Letairis

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Letairis

What is Letairis

Ambrisentan

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ambrisentan is a type of oral medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition that causes high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It is prescribed to improve exercise ability and delay the worsening of symptoms. In the United States, it is also used in combination with tadalafil to reduce the risks of disease progression and hospitalization. Ambrisentan works by blocking the action of endothelin, a peptide that causes the muscles in blood vessels to constrict, which helps relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Letairis

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Letairis Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Letairis

Ambrisentan

2007

26

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Ambrisentan, otherwise called Letairis, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses such as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1 PH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension .

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1 PH)

Helps manage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1 PH)

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Helps manage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1 PH)

Effectiveness

How Letairis Affects Patients

Taking 10 mg per day of ambrisentan does not significantly change the QTc interval. However, taking 40 mg per day of ambrisentan can increase the QTc interval by up to 9 ms. Patients taking ambrisentan without other medications are not likely to experience long-term QTc prolongation. Studies have also found that taking ambrisentan can reduce B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels by up to 45% (depending on dosage). This decrease was not seen in the placebo group, which had an 11% increase in BNP levels.

How Letairis works in the body

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a protein found in our bodies that affects the way blood vessels widen and narrow. In people with pulmonary arterial hypertension, there is too much ET-1, which leads to higher blood pressure and more severe symptoms. Ambrisentan is a drug that prevents ET-1 from working properly in blood vessels. It stops the protein from making them narrow, but still allows for other proteins to widen them. This way, the blood pressure stays lower and the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension are reduced.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dose of Letairis is contingent upon the identified condition. The degree of dosage fluctuates, in keeping with the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Oral) highlighted in the table underneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg

, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

Warnings

Letairis has a single contraindication and should not be employed in the presence of any of the conditions listed in the table below.

Letairis Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Letairis.

Common Letairis Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Amifostine

Major

Ambrisentan may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Ambrisentan.

Axitinib

Major

The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Ambrisentan.

Cabazitaxel

Major

The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Ambrisentan.

Carbamazepine

Major

The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Ambrisentan.

Letairis Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Ambrisentan has been linked to birth defects and fetal toxicity. The lowest toxic dose in rats is 3160mg/kg. Long-term studies in rats and mice have not shown any signs of cancer-causing potential.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Letairis Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Letairis?

53 active studies are being conducted to evaluate the potential of Letairis in treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

0 Actively Recruiting

Letairis Reviews: What are patients saying about Letairis?

5

Patient Review

2/14/2012

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I took this medication for 2 weeks and all of my joints were affected. This is not the usual reaction, but after not using it for about 5 days, my joints no longer were painful. Sure wish it had worked.

5

Patient Review

6/20/2014

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

My pressure and wedge pressure were both elevated when I first started this treatment, but after following the instructions it's reduced to normal levels. I'm also able to do yard work again without pain.

5

Patient Review

12/10/2013

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I've been on this drug for over a year and it's made a significant difference in my breathing. The only downside is the stuffy nose, but that's an easy fix with some nose spray.

5

Patient Review

2/17/2015

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

This drug has really helped me and I'm grateful for it.

5

Patient Review

8/3/2014

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I've been using this medication for four years and it's been fantastic. It's really helped me to breathe better.

5

Patient Review

9/21/2013

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I'm really happy with the results of this treatment. My pressures during a right heart cath were 136, which is very bad. I haven't had a recent check but I know it must be way down by now. Sometimes I almost feel like a normal person! The only downside is that this drug costs $7,000 per month, so I worry that I won't be able to stay on it. But so far there have been no side effects, and fingers crossed it will continue to work well for me.

5

Patient Review

10/16/2012

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Letairis has given me back so much quality of life. I'm now able to do almost anything I want, whereas before my options were very limited.

5

Patient Review

8/23/2012

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

This treatment has really worked well for me. I'm giving it a five star rating.

5

Patient Review

5/5/2010

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

4.7

Patient Review

10/23/2012

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Letaris has been a life-saver for me. I have PAH secondary to Scleroderma, and this treatment has helped me immensely over the past three years.

4.7

Patient Review

6/18/2011

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

3

Patient Review

3/28/2015

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I've been on this medication for a few years now. Recently, I had to start using oxygen and my doctors are planning on putting me on another drug in addition to this one. I often have a stuffy nose and make noise when breathing.

2.7

Patient Review

10/22/2015

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

At first, this medication seemed to help my overall activity level. However, after a few months I started noticing that I was sleeping more than usual. This led to concerns from friends, family and my employer. My doctor then switched me to Opsumit and I've been feeling great since!

2.3

Patient Review

10/7/2013

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

My husband took this treatment for five months and it made him worse. He said that it was killing him and he stopped taking it six weeks before he passed away. I strongly believe that this was a major factor in his death.

2

Patient Review

7/18/2011

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

1.7

Patient Review

5/12/2014

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I started taking this medication over the weekend, so I haven't seen any effects yet.

1

Patient Review

3/5/2010

Letairis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about letairis

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Letairis used for?

"Letairis is a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by blocking the effects of endothelin-1. This helps to decrease the blood pressure in the lungs, slow the worsening of symptoms, and improve the patient's ability to exercise."

Answered by AI

Does Letairis lower blood pressure?

"Ambrisentan is a drug used to lower blood pressure in the lungs, helping the heart to pump blood more efficiently. It is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults, and can improve the patient's ability to exercise and prevent the condition from worsening."

Answered by AI

Is Letairis a specialty drug?

"Gilead Sciences has chosen eight specialty pharmacies to distribute their drug, Letairis. Letairis is a drug that treats pulmonary high blood pressure, which can be deadly. This news is from Nov 5, 2007."

Answered by AI

How much does Letairis cost?

"Letairis oral tablet 5 mg is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug.

The average cost for 10 Letairis oral tablets 5 mg is $3,962, depending on the pharmacy. Prices are for cash only, and not valid with insurance plans. The drug is available as a brand-name or generic."

Answered by AI