Opsumit

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Opsumit

What is Opsumit

Macitentan

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Macitentan is a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the lungs. It was approved by the FDA in 2013 and is considered safer than its predecessor, bosentan, since it carries a lower risk of liver damage.

Opsumit

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Opsumit Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Opsumit

Macitentan

2013

1

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Macitentan, otherwise called Opsumit, 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 Opsumit Affects Patients

Macitentan works by decreasing the effects of endothelin, a chemical that can cause the narrowing of blood vessels and the growth of cells.

How Opsumit works in the body

Macitentan works by blocking two kinds of receptors, endothelin A and B receptors. These receptors send signals from molecules called endothelins, which increase blood vessel constriction and cause smooth muscle cells to multiply. Macitentan stops these effects by stopping the signals from being sent, which reduces constriction and stops the cells from multiplying. It mainly works on endothelin A receptors, as blocking endothelin B receptors doesn't have as much of an effect.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dosage of Opsumit is contingent upon the identified condition. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet or Tablet, film coated - Oral) exposed in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

, 10.0 mg

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

Warnings

Opsumit Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Macitentan may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Opsumit.

Common Opsumit Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Amifostine

Major

Macitentan may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.

Acrivastine

Minor

Macitentan may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.

Albutrepenonacog alfa

Minor

Macitentan may decrease the excretion rate of Albutrepenonacog alfa which could result in a higher serum level.

Aliskiren

Minor

Macitentan may increase the hypotensive activities of Aliskiren.

Almasilate

Minor

Macitentan may decrease the excretion rate of Almasilate which could result in a higher serum level.

Opsumit Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Taking too much macitentan can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. If an overdose happens, supportive care is recommended. Hemodialysis is not expected to be very effective in removing macitentan from the blood, since it binds to proteins in the plasma.

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

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

Currently, 53 active clinical trials are assessing the potential of Opsumit to manage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

0 Actively Recruiting

Opsumit Reviews: What are patients saying about Opsumit?

4.7

Patient Review

10/22/2015

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I was surprised to read other reviews but I am, so far, very pleased with this medication. It's helped my overall activity and breathing a lot. I've only been on Opsumit for 4 months now, but the combination of it and Adcirca (which I've been taking for a year) is working great for me.

4.3

Patient Review

2/16/2019

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I found that adcirca at a dosage of 40mg once daily worked well for me. I took it at night and found that my symptoms would return if I missed a dose, so it's definitely effective. However, I have recently been having trouble breathing through my nose for the past two months with no sign of a sinus infection, so it's possible this is a side effect of the medication.

4.3

Patient Review

4/19/2019

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

My mother was using 8 liters of oxygen due to pulmonary hypertension. However, after today's echo showed that her pulmonary hypertension is gone. The only side effects she experienced were low hemoglobin and needing a blood transfusion (just once). This treatment doesn't magically cure COPD, but it has helped my mother a lot.

2.7

Patient Review

8/29/2017

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I have CHF, pulmonary hypertension, and right heart failure. I'm 47 years old. Opsumit seems to make it impossible for me to take walks without having to take many breaks.

2.3

Patient Review

12/22/2014

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I felt much better on Tracleer than I did when I switched to Opsumit. I would not recommend Opsumit based on my experience.

2.3

Patient Review

12/1/2017

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

This medication has not had any impact on my breathing whatsoever.

2.3

Patient Review

2/1/2015

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I was diagnosed with PAH in 2011. I was put on Opsumit 4 months ago and feel worse than ever. Dizzy, dull chest pain, weak, tired, depressed more than on tracleer and sick to my stomach all the time.

2

Patient Review

9/1/2014

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Unfortunately, this medication made my breathing worse and I developed a cough while taking it. I'm glad I stopped taking it, as it was doing more harm than good.

1

Patient Review

7/18/2018

Opsumit for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I had to stop taking opsumit after only a week because it made my breathing more difficult, caused chest pain and an irregular heartbeat, and lowered my blood pressure. I don't know why my doctor prescribed this medication to me since it just made me feel worse.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about opsumit

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

What are the side effects of Opsumit?

"Anemia, common cold-like symptoms, bronchitis, headache, and flu are all symptoms of a low red blood cell count. Urinary tract infections are also common in people with a low red blood cell count."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Opsumit used for?

"OPSMUIT is a prescription medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group 1). PAH is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. OPSUMIT can improve your ability to exercise as measured by the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD)."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for Opsumit to work?

"After 16 weeks of treatment, Opsumit was shown to significantly reduce mean pulmonary vascular resistance compared to the placebo group."

Answered by AI

What class of medication is Opsumit?

"The drug OPSUMIT is designed to help treat patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension by reducing the risks of their disease progressing and the need for hospitalization."

Answered by AI