Endobloc 5mg

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Endobloc 5mg is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension PAH) in certain patients.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Ambrisentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist. It works by blocking a certain substance in the lungs, which helps to decrease blood pressure in the lungs.

HOW TO USE?

Use ambrisentan as directed by your doctor.  Ambrisentan comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Take ambrisentan by mouth with or without food. Swallow ambrisentan whole. Do not break, split, crush, or chew before swallowing. Take ambrisentan on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking ambrisentan at the same times each day will help you to remember to take it. Continue to take ambrisentan even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Flushing; Nose or throat irritation; Stuffy nose. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); New or worsening shortness of breath; New or worsening swelling of the hands, legs, ankles, and feet; Sudden or unusual weight gain; Unusual tiredness or weakness.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose of ambrisentan, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

PRECAUTIONS:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances if you have a history of liver problems, heart failure, or anemia if you have fluid retention (eg, unusual swelling of the arms, hands, legs, or feet) or a certain lung problem (pulmonary veno-occlusive disease), if you have had abnormal liver function tests while taking another endothelin receptor antagonist (eg, bosentan), if you drink alcohol or take medicines that may harm the liver (eg, acetaminophen, methotrexate, ketoconazole, isoniazid, certain medicines for HIV infection). Some men taking another medicine similar to ambrisentan (bosentan) have experienced a decrease in sperm count. It is not known if ambrisentan may cause the same effect on sperm count. Women who are able to become pregnant must have a negative pregnancy test before they start to take ambrisentan, monthly while they are taking it, and for 1 month after they stop taking it. Women who are able to become pregnant must use 2 effective forms of birth control while they take ambrisentan and for at least 1 month after they stop taking it. Talk with your doctor about the use of effective birth control while you use ambrisentan. Talk with your doctor right away if you miss a menstrual period, have unprotected sex, think your birth control has failed, or think you may be pregnant. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take ambrisentan before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Lab tests, including liver function, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit levels, may be performed while you use ambrisentan. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects.

WHEN DO I NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP?

Do not use ambrisentan if you are allergic to any ingredient in ambrisentanyou are pregnant, may become pregnant, or plan to become pregnant you have moderate to severe liver problems you have a certain type of lung problem called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Do not stop taking ambrisentan unless your doctor tells you to. Serious liver problems have been reported with other medicines that are similar to ambrisentan (eg, bosentan). Contact your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, itching, or unusual tiredness or achiness. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

CAN I TAKE IT WITH OTHER MEDICINES?

Some medicines may interact with ambrisentan. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: Cyclosporine because it may increase the risk of ambrisentan's side effects.

HOW TO STORE:

Store ambrisentan between 20 and 25 degrees C in the original package. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep ambrisentan out of the reach of children and away from pets.

PREGNANCY CATEGORY:

Pregnancy Category: X Do not take ambrisentan if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking ambrisentan.

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION:

Other Drugs Acting on the Respiratory system, Other Cardiovascular Drugs.