In August 2013 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved changes to the Letairis Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. Letairis is an oral ERA originally approved by the FDA for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2007. … [Read more...]
FDA Approves Adempas And Opsumit For The Treatment of PAH
The past two weeks have been an exciting time for the treatment of PAH. Two drugs were approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)—Adempas (Riociguat) and Opsumit (Macitentan). These drugs are the 12th and 13th to be approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension. … [Read more...]
Assessing The Right Ventricle
The right ventricle is the heart chamber that pumps blood without oxygen through the lungs via the pulmonary arteries. In patients with PAH, the right ventricle is perhaps the most important barometer or gauge of how things are going. … [Read more...]
Why Is My PH Specialist Obsessed With My Weight?
A patient with PH isn’t feeling well. They decide to call their doctor’s office and speak to their nurse coordinator. The conversation starts with the nurse asking about symptoms such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness or dizziness, and fatigue. … [Read more...]
Prior Authorization for PH Medications
Medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension are expensive. Most insurance companies require a prior authorization be obtained by the prescribing physician prior to them paying their portion of the medication cost. The prior authorization process can take anywhere from 1 hour to 14 days depending on the insurance company. … [Read more...]
