It works by reducing blood levels of a molecule called endothelin, which is naturally present in the blood. The amount of endothelin in the blood is increased to a dangerous level in people with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. It is thought that these increased levels of endothelin are actually one of the causes of PPH, because endothelin causes blood vessels to constrict, and therefore elevates blood pressure.



Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is a serious disease, and currently it is not curable. However, the progress of the disease can be slowed and the severity of symptoms can be alleviated with the use of drugs such as Tracleer. All of the drugs used in PPH treatment do have side effects, some of which are unpleasant or serious and require careful monitoring. However, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension has very severe consequences if left untreated, and the benefits of medication outweigh the risks of side effects.

Please note that this article should not be used as a substitute for professional medical help. If you experience any symptoms that are not noted here, consult your doctor or another medical professional as soon as possible.

Side Effects of Tracleer

Minor side effects include flushed skin, headaches, irritation of the nose or throat, and stomach upsets. These side effects are common for people undergoing this treatment. The severity of these symptoms may decrease as your medication dosage is adjusted, and it can take time before an optimal dose is established.

Any occurrence of side effects should be reported to your doctor while your treatment program is being established and at any other time if they become persistent. While these side effects are not necessarily serious or life-threatening, they may indicate that your Tracleer treatment dosage requires adjustment, or that you may be responding to PPH treatment in an abnormal fashion.

The following side effects are more serious and require immediate medical attention.

* Coughing up blood

* Dizziness or fainting

* Irregular heartbeat or a pounding feeling in the chest

* Lightheadedness

* Shortness of breath

* Swelling of the legs or ankles

* Sudden weight gain

Allergic Reactions

If you are allergic to it, your symptoms may include:

* A rash or hives on the skin

* Itching of the skin

* Shortness of breath

* A feeling of tightness in the chest

* Swelling of the tongue or throat

* Swelling of the lips or other facial features

Seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur, as a severe allergic reaction can be fatal if untreated.

Liver Damage - Signs to watch for

The use of it can cause a reduction in liver function, and may cause serious liver damage. Before and during it's treatment, you will be required to undergo liver function tests to monitor your liver for side effects.

While taking it, look for the following warning signs that may indicate liver problems: nausea or vomiting, fever or stomach pain, yellow skin or yellow eyes, dark urine, pale-colored bowel movements, or excessive tiredness. If any of these symptoms occur, consult with your doctor. You will most likely need to undergo liver function tests, and your doctor may decide to adjust your treatment plan or discuss alternative treatments to prevent further liver damage.

Note that at this time it is thought that the liver damage caused by this treatment is not permanent. In most cases of liver damage caused by it, normal liver function returns after the treatment is stopped.

Drug Interactions

Tracleer interacts with a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter medicines which can reduce the effectiveness of it or cause other side effects. If you are taking any other medications prior to or while taking Tracleer it is vital to make sure your doctor is aware of these. Because commonly-used medications such as Advil and Aleve can reduce the effectiveness of it, it is also important to seek medical advice before using any over-the-counter drugs while taking Tracleer for PPH treatment.

Tracleer is also known to reduce the effectiveness of most oral and injected birth control medications as well as implanted contraceptive devices. Because it also causes severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy, it is very important that women taking it use additional or alternative forms of birth control to avoid becoming pregnant.