Selexipag (Oral Route)

Selexipag is a drug approved for treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Selexipag works by promoting dilation of the arteries from the heart to the lungs, which relieves high blood pressure. Pulmonary hypertension can weaken the heart, and if left untreated, can cause death in most patients within two to three years.

Selexipag is a prescription medication. 

Like any other drug, Selexipag may cause side effects. Call your doctor if you experienced any of the following when taking Selexipag:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, nose, throat, or tongue.
• Symptoms of anemia such as paleness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and inability to focus or concentrate.
• Potential symptoms of lung problems such as anxiety, sweating, paleness, severe shortness of breath, wheezing and gasping for breath, having a hacking cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, rapid or irregular heart rate.

Selexipag may cause minor side effects that are not harmful to health:

• Discomfort in the jaw
• Headache
• Pain in the muscles
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Flushing

Aside from following doctor’s instructions in using Selexipag, you need to consider the following first before using the drug.

Allergies

Do not take Selexipag if you experienced allergies from it.

Health problems

The doctor needs to know your total condition before prescribing Selexipag. Make sure to mention all the other drugs you take as well. If you have the following conditions, tell it to your doctor before using Selexipag:

• Problems in the liver
• Thyroid problems
• Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, which is caused by narrowing of the veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart.
• Kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis

Pregnancy

Selexipag is an uncategorized drug, which means it is not known if it is safe to use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, mention it to the doctor before taking Selexipag.

Breastfeeding

Call your doctor first before breastfeeding when you are taking Selexipag. It is not known if Selexipag can be used by patients who are nursing children. 

Selexipag is available in tablets that you take by mouth. The doctor will give you instructions on how to take Selexipag properly. Make sure to read the included prescription label in each package of Selexipag. The doctor may also adjust your dose of Selexipag frequently.

Selexipag is usually taken once a day. You can take Selexipag with or without food. Do not open, break, or crush Selexipag tablets.

For the best effect, make sure to take Selexipag regularly and do not miss any doses.

Discontinuing or stopping the use of Selexipag without doctor’s advice can make your condition worse. If you missed doses or unable to take Selexipag for any reason, call your doctor.

If you take too much Selexipag, call your doctor or local poison control hotlines.

Store Selexipag away from heat and light.

When you are taking Selexipag, make sure to visit your doctor at scheduled clinic visits and have lab tests as ordered. In that way, you are sure that the doctor can monitor your condition.

Do not take any other medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, while on Selexipag without your doctor’s advice.