Adcirca Reduces Symptoms of PAH

PAH stands for pulmonary arterial hypertension and is a type of a rare high blood pressure disease that can happen with the constriction of the blood vessels in the right side of your heart and in the pulmonary arteries leading to your lungs. Your doctor can have you undergo a series of tests to be able to diagnose PAH correctly and start you on medication. Adcirca can reduce the symptoms that include shortness of breath, lips turning blue, and chest pain so you are able to take care of your daily tasks without being left breathless.

How Adcirca Works

Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Adcirca, inhibits phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). This is an enzyme that plays a role in the breakdown of cGMP that is an important intracellular regulator. Without PDE-5, there is more cGMP (cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate) available to relax the smooth muscles of your arteries and allow a better blood flow so pulmonary hypertension is relieved and oxygen can be transported around your body. There is no cure for PAH, but Adcirca can help to relieve your symptoms and slow the progression of this disease.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

• Two or more members of your family have PAH
• You are obese and have obstructive sleep apnea
• You are female, especially childbearing age or pregnant
• You live in a high altitude area
• You have other diseases that include heart/lung/liver disease, scleroderma, or lupus
• Certain drugs you take or use

Before Taking Adcirca

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding as some medications can be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help your determine whether Adcirca is safe for you to take.

Proper Use of Adcirca

Until you know how Adcirca will affect you, avoid operating a vehicle or machinery and do not take part in any activities that may be unsafe. Keep Adcirca, and other medications, out of children’s reach and never share with anyone else. You should not stop, start, or change the dosage of any medications you are on without talking with your doctor first. Avoid alcohol and grapefruit products while taking Adcirca as this can increase your risk of adverse effects.

Possible Adcirca Side Effects

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Limb and muscle pain
• Nausea

Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience a decrease in your hearing or vision loss in one or both eyes.

Similar Drugs Prescribed for PAH

• Revatio