If you or someone you know has a condition called 'Pulmonary Hypertension', your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Bosentan. Although the name may sound a bit complicated, this medication does a very important job. Simply put, it helps your heart and lungs, helping you work harder, walk, and reduce shortness of breath. So today, let's talk about this medication called Bosentan, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Bosentan?
Simply put, Bosentan is a drug that is used to treat a condition called Pulmonary Hypertension . Now you may be wondering what pulmonary hypertension is. It is an abnormally high pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from our heart to our lungs. Just like when a water pipe is blocked, it becomes difficult for the water to flow. When the pressure inside these blood vessels increases, the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the lungs.
Bosentan works by relaxing the blood vessels that are under high pressure, making it easier for blood to flow through. This reduces the workload on the heart, makes it easier to breathe, and gives you more energy to do your daily activities.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Bosentan, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have a genetic condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU) (this is a very rare condition).
- If you have allergies to Bosentan or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. (This is very important!)
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your own safety to share this information with your doctor without hiding it.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it as directed.
- This is an oral medication. Remember to take it at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep the pill in its sealed package until you take it. Keep your hands dry when taking the pill.
- Carefully open the pack and take out the pill. Never try to push the pill through the foil. Doing so may break the pill. If the pill breaks or crumbles, discard it and get a new pill.
- This medicine is a dispersible tablet that can be dissolved in water and drunk. The doctor will explain this to you.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with some food.
- You should continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop taking it suddenly.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, this is very important. Bosentan can interact with some other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Bosentan and other drugs | |
|---|---|
| Do not take Bosentan with this medicine! | |
| Cyclosporine | A medicine to control the immune system. |
| Glyburide | A medicine for diabetes. |
| Estrogen and progestin hormones | Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills. |
| Problems can occur with this medication - tell your doctor | |
| Antifungal | For example: fluconazole, ketoconazole |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | E.g.: atorvastatin, simvastatin |
| Other medications | Such as Amiodarone, Diltiazem, Erythromycin, Rifampin. |
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
Pregnancy and birth control
This is the most important and serious warning about this medicine. If you are a woman, you should completely avoid becoming pregnant while taking Bosentan. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. Therefore, your doctor will tell you to use two forms of birth control at the same time. If you think you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
Liver and blood tests
This medicine can sometimes affect the liver. Therefore, your doctor will often order blood tests to check your liver function. It is very important to get these tests done on time.
Skin reactions
Although rare, some people may develop serious skin reactions several weeks after using this medicine.
- If you have skin lesions along with symptoms like fever and cold
- If the lesions turn red or purple, then blister and start to peel,
- If you have skin lesions with swelling on the face, lips, neck, or armpits
If you see anything like this, notify your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Bosentan can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects and what to do | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, and feeling lethargic. |
| Symptoms of low blood pressure | Dizziness, blue eyes, feeling like you're about to fall. |
| Swelling of ankles, hands, and feet | It may be a sign of fluid retention in the body. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Headache |
| Flushing | The face feels hot and turns red. |
| Joint pain | Joint pain. |
| Sore throat | Sore throat or discomfort. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Bosentan is an important medicine for pulmonary hypertension. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right dose.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including those for other conditions, vitamins, and traditional herbs).
- Most importantly: Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medication. This is very harmful to the baby. Talk to your doctor about reliable birth control methods.
- If you notice signs of liver damage (yellowing of the eyes, dark urine) or serious skin reactions (fever with peeling skin), seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid stopping the medication or changing the dosage without your doctor's advice.
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