Ambrisentan - Oral

Ambrisentan is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs).

Take Ambrisentan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.

Ambrisentan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring and thickening of the lung tissue, which is due to an unknown cause)
• severe liver disease

as Ambrisentan may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Ambrisentan, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods before and during Ambrisentan therapy and for 1 month after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (blockage in the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart)
• anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body)
• mild to moderate liver disease
• severe kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding during Ambrisentan treatment is not recommended.

Ambrisentan can sometimes reduce sperm counts in men. This may affect the ability to father a child. Men who plan to have children should inform their doctor.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Pregnancy tests must be done before initiation of therapy and monthly during treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
• Routine tests (e.g. liver function, red blood cell count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of liver problems and peripheral oedema (swelling of the ankles, feet or hands) may also be needed.

Ambrisentan may cause dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, cough, blocked or stuffy nose, inflammation of the throat or nasal passages, skin flushing, nosebleeds, and ringing in the ears.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, decreased appetite
• signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• signs and symptoms of anaemia e.g. feeling weak or worn out, pale skin, shortness of breath
• signs and symptoms of fluid retention (buildup of excess water in body tissues) e.g. shortness of breath, big weight gain, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ambrisentan.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.