Bosentan is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs).
This medicine is also used to treat digital ulcers (sore on the fingers and toes) in adult individuals with systemic sclerosis (a rare disease which cause hardening and tightening of the skin). Bosentan reduces the number of new digital ulcers that appear.
Take Bosentan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Bosentan is available as conventional tablet or dispersible tablet for oral suspension.
If you are taking the dispersible tablet, disperse it in a minimal amount of water immediately before use.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Bosentan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have moderate to severe liver disease as Bosentan may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. If you become pregnant while on Bosentan therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Bosentan therapy and 1 month after stopping the treatment. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not take Bosentan with medicines used to treat diabetes and in organ transplant or certain immune disorders, such as glibenclamide and ciclosporin.
Inform your doctor if you have heart disease due to fluid retention.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done monthly during treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of liver injury and fluid retention may also be needed.
Bosentan may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, acid reflux (food or acid from your stomach backs up into your mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste), stuffy nose, sudden redness of the skin, rash, palpitation, and fainting.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness
- swelling of the ankles, feet or hand
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Bosentan with the following medicines:
- glibenclamide (medicine for diabetes)
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. tacrolimus, sirolimus
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole
- medicines for heart disease e.g. diltiazem, amiodarone
- erythromycin (an antibiotic)
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- birth control pills
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- simvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- medicines to treat erectile dysfunction (inability of a man to attain or maintain an erection) e.g. tadalafil, sildenafil
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [infection known as tuberculosis])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bosentan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.