Letaris (Ambrosentan)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Letaris is an important addition to the limited number of drugs approved for use in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH eventually results in heart failure which symptomatically produces severe tiredness, difficulty in performing any activity which requires an effort. Eventually, the heart failure is so severe as to incapacitate the individual with PAH and result in death. This new agent which is taken by mouth produced a significant improvement in six-minute walk distance. It also significantly delayed the time to clinical worsening of PAH.
Side Effects
The most common side effects were peripheral edema, headache, flushing and shortness of breath.
Cautions and Contraindications
Less frequent but potentially more significant is the occurrence of elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST). A increase in enzyme levels coupled with clinical symptoms of liver injury indicate that Letaris should be discontinued.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.