Brand Name(s):

• Letairis®

IMPORTANT WARNING

Do not take ambrisentan if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ambrisentan may harm the fetus. If you are sexually active and able to become pregnant, you should not begin taking ambrisentan until a pregnancy test has shown that you are not pregnant. You must use two reliable methods of birth control during treatment with this medication and for one month after stopping treatment. Do not have unprotected sex. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. Call your doctor immediately if you miss a menstrual period or think you may be pregnant while you are taking ambrisentan.

Because of the risk of birth defects, ambrisentan is available only through a special restricted distribution program. A program called LEAP (Letairis Education and Access Program) has been set up to make sure that all patients have appropriate lab tests before and while they are receiving ambrisentan. All patients, including women who cannot become pregnant and men, can get ambrisentan only if they are registered with LEAP. Your doctor must enroll you in this program. As part of enrolling, your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of taking this medication and the need to have a blood test to check for anemia (low red blood cell count) and pregnancy before you begin treatment. If you are a woman who can become pregnant you must have regular monthly pregnancy tests throughout your treatment with ambrisentan. When you enroll you will choose a certified specialty pharmacy that will ship your medication to you. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about how you will receive your medication.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests during your treatment with ambrisentan.

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Ambrisentan is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, high blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood to the lungs). Ambrisentan may improve the ability to exercise and slow the worsening of symptoms in people with PAH. Ambrisentan is in a class of medications called endothelin receptor antagonists. It works by stopping the action of endothelin, a natural substance that causes blood vessels to narrow and prevents normal blood flow in people who have PAH.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Ambrisentan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take ambrisentan at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ambrisentan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of ambrisentan and gradually increase your dose.

Ambrisentan controls the symptoms of PAH but does not cure it. Continue to take ambrisentan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ambrisentan without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking ambrisentan, your condition may worsen.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking ambrisentan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ambrisentan, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ambrisentan tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention if you are taking cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• headache
• flushing
• dizziness
• nausea
• nasal congestion

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: August 15, 2012.