While a cure is still being sought, significant advancements have been made in managing Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), with medical research yielding a variety of treatments. Numerous medications effectively increase longevity and improve the quality of life for many patients. Fortunately, India boasts domestically manufactured and marketed PH medications, eliminating the need for imports to a good degree. The production of PH medicines in India has thus made treatment relatively more accessible and affordable for individuals with PH.
Let’s explore some options of PH Medicines in India:
Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs): ERAs obstruct the effects of endothelin, a substance that constricts the pulmonary arteries. ERAs available in India include bosentan (Bosentas), ambrisentan (Endobloc, Pulmonext, Ambrican), and macitentan (Opsutan, Macitent, Macikad).
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors: PDE5 inhibitors function by increasing levels of nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes blood vessels. PDE5 inhibitors available in India include sildenafil (Assurans, PAH 20, Vasosure) and tadalafil (Pulmopres, Tadacip, Tadovas, Cialis).
Combination packs: Convenient for patients taking both medications, combination packs contain one tablet with an ERA and a PDE5 inhibitor. The combination packs available in India are Endobloc T Kit & Pulmonext Kit (ambrisentan 5 mg + tadalafil 20 mg).
Guanylate cyclase stimulators: They directly activate the nitric oxide-producing enzyme guanylate cyclase. The sole example is riociguat (Rioci).
Nonprostanoid IP prostacyclin receptor agonists: These are a newer class of PH medications that replicate the effects of prostacyclin, a natural substance that widens blood vessels and inhibits platelet aggregation. The sole drug available in this category is selexipag (Zexipag, Selepeg).
Other medications: Additionally, there are medications such as calcium channel blockers (CCBs), blood thinners, diuretics, and oxygen therapy that may be employed to treat PH.
Advanced PH Medicines available on import:
Prostacyclin analogues: These are highly effective PH medications, but they can be challenging to administer and have various side effects. While not currently marketed in India, patients may import prostacyclin analogues for individual use. Some examples include Treprostinil, Iloprost, Epoprostenol. Please contact Pulmonary Hypertension India for vendors & sources.
Choosing the Right Medication:
Consulting your doctor is crucial for selecting the optimal medication based on your specific PH type, individual circumstances, and potential side effects.
Important Reminders:
- PH requires treatment by a qualified healthcare professional, more particularly, by a PH Specialist.
- None of these therapies are over-the-counter (OTC).
- Consult Pulmonary Hypertension India for resources and support.
Contact Pulmonary Hypertension India for crowdsourced resources about obtaining discounted medications.
