Uptravi (Selexipag) for Pulmonary Hypertension

Overview
Uptravi is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization in cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Uptravi may be referred to by its drug name, selexipag.

Uptravi is a prostacyclin receptor agonist. Prostacyclin is a type of prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds made by the body. In cases of PAH, lower levels of prostaglandins are associated with narrowing of blood vessels in the lungs. Prostaglandins are theorized to work in two ways. First, prostaglandins dilate the blood vessels of the lungs, increasing the blood flow and the amount of oxygen the cells receive. Second, prostaglandins help slow scarring in the blood vessels of the lungs, delaying the progress of the disease. Uptravi is believed to work by mimicking the effect of prostaglandins.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Uptravi is taken orally twice daily.

Uptravi comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Uptravi lists common side effects including headache, muscle pain, jaw pain, pain in extremities, flushed skin, nausea, and diarrhea.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Uptravi include pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Uptravi — Actelion
https://www.uptravi.com