Health Library

Ambrisentan (By mouth)

Ambrisentan (am-bri-SEN-tan)

Treats pulmonary arterial hypertension to improve your exercise ability and slow down the worsening of your condition.

Brand Name(s):

Letairis

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how ambrisentan works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to take this medicine. You will also be required to have a pregnancy test every month during your treatment and for 1 month after your last dose. Use a highly effective birth control (including IUD, implants) or 2 forms of effective birth control (condoms or spermicide along with your pills) while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, or heart failure.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Fluid retention (swelling)
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Anemia
• This medicine may decrease the amount of sperm, which may affect your ability to father a child. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, difficult, fast, or noisy breathing, blue lips and fingernails, pale skin
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, legs, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Heartburn, indigestion

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024