Adempas

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Treatment

3 FDA approvals

7 Active Studies for Adempas

Treatment for

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

What is Adempas

RiociguatThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryRiociguat (brand name Adempas) is a prescription drug used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). It works by increasing the activity of an enzyme called soluble guanylate cyclase. A 30-day supply of the drug costs $7,500.

Adempasis the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Adempas Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Adempas

Riociguat

2013

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Riociguat, also known as Adempas, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses like Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) .

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Helps manage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Helps manage Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Helps manage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Effectiveness

How Adempas works in the bodyRiociguat helps treat pulmonary hypertension by increasing the amount of a signaling molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). It works by activating an enzyme called soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). This enzyme helps produce cGMP when it binds to nitric oxide, a molecule released by the body. Riociguat boosts this process in two ways: it stabilizes the bond between sGC and nitric oxide, and it directly stimulates sGC without nitric oxide. Both of these effects lead to more cGMP, which causes blood vessels to widen and reduce symptoms of

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended measure of Adempas is dependent upon the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage fluctuates, contingent upon the technique of administration featured in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

0.5 mg, , 1.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.5 mg

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

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

0.5 mg, , 1.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.5 mg

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

Warnings

Adempas has thirteen contraindications and should not be utilized in unison with the conditions found in the following table.Adempas Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulmonary Hypertension

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Adempas.

Common Adempas Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Amifostine

Major

Riociguat may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.

Brigatinib

Major

The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Riociguat.

Cabazitaxel

Major

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

Enasidenib

Major

The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Riociguat.

Erlotinib

Major

The metabolism of Erlotinib can be decreased when combined with Riociguat.

Adempas Toxicity & Overdose RiskPregnant women should not take Riociguat as it can harm the fetus. Women of reproductive age should verify they are not pregnant before beginning treatment, and should use effective birth control methods while taking it. Riociguat is only available under a special program called the Adempas Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy.

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

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

At present, 56 clinical trials are being conducted to assess the effectiveness of Adempas in mitigating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

4 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2

Adempas Reviews: What are patients saying about Adempas?

3.3Patient Review

12/7/2017

Adempas for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I've been on this medication for a while now, and from the beginning, it's given me stomach pain and upset. Recently, I've started bleeding from my gums and bowels. I don't feel unwell otherwise, but my oxygen levels haven't changed much either. I'll give it a few more months to see if there are any improvements.

3.3Patient Review

10/7/2014

Adempas for Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension After Pulmonary Embolism

I experienced dizziness on the first day of each dosage increase, up to a maximum of 2.5mg.

2.7Patient Review

7/28/2014

Adempas for Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension After Pulmonary Embolism

I have experienced extreme gastrointestinal issues, to the point where I had to increase my use of prilosec. I've also dealt with diarrhea and constipation, as well as bone pain and hair loss. My dermatologist believes that the hair loss may be a result of the combination of cuomadin and adempas; regardless, it is pretty extreme. I'm not sure that this treatment has improved my overall wellbeing when compared to the Tracleer/Adcirca combo.

1.7Patient Review

3/20/2018

Adempas for Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension After Pulmonary Embolism

I saw no improvement after two months of use. If anything, I felt worse; heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain were all daily occurrences. And the supposed increase in quality of life? Nowhere to be found.

1.7Patient Review

11/2/2021

Adempas for Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension After Pulmonary Embolism

I was on Adempas for almost 4 months. It never helped me past a .5 dosage, and it tore my stomach up. My breathing also got worse while I was taking the medication. My first 6 minute walk was easy before starting Adempas, but after starting the medication I struggled. The physician who prescribed me the drug ignored my concerns and refused to listen to me. I went to Mayo Clinic, where I was referred by the same physician. They took me off the medication immediately. I am currently 66 years old and was diagnosed in April 2020.

View All Reviews

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Patient Q&A Section about adempas

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

How effective is Adempas?

"A study of 443 adults with PAH found that those taking Adempas were able to walk 98 feet further in a six-minute walk test than those not taking the drug after 12 weeks."

Answered by AI

What is Adempas drug used for?

"Adempas is approved to treat adults with persistent or recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension that cannot be treated with surgery."

Answered by AI

Is Adempas generic?

"There is no version of the drug Adempas that is therapeutically equivalent in the United States. There may be some online pharmacies that sell counterfeit versions of the drug which may be unsafe."

Answered by AI

What kind of drug is Adempas?

"Adempas can help to lower blood pressure in the lungs, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. It is used to treat a condition called chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, which can't be cured with surgery, or where surgery hasn't worked."

Answered by AI