication is during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In animal pregnancy studies, Uptravi (selexipag) didn't cause harm to unborn babies, but these results aren't always the same as what could happen in humans.
Uptravi (selexipag) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Excess fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) can be a sign of a rare form of pulmonary hypertension. Contact your provider if you notice signs of pulmonary edema, such as shortness of breath, tiredness (especially with physical activity), chest pain, or coughing that doesn't go away. You should be tested for this rare form of pulmonary hypertension. And you'll need to stop Uptravi (selexipag) if it's confirmed you have this condition.
The typical starting dose is 200 mcg by mouth twice daily. Your provider will slowly raise your dose to the highest dose you can tolerate. The maximum dose is 1,600 mcg twice daily.
Your dose might differ if you have liver problems. It might also differ you're taking certain medications that can interact with Uptravi (selexipag), such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or rifampin (Rifadin).
Uptravi (selexipag) is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion into your veins that's given by a healthcare provider in the hospital.
Take certain medications that interact with Uptravi (selexipag), like gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH (high blood pressure in the blood vessels in your lungs)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
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Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. (2023). Uptravi- selexipag tablet, coated; Uptravi titration pack- selexipag kit; Uptravi- selexipag injection, powder, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
American Lung Association. (n.d.). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
American Lung Association. (2023). Pulmonary arterial hypertension symptoms and diagnosis.
Hardin, E. A., et al. (2016). Selexipag in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: Design, development, and therapy. Drug Design, Development and Therapy.
MedlinePlus. (2015). Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.
Sitbon, O., et al. (2015). Selexipag for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The New England Journal of Medicine.
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