Letairis: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Letairis (generic name Ambrisentan) is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension by blocking the action of endothelin-1.

1. What is Letairis?

Letairis is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). This condition is caused by increased levels of endothelin-1, a natural substrate in the body. Letairis blocks the effects of endothelin-1, thereby lowering blood pressure in the lungs, reducing the severity of symptoms, and improving the patient's mobility.

2. How to use Letairis

Letairis is controlled under a special program. The staff member in charge will contact the patient each month to ensure that you have taken a pregnancy test and are not pregnant while using Letairis.
Read the medication instructions carefully before you start using ambrisentan. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Letairis by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. The patient should swallow the tablet whole, and do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
The dose of Letairis is calculated based on the medical condition, response to treatment and other drugs the patient is taking. List all of the products you use with your doctor and pharmacist (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
Do not suddenly stop taking Letairis without consulting your doctor. Instead, the dose should be gradually reduced. In some cases, the condition can get worse when the patient stops taking the medicine suddenly.
Women who are pregnant or suspected of being pregnant should not hold the tablet or breathe dust from Letairis.
The patient needs to inform the doctor if the condition after the treatment period is still not improving or getting worse.

3. Side effects when taking Letairis

Letairis can lead to some side effects such as stuffy nose, runny nose or facial flushing.
If any of the following serious side effects are noticed, the patient should seek medical attention immediately, including: Tachycardia, fatigue, swollen ankles, swelling in the feet, sudden weight gain without clear reason.
Ambrisentan rarely causes serious liver problems. However, patients should notify their doctor immediately when they see signs of liver disease, including: Nausea, persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, abdominal cramps, dark urine color, yellow eyes, yellow skin.
Very rarely, a serious allergic reaction to Letairis.

4. Caution when using Letairis

Before taking Letairis, patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about their allergy history, especially to the ingredients in Letairis or other endothelin receptor blockers (such as bosentan). ).
In addition, the patient needs to list the medical history to the doctor and pharmacist, especially liver problems, pulmonary fibrosis, anemia.
Older adults are at greater risk of ankle swelling and edema in the feet while using this medicine. Letairis may affect fertility in men.
Letairis must not be used in pregnant women because of the potential for harm to an unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away for prompt treatment. Women with suspected pregnancy must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine, once a month while taking it, and for 1 month after stopping Letairis. Consult your treating physician for more details and to discuss safe forms of birth control. Unless otherwise indicated by the doctor, the remaining patient should use at least 2 methods of contraception (eg: Pills combined with condoms) during treatment with Letairis and for 1 month. months after stopping the drug. Contraception still needs to be used, even if your partner has had a vasectomy.
It is not known whether Letairis passes into breast milk. However, due to the risk of possible side effects for the infant, breast-feeding while using Letairis is not recommended.

5. Interactions between Letairis with other drugs

Interactions with other drugs may change how well Letairis is taken or increase the risk of serious side effects. Therefore, patients need to make a complete list of the products you use (including prescription/over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) and then provide this information to the doctor and pharmacist for further information. Prescribe appropriate medication. Do not take, stop or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

6. Notes when using Letairis

Do not use Letairis with other drugs without consulting your doctor.
Tests are indicated periodically, such as liver function test, monthly pregnancy test, hemoglobin level measurement for the purpose of monitoring patient response or checking for side effects.
If you forget to take a dose of Letairis, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not arbitrarily double the dose.
Knowing the information about the drug Letairis before using it always brings positive effects as well as reduces risks for patients. Besides, if you have any questions, customers can send questions to Vinmec International General Hospital to receive in-depth advice from a team of doctors and pharmacists with many years of experience.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com