Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Selexipag? Or is someone in your family using this medication? It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when you learn about a new medication like this. So, don't worry. Today, we'll answer all your questions about this medication.
What exactly is Selexipag?
Simply put, selexipag is a medication used to treat a condition called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) . You may know this medication by the brand name UPTRAVI.
Just think, our lungs also have a very delicate network of blood vessels. In PAH, the pressure in these blood vessels increases unnecessarily. Then it becomes very difficult for the heart to pump blood to the lungs against this pressure. This puts a lot of strain on the heart.
So, this selexipag pill does a really amazing job. It relaxes the blood vessels in your lungs . That lowers the pressure there, and your heart can pump blood more easily to the rest of your body. That makes it easier for you to breathe, and it helps you stay active without feeling too tired.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
For your safety, you should definitely discuss these things with your doctor before starting this medication. It is not a good idea to hide these things, as they can directly affect your treatment.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have liver disease | This medicine is cleared from the body by the liver. If you have liver problems, your dose may need to be adjusted. |
| If you have a special condition related to the veins in the lungs (Pulmonary Veno-occlusive Disease - PVOD) | This is a very rare but serious condition, and this medicine may not be suitable for it. |
| If you have allergies to selexipag or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is important to discuss with the doctor whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly. Keep these points in mind.
- These pills are to be taken orally.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. It's a good idea to set a reminder on your phone for this.
- Most importantly: Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- You can take this with or without food. However, some people may experience mild stomach upset or nausea when taking it without food. If this happens, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Continue using this until your doctor says, "Enough, stop." Don't stop suddenly, even if you feel better.
What if you suddenly take too much medicine?
This is very important. If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Otherwise, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
We all forget things. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is more than 6 hours late, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never try to make up for lost time by taking two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with each other when taken together. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and even traditional medicines.
| Type of medicine | Noteworthy fact |
|---|---|
| Never take this medicine with | |
| Gemfibrozil | This is a cholesterol medication. Taking it with selexipag can cause serious problems. |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. | |
| Clopidogrel | A medicine given to prevent blood clots. |
| Deferasirox | Used to remove excess iron from the body. |
| Rifampin | An antibiotic given for infections such as tuberculosis. |
| Teriflunomide | Used to treat conditions such as arthritis. |
Remember, this list is not complete. If you smoke or drink alcohol, it is very important to tell your doctor about that as well.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, selexipag can cause side effects in some people. Most of these are not serious, but there are some things we should be aware of.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Abdominal distension. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Muscle pain | Muscle pain on the body. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Pain in the limbs | Feeling pain in the arms and legs. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- Selexipag is a special medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the prescribed time. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any other medical conditions you have.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling), seek medical advice immediately.
- Even if you feel better, avoid stopping the medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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