Macitentan is used on its own or together with other medicines for long-term treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs).
Take Macitentan 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.
Macitentan 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 severe liver disease as Macitentan 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 Macitentan, 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 during Macitentan therapy and for 1 month after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
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)
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- severe anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body)
- moderate liver disease
- severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis (a procedure that helps individuals with kidney failure to filter toxic substances from the blood)
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, monthly during treatment, and 1 month after stopping the treatment to know if Macitentan is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, blood 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 injury and peripheral oedema (swelling of the ankles, feet or hand) may also be needed.
Macitentan may cause any of the following side effects: headache, blocked or stuffy nose, inflammation of the throat or nasal passages, skin flushing, itching and rash.
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, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine
- shortness of breath, big weight gain, swelling of the ankles, feet or hand
- dizziness, feeling tired or worn out, pale skin, irregular heartbeat
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:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- amiodarone (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Macitentan.
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.
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