Uptravi

The active ingredient in Uptravi is selexipag, which is a prostacyclin receptor agonist. It relaxes the blood vessels in your lungs in the same way that prostacyclin, a naturally occurring substance, does. This reduces pressure in your lungs, allowing more blood to flow. As a result, your heart can pump more efficiently, your body receives more oxygen, and you should be able to breathe and exercise more comfortably.

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 Uptravi. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Uptravi:

• Uptravi pills are taken orally. You can take the pills with or without food. Tolerability may be improved when taken with food.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• If you are unable to take medicine orally, your healthcare professional may provide an Uptravi injection into your vein.

Some mild or most common side effects of selexipag seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headaches.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Joint pain (arthralgia).
• Low appetite.
• Jaw pain.
• Pain in the arms or legs.
• Muscle pain (myalgia).
• Low red blood cell count (anemia).
• Flushing of the skin.
• Swelling (edema).

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

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives, skin rash, or swelling. These adverse reactions are more frequent during the dose titration phase.
• Increased risk for hyperthyroidism.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Uptravi. 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 Uptravi, 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:

• Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease or PVOD (narrowing of the veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart).
• Liver disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Liver problems.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take specific drugs that interact with Uptravi (selexipag), such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), or are allergic to selexipag.

Uptravi (selexipag) doesn’t work right away. It is typically started at a low dose and slowly increased over several weeks. Benefits, like improved exercise capacity and slowing disease progression, are usually seen after a few months of consistent use. Regular check-ups track how well it’s working.

When Uptravi 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:

• Clopidogrel.
• CYP2C8 inhibitors like gemfibrozil.
• Inducers of CYP2C8 and UGT 1A3 and 2B7 enzymes, like rifampin.

The typical starting dose of Uptravi tablets is 200 mcg taken orally twice daily.

Your doctor will gradually increase it in weekly intervals to the highest tolerated dose. The maximum maintenance dose is 1,600 mcg twice a day.

If you have liver problems or are taking medications that may interfere with Uptravi, your dosage may be adjusted. This includes clopidogrel (Plavix) or rifampin (Rifadin).

Uptravi (selexipag) is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion into your veins, administered by a healthcare professional.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Janssen is the company that manufactures Uptravi. Actelion Pharmaceuticals was the original company that received FDA approval for the drug and is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

There are no generic versions available of Uptravi.

You should not stop taking Uptravi without consulting your doctor. Discontinuation may worsen your illness.

It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby. 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.

It is not known if Uptravi passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take this medication or breastfeed. You should not do both.