Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Medications: Revatio, Opsumit, and More
Flolan, Veletri, and Tracleer are a few of the many pulmonary arterial hypertension medications. Learn about their differences and which is best for you with this guide.
Yutrepia
Used for Pulmonary Hypertension
Used for Pulmonary Hypertension
Yutrepia (treprostinil) is a medication that's inhaled to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults. It also treats pulmonary hypertension related to interstitial lung disease. It works as a prostacyclin analog to help improve your ability to exercise. Yutrepia (treprostinil) comes as a dry-powder capsule that's used with a special inhaler. You inhale it through your mouth using the inhaler, usually 3 to 5 times a day. Common side effects are cough, headache, and throat irritation.
What is Yutrepia (treprostinil)?
What is Yutrepia (treprostinil) used for?
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, or high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs)
- Pulmonary hypertension from interstitial lung disease (ILD, or scarring or inflammation in the lungs)
How Yutrepia (treprostinil) works
Yutrepia (treprostinil) is a prostacyclin analog. This means it acts like a natural hormone in your body called prostacyclin.
The medication helps relax and widen the blood vessels in your lungs. This lowers blood pressure in the lungs and helps blood flow more easily. That can help improve your capacity to exercise.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Yutrepia |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Prostacyclin analog |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Yutrepia (treprostinil)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Cough (55%)
- Headache (27%)
- Throat irritation (21%)
- Diarrhea (12%)
- Dizziness (11%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Chest discomfort
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Pain in the mouth or throat
- Shortness of breath
Note: Side effects were from adults who started Yutrepia (treprostinil) as add-on therapy.
Yutrepia (treprostinil) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, blurry vision
- Bleeding: nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding gums, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, blood in your stool
- Sudden tightening of airways: wheezing, more coughing, chest tightness, sudden shortness of breath
The following Yutrepia (treprostinil) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Get your GoodRx coupon
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GoodRx discount
$27325.80
Pros and cons of Yutrepia (treprostinil)
Pros
- Inhaled through the mouth with a handheld inhaler
- Can use at home
- Can be used alone or with other PAH medications
Cons
- Usually used several times each day
- Can cause cough, throat irritation, and dizziness
- Can raise bleeding risk
Pharmacist tips for Yutrepia (treprostinil)
- Yutrepia (treprostinil) comes as dry-powder capsules. Use the inhaler that comes with your medication to breathe in the powder from each capsule.
- Don't swallow Yutrepia (treprostinil) capsules. They only work when they're used with the inhaler.
- Use Yutrepia (treprostinil) at evenly spaced times during the day. Most people use it 3 to 5 times a day. Using the medication on a schedule helps keep it working throughout the day.
- If you miss a dose of Yutrepia (treprostinil), take your usual dose as soon as you remember. Then continue your regular dosing schedule.
- Tell your prescriber if you have a bothersome cough, throat irritation, headache, or diarrhea while using Yutrepia (treprostinil). They can adjust your dose to help lessen these side effects.
- If you feel dizzy or lightheaded after using Yutrepia (treprostinil), sit or lie down until you feel better. If you feel dizzy often, tell your prescriber so they can help. Get medical help right away if you faint.
- Yutrepia (treprostinil) can make you bleed more easily. Watch for signs of bleeding, like nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or unusual bruising. Tell your care team if you notice any of these signs. Get medical help right away if you cough up blood or see blood in your stool. These can be signs of serious bleeding.
- Tell your prescriber right away if your breathing gets worse after using Yutrepia (treprostinil). This medication can tighten your airways. This risk can be higher if you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Get medical help right away if you have severe trouble breathing.
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Also tell them before you start, stop, or change any medications. Some medications, like gemfibrozil (Lopid) and rifampin, can raise side effects or make Yutrepia work less well. Your prescriber might need to adjust your medications or ask you to watch for more side effects or worsening symptoms.
- Ask your prescriber or specialty pharmacy how your refills for Yutrepia (treprostinil) will be shipped. Plan ahead so you don't run out of medication or miss any doses. Ask your prescriber about a backup plan in case your refill is delayed.
How to use Yutrepia (treprostinil):
- Before you use Yutrepia (treprostinil), your care team will show you how to use it safely. Also review the instructions for use. If you're not sure how to use the medication, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
- Use the correct inhaler and dose for Yutrepia (treprostinil): Use Yutrepia (treprostinil) capsules only with the inhaler that comes with them. Depending on your dose, you might use 1 or more capsules each time. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you're not sure which capsules or how many to use for each dose.
- Use each Yutrepia (treprostinil) capsule within 5 minutes: Use each capsule within 5 minutes of removing it from the blister. Place the capsule into the inhaler and use the inhaler to take the medication within this time. Moisture and light can affect the medication if you wait too long.
- How to inhale Yutrepia (treprostinil): Take 2 deep breaths for each capsule to get all the medication from it. Breathe out fully and away from the inhaler. Then, close your lips around the mouthpiece and take a deep breath in. Hold your breath for about 5 seconds, or as long as you comfortably can, before breathing out. Repeat these steps for your second breath from the same capsule.
- Keep your Yutrepia (treprostinil) inhaler clean: Keep the inhaler dry (don't wash it). Water can damage the medication and keep the inhaler from working. Instead, clean it at the end of each day by wiping the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue. Then, use the cleaning brush to remove any visible powder.
- When to replace your Yutrepia (treprostinil) inhaler: Replace your inhaler after 7 days of use or after using 56 capsules with it, whichever comes first.
- How to store Yutrepia (treprostinil): Store Yutrepia (treprostinil) at room temperature (68°F to 77°F). Keep the capsules in the blister pack until you're ready to use them. This protects them from moisture and light.
Risks and warnings for Yutrepia (treprostinil)
Yutrepia (treprostinil) 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.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: History of low blood pressure
Yutrepia (treprostinil) relaxes and widens the blood vessels in your lungs, but it can also relax blood vessels in the rest of your body. That can make your blood pressure drop too much. When this happens, you might feel dizzy, weak, lightheaded, or like you might faint. You might be more likely to have these symptoms if you already have low blood pressure.
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit or lie down until you feel better. Tell your prescriber if these symptoms happen often or don't go away. Get medical help right away if you faint or get hurt after a fall.
Risk of bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking blood-thinning medication | Conditions that make it easier to bleed or bruise
Yutrepia (treprostinil) can raise your risk of bleeding. It makes it harder for platelets, the blood cells that help stop bleeding, to clump together. Your risk of bleeding is higher if you also take a blood thinner or have a condition that makes you bleed or bruise more easily.
Watch for signs of bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, easy bruising, or bleeding that lasts longer than usual. Tell your prescriber if you notice any of these problems.
Get medical help right away if you have severe bleeding, cough up blood, vomit blood, or notice blood in your stool. These can be signs of serious bleeding that needs medical attention.
Drug interactions with Yutrepia (treprostinil)
Some medications can change how much Yutrepia (treprostinil) stays in your body. Certain medications, like gemfibrozil (Lopid), can raise Yutrepia levels and increase side effects. Other medications, such as rifampin, can lower Yutrepia levels and make it work less well.
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Also tell them before you start, stop, or change any medications. Your prescriber might need to adjust your medications to keep you safe. They might also ask you to watch for more side effects or worsening PAH symptoms.
Sudden tightening of the airways
- Risk factors: History of asthma, COPD, or other breathing problems
Yutrepia (treprostinil) can suddenly tighten your airways after you inhale it. This is called bronchospasm. It can make you wheeze, cough more, feel chest tightness, or feel short of breath. Get medical help right away if your breathing gets worse or if you have severe trouble breathing.
Tell your prescriber if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other condition that makes your airways sensitive. They'll help make sure these conditions are well controlled before you start Yutrepia (treprostinil) and while you're taking it.
Yutrepia (treprostinil) dosage
The average cost for 4 kits of 28 capsules of 79.5mcg of Yutrepia (treprostinil) is $27,325.80 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Kit
Kit| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 capsules of 26.5mcg | 4 kits | $27,325.80 | $6,831.45 |
| 28 capsules of 53mcg | 4 kits | $27,325.80 | $6,831.45 |
| 28 capsules of 79.5mcg | 4 kits | $27,325.80 | $6,831.45 |
| 28 capsules of 106mcg | 4 kits | $27,325.80 | $6,831.45 |
Typical dosage for Yutrepia (treprostinil)
Yutrepia (treprostinil) is inhaled through your mouth using its provided inhaler. Depending on your prescribed dose, you might use 1 or more capsules for each treatment. Each capsule inhaled as 2 breaths.
- People new to treprostinil: The typical starting dose is 26.5 mcg (1 capsule) inhaled as 2 breaths, 3 to 5 times a day.
- People switching from Tyvaso (treprostinil inhalation solution): Your prescriber will choose your starting dose of Yutrepia (treprostinil) based on your current Tyvaso dose. At first, Yutrepia (treprostinil) is usually used 3 to 5 times a day.
Your prescriber will slowly raise your dose each week until you reach the dose that's right for you. If you have liver problems, your dose might be raised more slowly.
Many people take a maintenance dose of 79.5 mcg to 106 mcg inhaled 4 times a day. But your dose might be different depending on how well you tolerate Yutrepia (treprostinil).
How much does Yutrepia (treprostinil) cost?
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Yutrepia (brand)
$27,325.80
What are alternatives to Yutrepia (treprostinil)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Yutrepia (treprostinil). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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