Adcirca

The active ingredient in Adcirca is tadalafil. Tadalafil belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by stopping the PDE5 enzyme, which typically breaks down a chemical in the body known as cGMP. This chemical causes relaxation of blood vessels, helping to lower high blood pressure. When used regularly, Adcirca increases cGMP levels in the lungs, relieving symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.

Other PDE5 inhibitors include sildenafil and vardenafil. However, these are often used for other indications.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Adcirca. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Adcirca:

• Adcirca should be used exactly as prescribed.
• It is typically taken daily with or without food.
• While taking Adcirca, avoid having more than four alcohol-containing drinks in a short period. Both can lower blood pressure. Taking both could make you feel dizzy or faint.
• If you miss a dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

The most common side effects of Adcirca seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Flushing of the face
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Back pain or pain in the arms or legs
• Stuffy or congested nose

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Adcirca. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Vision changes, especially decreased eyesight or loss of vision. This could be a sign of NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), a condition where the optic nerve loses blood flow, causing impairment of vision.
• Sudden changes in hearing (loss of hearing, ringing sensation) with or without dizziness.
• Have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours. This is known as priapism, and if left untreated, it could irreversibly damage the penile tissue.
• Low blood pressure, especially if you are taking other blood pressure medications or nitrates for chest pain.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Adcirca. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Adcirca, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• An allergy to tadalafil or any of the other ingredients in Adcirca
• Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD)
• Heart problems
• Hypotension or low blood pressure
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Vision loss
• Hearing problems
• Peyronie’s disease
• A history of prolonged erection (lasting for more than 4 hours)
• Blood problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Do not use Adcirca if you have:

• An allergy to tadalafil or any of the other ingredients in Adcirca
• Are using nitrates or any other medications to treat chest pain or angina
• Are using guanylate cyclase stimulators

Adcirca will start to work within a few hours after the first dose, which is when it reaches peak levels in the body. However, it may take a few weeks of regular use to see the full effects of tadalafil.

When Adcirca is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Nitrates or nitrites, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide mono- or dinitrate
• Alpha-blockers
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat
• Doxazosin
• Alfuzosin
• Tamsulosin
• Antihypertensives such as amlodipine, ARBs, ACEIs, or beta-blockers
• Protease inhibitors such as ritonavir
• Bosentan
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Erythromycin
• Rifampin
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Carbamazepine
• Cialis or any other medications for erectile dysfunction

Adcirca tablets are available as 20 mg tablets. The recommended dose for most patients is 40 mg (two 20 mg tablets) once daily with or without food.

Adcirca should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Adcirca is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company and marketed by United Therapeutics Corporation.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Adcirca.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Adcirca.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Adcirca can pass into the breast milk and may affect the breastfeeding infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.