Letairis (ambrisentan) prevents thickening of the blood vessels, especially those in the lungs and heart. Ambrisentan also lowers blood pressure in your lungs, helping your heart pump blood more efficiently.
Letairis is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It improves your ability to exercise and prevents your condition from getting worse.
Letairis is available only under a special program called LEAP (Letairis Education and Access Program). You must be registered in the program and sign agreements to use birth control and undergo pregnancy and blood testing as required by the program. Read all program brochures and agreements carefully.
Letairis may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Letairis can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, you will be required to use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment, and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends (unless you have had a tubal ligation or are using a copper IUD).
You should not use this medication if you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Letairis is available only under a special program called LEAP (Letairis Education and Access Program). You must be registered in the program and sign agreements to use birth control and undergo pregnancy and blood testing as required by the program.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Letairis if you are allergic to ambrisentan, or if you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
To make sure Letairis is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use Letairis if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test before you start treatment with Letairis. You will also be re-tested each month during your treatment.
You will be required to use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment, and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends. If you have had a tubal ligation or are using a copper IUD (intrauterine device), you will not need to use a second form of birth control.
Recommended combinations of birth control forms include:
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1 hormone form (birth control pill, skin patch, implant, vaginal ring, or injection) plus 1 barrier form (condom, diaphragm with spermicide, or cervical cap with spermicide).
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a condom and a female barrier form together (diaphragm with spermicide, or cervical cap with spermicide).
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a partner"s vasectomy plus 1 hormone form or 1 barrier form.
Talk with your doctor about the use of emergency contraception if you have unprotected sex or if you believe your form of contraception has failed.
It is not known whether ambrisentan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Letairis.
Letairis may lower a man"s sperm count and could affect fertility (your ability to have children).
How should I take Letairis?
Letairis is usually taken once daily. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Before you start treatment with Letairis, your doctor may perform blood tests to make sure it is safe for you to take this medication. Your blood will need to be tested often during treatment.
Letairis can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medicine in its original container.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Letairis side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Letairis: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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anxiety, sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate;
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swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs;
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
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nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common Letairis side effects may include:
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stuffy nose, sinus pain; or
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flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Letairis?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Letairis, especially:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Letairis, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
