Often used for:
N/A
What is bosentan?
Bosentan (also called Tracleer®) treats high blood pressure in the lungs and helps improve exercise ability. It may be given for other reasons as directed by a doctor. It comes as 62.5 mg and 125 mg tablets and a pharmacy-made liquid, all taken by mouth.
Possible side effects
- Most common side effects include anemia (low red blood cell count), respiratory tract infection, headache, irritated nose, swelling in the legs, low blood pressure, and flushing.
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in the face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or fainting
- Rapid weight gain or swelling in hands, ankles, lower legs, or feet
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
- Warmth or redness in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest
- Dark urine or pale stools, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Joint pain
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, or swelling of the face or neck.
- Not all patients who take bosentan will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not take bosentan if you have had an allergic reaction to it.
- Avoid using bosentan with cyclosporine or glyburide.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; this medicine may harm an unborn baby.
- Use an extra form of birth control because hormone-based methods may not work well. Continue for at least 1 month after stopping treatment.
- You must test negative for pregnancy before starting therapy and have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment.
- Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
- Bosentan may lower sperm counts in men. Discuss fertility concerns with your doctor.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 4 hours of the next dose. Do not double doses.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, or lung problems.
- Do not stop bosentan suddenly; the doctor will taper the dose.
- Keep all appointments for lab tests to monitor the medicine's effects.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines, vitamins, or herbal products.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking bosentan.
- Follow instructions to avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after treatment.
