What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ambrisentan?
You should not use ambrisentan if you are allergic to it, or if you have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Do not use ambrisentan if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medicine can cause serious birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you miss a menstrual period or think you may have become pregnant.
You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. You will be re-tested every month during your treatment, and 1 month after your last dose.
Even if you are not planning a pregnancy, you are considered able to become pregnant if:
- you have entered puberty (even if you have not yet started having periods);
- you have never had a hysterectomy or had your ovaries removed; or
- you have not gone through menopause (you have never gone 12 months in a row without a menstrual period).
While taking ambrisentan and for at least 30 days after your last dose, you must use a highly effective form of birth control or two methods together.
Recommended forms of birth control forms include:
- a tubal ligation, or a copper IUD (intrauterine device) or progesterone implant;
- one hormone form (birth control pill, skin patch, implant, vaginal ring, or injection) plus 1 barrier form (condom, diaphragm with spermicide, or cervical cap with spermicide);
- a condom and a female barrier form together (diaphragm with spermicide, or cervical cap with spermicide); or
- a partner's vasectomy plus 1 hormone form or 1 barrier form.
Ambrisentan comes with patient instructions about acceptable forms of birth control to use while taking this medicine. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor about emergency contraception if you have unprotected sex or if you believe your contraception has failed.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease; or
- anemia (low red blood cell counts).
You should not breastfeed while you are using ambrisentan.
Ambrisentan may lower a man's sperm count and could affect fertility (your ability to have children).