Sometimes you may feel short of breath, even when climbing stairs or walking a short distance. One reason for this may be increased pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood to your lungs. Doctors call this condition "pulmonary hypertension." So, if your doctor has prescribed Riociguat (marketed as Adempas) as a treatment for this condition, it is very important for you to know everything about this medication clearly. Let's talk about it.
What kind of medicine is Riociguat?
Simply put, this medicine works by widening the blood vessels in your lungs (dilating them), making it easier for blood to flow through them. Think of it like widening a narrow road so you can travel more easily without traffic jams.
This reduces the blood pressure in your lungs, which means your heart has to work harder to pump blood. As a result, you breathe easier and feel less tired when doing light work or exercising.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before you start taking Riociguat, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is very important! This can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because the medication is eliminated from the body through these organs, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Low blood pressure | This medicine can further lower blood pressure, which can cause dizziness. |
| Bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications | Riociguat may slightly increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Heart disease | Your doctor will determine if the medication is appropriate for your heart condition. |
| Smoking | Smoking may change the way the medicine works. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | This is important to know if you are allergic to Riociguat or any of its ingredients. |
| Specific lung conditions (e.g. PVOD, idiopathic interstitial pneumonias) | This medicine may not be suitable for patients with these specific conditions. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple.
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, exactly as prescribed. Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- This medicine can be taken with or without food . That's not a problem.
- The most important thing is to take the medicine at about the same time every day. That way, the medicine's effectiveness can be maintained at the same level in the body.
- Do not stop taking the medication for any reason without your doctor's advice . Doing so may cause your symptoms to worsen again.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose .
However, if you are unable to take the medication for three days or more, be sure to talk to your doctor for advice before starting the medication again.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
Things that should not be used with Riociguat and things that can cause problems
Riociguat is a medication that can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Never take these with Riociguat! (Extremely Dangerous) | |
|---|---|
| Nitrate-type medications | Medicines for heart failure (such as GTN). For example: (isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin) |
| PDE5 inhibitors | Medicines for male enhancement or pulmonary hypertension. For example: (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) |
| Other medications | Medicines such as (Dipyridamole) and (Theophylline). |
| Reason: When these drugs are taken with Riociguat, blood pressure can drop dangerously, leading to loss of consciousness or even death. | |
| Be especially careful if you use these. | |
| Medicines for gastritis of the stomach | Antacids (e.g., liquid or tablets) may reduce the effectiveness of Riociguat. Take one hour before or after. |
| Medicines for HIV or AIDS | Some antiviral drugs. |
| Medicines for seizures | Ex: (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin) |
| Antifungals and antibiotics | Ex: (itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin) |
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
Avoid getting pregnant!
This is the most important and important thing to note . If you become pregnant while taking Riociguat, there is a very high risk of serious birth defects in your unborn baby.
- For women: If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should have a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medication, every month while taking it, and for one month after stopping the medication.
- You should use two reliable forms of birth control at the same time while you are taking the pill and for a month after stopping. Talk to your doctor about this and decide which methods are right for you.
- If you have the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Because of this risk, in some countries this medicine is only available under a special program. Your doctor will provide you with all the information you need. (This program does not apply to men).
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Riociguat can cause some side effects.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing, chest pain | These may be signs of worsening illness. |
| Severe dizziness, fainting, falls | It may be a sign of very low blood pressure. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | Bleeding from the gums, nose, or bruising under the skin. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | This often decreases as the body adjusts to the medication. |
| Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting | You can get relief by eating bland foods. |
| Swelling of ankles, feet, hands | It can occur due to fluid retention in the body. |
Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any other symptoms that are bothering you that aren't on this list.
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Riociguat is a drug that treats pulmonary hypertension.
- Most importantly: Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for one month after stopping. Use two reliable methods of birth control at the same time.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (especially nitrates and sildenafil).
- Avoid stopping the medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you experience severe dizziness, chest pain, or unusual bleeding, seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any problems or concerns you may have.
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