Has your doctor prescribed a vaccine called Selexipag for you or someone close to you? When that happens, it's very normal for a lot of questions to come to mind, such as what is it, why is it given, and whether there are any side effects. Don't be afraid of anything. Today, we will talk about this medicine in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
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What kind of medicine is this Selexipag?
Simply put, this is a special medicine that is given to treat a condition called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) .
Now you may be wondering what this PAH is. It means that the blood pressure in the blood vessels in our lungs increases unnecessarily. When this happens, the heart has to work very hard to pump blood through the lungs to the rest of the body. This is a rather serious condition.
So, this is what the Selexipag vaccine does:
- It relaxes the blood vessels in your lungs.
- Then the high pressure inside those channels will be reduced.
- When your blood pressure drops, your heart can pump blood around your body more easily, without having to work as hard .
As a result, you will breathe easier and be a little more active in your daily activities.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start using this medication, you should definitely discuss these things with your medical team. Don't hide anything, because your safety is the most important thing.
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have a special condition involving the veins in the lungs called Pulmonary Veno-occlusive Disease (PVOD) .
- If you have an allergic reaction to Selexipag, any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
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View Clinical Details →How is this vaccine given? And what to do in an emergency?
This is not a medicine that you can take at home. This is a medicine that is injected into a vein (intravenously). This means that it is only given by a trained medical team in a hospital or clinic. So there is nothing to be afraid of.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
If the dose of the medicine is increased (Overdosage):
Since this medicine is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, you should inform the medical team immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Are there any other medications that should not be used with this medicine?
Yes, absolutely. Selexipag can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and even traditional medicines.
Let's explain this further in the table below.
| Interaction type | Example drugs |
|---|---|
| Don't take this at all. |
|
| Be very careful when using these with medical advice. |
|
Remember, this list is not exhaustive. If you smoke or drink alcohol, tell your doctor about that as well.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, the Selexipag injection can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Severe symptoms such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Diarrhea | Abdominal distension. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Muscle pain | Muscle pain on the body. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. |
| Pain in the hands and feet | Pain in the arms and legs. |
| Injection site problems | Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Selexipag is a special injection given into a vein in a hospital to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This reduces the strain on the heart and makes it easier to breathe.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have (especially liver disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling and skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.
- If you have any questions about this medication, never hesitate to discuss it with your doctor.
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