Key facts about Uptravi
What is Uptravi?
Uptravi is the brand name for selexipag and is available as an oral tablet and an injection for IV use.
What dosages is Uptravi available in?
Uptravi is available as a 200 mcg, 400 mcg, 600 mcg, 800 mcg, 1000 mcg, 1200 mcg, 1400 mcg, and 1600 mcg oral tablet and a 1800 mcg injection for IV use.
What is Uptravi used for?
Uptravi is a prostacyclin agonist and is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH (high blood pressure in the blood vessels in your lungs).
How does Uptravi work?
Uptravi is a prostacyclin agonist. It acts like prostacyclin, a natural chemical in your body, to relax the blood vessels in your lungs. This lowers the blood pressure in your lungs and allows more blood to flow through. As a result, your heart is able to pump better, your body gets more oxygen, and you should be able to breathe and exercise easier.
How do I take Uptravi?
Uptravi is typically started at 200 mcg by mouth twice daily. Your provider will slowly raise your dose to the highest dose you can tolerate. The maximum dose is 1,600 mcg twice daily. Your dose might differ if you have liver problems. It might also differ you’re taking certain medications that can interact with Uptravi, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or rifampin (Rifadin). Uptravi is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion into your veins that’s given by a healthcare provider in the hospital.
Is it safe for me to take Uptravi?
Uptravi is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
- Concomitant use with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients
Uptravi Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Uptravi:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Jaw pain
- Vomiting
- Pain in arms or legs
- Muscle pain
- Flushing
Uptravi Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Uptravi.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Uptravi
The following medications may interact with Uptravi:
- Moderate CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel, deferasirox and teriflunomide) increase exposure to the active metabolite of Uptravi. Reduce the dosing of Uptravi to once daily CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampin) decrease exposure to the active metabolite
- Increase up to twice the dose of Uptravi
Who makes Uptravi?
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Is Uptravi safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Uptravi in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
