Macitentan is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to your lungs.
Take Macitentan 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. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Macitentan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
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 severe liver disease as Macitentan may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Macitentan may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine and for one month after stopping the treatment.
Do not take Macitentan if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- obstruction of the lung veins
- severe kidney disease
- moderate liver disease
- anaemia (low red blood cell count)
- heart disease
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 prior to initiation of therapy, monthly during treatment, and one month after stopping treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, blood tests) 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.
Macitentan may cause headache. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: blocked or stuffy nose, inflammation of the throat or nasal passages, urinary tract infection and flu.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness
- unusual weight increase or swelling of the ankles or legs
Macitentan may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- rifampicin (medicine for tuberculosis or TB)
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Macitentan.
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.
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