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Overview: Orenitram is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. It works by widening blood vessels in the lungs to make it easier for blood to flow. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, flushing, and pain in your jaw. Orenitram comes as a tablet that you swallow.

 

Uses

What is Orenitram used for?

Orenitram is commonly used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition where you have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs.

Orenitram may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Orenitram work (mechanism of action)?

Orenitram relaxes blood vessels and stops the growth of certain muscle cells inside blood vessels. This helps widen the blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing strain on the heart in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension. 

How is Orenitram supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Orenitram

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg extended-release oral tablets

How should I store Orenitram?

Orenitram should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Orenitram?

The most common side effects of Orenitram are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the Orenitram product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in your jaw, arms, or legs
  • Flushing

There may be other side effects of Orenitram that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Orenitram?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Orenitram are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Orenitram may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Orenitram?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Orenitram.

  • Treprostinil
  • Orenitram
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Orenitram products they stock.

Severe Liver Problems. Orenitram should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to find out if it is working well enough for you to take this medicine.

What should I know about Orenitram before using it?

Do not use Orenitram unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. 

Do not stop the medicine or change your dosage unless your health care provider tells you to do so. This could cause your condition to get worse.

Do not share Orenitram with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Orenitram out of the reach of children.

Do not split, crush, break, or chew Orenitram tablets. Do not take a tablet if it is broken or damaged. Taking a broken or damaged Orenitram tablet may increase the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole, with food. 

You may notice pieces of Orenitram tablets in your stool (poop). This can happen because your body does not fully digest the tablet shell. This is not usually something to be concerned about.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from Orenitram. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Orenitram?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Orenitram is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have liver problems. Your health care provider can find out if Orenitram is safe for you.

Diverticulosis. Before taking Orenitram tablets, tell your health care provider if you have diverticulosis, a condition where you have small pouches in your intestines. Undigested pieces of Orenitram tablets could get stuck in these pouches and cause problems.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Orenitram may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Orenitram, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Orenitram could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Orenitram passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Orenitram interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Orenitram and specific foods or drinks. 

Always take Orenitram with food. This helps your body absorb the medicine better, so it can work the way it should.

There are no known interactions between Orenitram and alcohol.

Does Orenitram interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Orenitram.

  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Any other medicine that contains Orenitram, such as Tyvaso

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Orenitram. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Orenitram. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Orenitram?

If you or someone else has used too much Orenitram, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Orenitram?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible with food. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss two or more doses of Orenitram in a row, call your health care provider. They will let you know how much to take and when.