Letairis (ambrisentan) is a medication used to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is high blood pressure of the arteries in the lungs. According to Drugs.com, Letairis reduces your lung vessel blood pressure and it helps to keep your blood vessels thin. Typically, you will take 5 mg of Letairis once a day or as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, Letairis commonly causes rapid fluctuations in your weight, paresthesias (tingling of your hands or feet) or edema (swelling) of your legs, feet, arms or face. Drugs.com indicates that Letairis can cause stomach pain, constipation, nasal congestion, a headache, pharyngitis (sore throat) and tingling or warmth of your skin. In a placebo-controlled study of 134 patients receiving Letairis, the National Library of Medicine says that 17 percent had peripheral edema (swelling of your arms or legs), 6 percent developed a stuffy nose, 3 percent had a sinus infection, 4 percent had flushing of the skin and 5 percent had palpitations (pounding heartbeat). Additionally, 3 percent had stomach pain, 4 percent had constipation and 15 percent developed a headache. Tell your doctor when any of these symptoms do not go away in three to five days.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com says Letairis can cause such harmful side effects as trouble breathing, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), nausea, poor appetite, dark urine and itching. It can cause tachycardia (fast heartbeat), palpitations (pounding heartbeat) and jaundice (a condition in which the white parts of your eye and skin turn yellow. Get medical assistance to prevent further bodily harm.
Other Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic indicates that Letairis can cause a fever, wheezing, chest tightness, extreme fatigue and muscle aches. It can cause cheekbone and eye pain, blurry vision, confusion and diaphoresis (sweating). Letairis can cause liver problems, changes in blood cell counts and may decrease sperm count.
Additional Concerns
You should not take Letairis if you are allergic to ambrisentan. You can have trouble breathing, hives and angioedema (swelling up of your throat, lips or tongue. This is a life-threatening medical emergency, so get immediate help.
Do not use Letairis if you are pregnant. Drugs.com says this drug can cause birth defects. It is unclear whether Letairis can harm your nursing baby. Tell your physician if you plan to breastfeed.
Drugs.com says that you must tell your doctor if you are taking omeprazole, cyclosporine, indinavir or rifampin. These medications can combine with Letairis and cause the aforementioned effects.
Member Comments