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Opsumit (Macitentan)

Prescription requiredOnly Available By Prescription
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Opsumit, with the active ingredient Macitentan, is a prescription medication formulated to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a severe condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that transport blood from the heart to the lungs. By helping to relax and widen these blood vessels, Opsumit eases the workload on the heart, thereby improving both symptoms and quality of life in affected individuals.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists, which specifically block the actions of the endothelin protein, a substance that causes blood vessels to constrict. Regular use of Opsumit leads to the dilation of these arteries, reducing blood pressure and improving oxygen flow throughout the body. Before you buy Opsumit medication, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Opsumit cost.

Fact Table
Formula C19H20Br2N6O4S
License FDA approved
Bioavailability Approximately 73%
Legal status Prescription-only
Chemical Name Macitentan
Elimination half-life 16 hours
Dosage (Strength) 10 mg once daily
Pregnancy Contraindicated
Brands Opsumit
Protein binding >99%
PubChem CID 16004695
MedlinePlus a614044
ChEBI CHEBI:72293
ATC code C02KX04
DrugBank DB08931
KEGG D09952
Routes of administration Oral

Buy Opsumit (Macitentan) online from online Canadian Pharmacy | CanPharm.com

Directions

Opsumit should be used strictly according to your healthcare provider's instructions to ensure effectiveness and safety. The typical dosage involves taking one 10 mg tablet orally once daily, with or without food.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Macitentan

Cautions

Opsumit is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to Macitentan or any other components of the medication. It should not be used by pregnant women due to the risk of harm to the unborn baby, potentially leading to severe birth defects. Women of childbearing age should use reliable forms of contraception during treatment and for one month after discontinuation of Opsumit.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of their complete medical history, especially if they have:

  • Liver problems
  • Anemia or other blood disorders
  • Fluid retention issues

Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to adjust doses or take precautionary measures if adverse effects are observed.

Interactions

Opsumit can interact with other medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of harmful effects. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Notable interactions include:

  • CYP3A4 Inducers: Drugs such as rifampin and St. John's Wort may decrease the effectiveness of Opsumit.
  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Ketoconazole and similar medications could increase the levels of Macitentan, leading to increased side effects.
  • Other Vasodilators: Concurrent use might increase the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure).

Side Effects

Opsumit side effects may include headache, cold-like symptoms, anemia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and flushing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Opsumit (Macitentan)


What is Opsumit?

Opsumit is the brand name for the drug macitentan, which is an endothelin receptor antagonist. It is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to improve exercise ability and delay the progression of the disease.


What is Opsumit used for?

Opsumit is primarily used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs. This medication helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, thereby reducing the symptoms of PAH and improving patients' quality of life.


Why is Opsumit so expensive?

Opsumit is expensive due to several factors, including the costs of research and development, clinical trials, regulatory approval processes, and the need to recoup investments. Additionally, the drug's status as a treatment for a relatively rare condition means that there are fewer patients, leading to higher prices to cover costs.


How does Opsumit work?

Opsumit works by blocking the action of endothelin-1, a substance in the blood that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking endothelin receptors, Opsumit helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, reducing the blood pressure in the lungs and improving blood flow.


How long does it take Opsumit to work?

The effects of Opsumit may vary among individuals, but patients may start to notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting the treatment. Full benefits may take several months to become apparent.


What are the side effects of Opsumit?

Common side effects of Opsumit include:

  • Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms)
  • Headache
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Bronchitis
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Liver enzyme changes

More serious side effects can include liver injury, fluid retention, and decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit.


Does Opsumit cause low blood pressure?

Opsumit can cause low blood pressure (hypotension) as one of its side effects. Patients taking Opsumit should monitor their blood pressure regularly and report any significant drops to their healthcare provider.


How effective is Opsumit?

Opsumit has been shown to be effective in treating PAH by improving exercise capacity and delaying disease progression. Clinical studies have demonstrated that patients taking Opsumit experience fewer hospitalizations and a slower rate of disease worsening compared to those taking a placebo.


When is the best time to take Opsumit?

Opsumit is typically taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body.


What are the side effects of macitentan?

The side effects of macitentan (the active ingredient in Opsumit) include:

  • Nasopharyngitis
  • Headache
  • Anemia
  • Bronchitis
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Liver enzyme changes

More severe side effects can include liver damage, fluid retention, and significant decreases in red blood cell levels, necessitating regular monitoring by healthcare providers.