Letairis (ambrisentan) is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. This disorder involves high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. This drug helps maintain the pumping action of the heart. Letairis may be taken at meal time or without food. A typical dose is 5 mg. Letairis may cause some serious side effects that may affect overall health.
Water Retention
Letairis may cause water retention, which will lead the body to appear swollen. The typical locations that may hold fluids are the legs, ankles, hands and feet. Any noticeable sudden increase in weight while taking Letairis may be a sign of water retention. The swelling may also cause a patient to feel breathless. Heart failure may eventually develop due to the swelling.
Stuffy Nose
A stuffy nose (nasopharyngitis) and sinus pain may occur with Letairis use, according to the Food and Drug Administration. These problems may be sporadic during treatment or may be ongoing.
Birth Defects
Pregnant women (or women nearing a time for pregnancy) should not take Letairis because it is known to cause birth defects. Breast feeding is also contraindicated while on Letairis. Do not breast feed a baby while on this drug.
Liver Damage
Letairis is known to sometimes cause liver damage. Letairis is prohibited for use on patients with previous liver damage. Symptoms to watch for that may indicate liver damage are jaundice, vomiting, dark color to the urine, exhaustion, fever, stomach pain and itching. A doctor will schedule regular liver function tests to ensure that this drug is not damaging a person's liver.
Reduced Sperm Count
Letairis may lower sperm counts. Men who are planning on fathering children should not take this drug, as it may limit their fertility.
Heart Palpitations
Letairis may cause cardiac irregularities such as heart palpitations, the Food and Drug Administration notes. This disorder may cause a patient to feel as thought the heart is bouncing in the chest. A patient may feel flushed or have hot flashes as well.
Reduced Red Blood Cell Count
Use of Letairis may negatively affect red blood cell counts. This may make a patient feel tired and weak. The lower red blood cell counts may eventually lead to anemia.
Overdose
An overdose is rare but possible with Letairis use. If a patient feels as if he is moving into unconsciousness, it may be a symptom of a Letairis overdose.
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