I often talk with patients who feel a deep frustration with their own bodies. They describe getting winded just walking to the mailbox, their heart pounding after a flight of stairs. When you’re dealing with something like pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, life can feel like you’re constantly trying to catch your breath. It’s a tough road. That’s where treatments like Selexipag injection come in. It’s not a cure, but for many, it’s a vital tool that can help ease that strain and make breathing feel a little less like a battle.
What Is Selexipag Injection and How Does It Work?
So, let’s break it down. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fancy term for high blood pressure in the arteries that go from your heart to your lungs. When that pressure is high, your heart has to work incredibly hard to pump blood through. It’s exhausting for your heart and your body.
Selexipag injection (you might see the brand name Uptravi) works by helping to relax and widen these blood vessels in your lungs. Think of it like opening up a constricted pipe. This lowers the pressure, making it easier for your heart to do its job. The result? It can help you breathe more easily and be more active in your daily life.
What to Discuss with Your Care Team Before Starting
Before you begin any new treatment, it’s so important that we have a full picture of your health. We’re a team, and you’re the most important member. Be sure to tell us if you have a history of:
- Liver disease
- Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), a rare type of high blood pressure in the lungs
- Any allergic reactions to selexipag, other medications, foods, or even dyes
- You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- You are currently breast-feeding
Knowing this helps us make sure this is the safest and best choice for you.
How Is This Medication Given?
This isn’t a pill you’ll take at home. Selexipag injection is given directly into a vein (intravenously) by a nurse or doctor in a hospital or clinic.
Because you’ll be in a medical setting, you don’t need to worry about missing a dose or storing the medication. Your care team will handle all of that, monitoring you closely to make sure everything is going smoothly.
| Potential Side Effects: What to Watch For | |
|---|---|
| Call Your Doctor or Care Team Right Away | |
| Allergic Reactions | Look for things like a skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This needs immediate attention. |
| Common, Less Urgent Side Effects | |
| Common Discomforts | Things like headache, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or pain in your jaw, hands, or feet. |
| Injection Site Issues | You might notice some pain, redness, or irritation where the IV is placed. |
| Let your care team know if these common side effects continue or become really bothersome. We can often help manage them. | |
Important Drug Interactions to Know
Your safety is our top priority. Selexipag can interact with other substances, so it’s crucial to give us a complete list of everything you take—other prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements.
| Selexipag Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Do NOT Take With Selexipag | |
| Gemfibrozil | This is a strong contraindication. Taking these together can be dangerous. |
| Discuss With Your Doctor (May Require Dose Adjustment) | |
| Certain Other Medications | Be sure to mention if you take clopidogrel, deferasirox, rifampin, or teriflunomide. We’ll need to review your regimen carefully. |
This isn’t a complete list, which is why open communication is so important. We’ll go over everything together.
Take-Home Message
- What It Is: Selexipag injection is a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is high blood pressure in the lungs.
- How It Helps: It works by relaxing the blood vessels in your lungs, making it easier for your heart to pump blood and for you to breathe.
- How It’s Given: This medication is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
- Key Safety Info: Always tell your doctor about your full health history, especially liver problems, and provide a complete list of all medications and supplements you take.
- When to Call for Help: Seek immediate medical attention for any signs of an allergic reaction, like rash, hives, or swelling of the face or throat.
Living with a chronic condition like PAH takes courage. Please remember, you are not just a diagnosis. You are a person, and we are here to walk this path with you, every step of the way. You’re not alone in this.