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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

BOSENTAN: 19,581 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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19,581
Total FAERS Reports
4,346 (22.2%)
Deaths Reported
8,862
Hospitalizations
19,581
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
303
Life-Threatening
232
Disabilities
Apr 26, 2019
FDA Approved
Actelion Pharmaceuticals US...
Manufacturer
Prescription
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Cytochrome P450 2C9 Inducers [MoA] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. · FDA Application: 021290 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: May 15, 2026 · First Report: 10250101 · Latest Report: 20250910

What Are the Most Common BOSENTAN Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Dyspnoea
2,492 reports (12.7%)
#2 Most Reported
Death
2,388 reports (12.2%)
#3 Most Reported
Pneumonia
1,064 reports (5.4%)

All BOSENTAN Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Dyspnoea 2,492 12.7% 501 1,640
Death 2,388 12.2% 2,384 689
Pneumonia 1,064 5.4% 264 946
Fatigue 1,025 5.2% 116 449
Headache 962 4.9% 94 467
Hospitalisation 915 4.7% 105 913
Malaise 894 4.6% 130 445
Diarrhoea 840 4.3% 132 484
Product dose omission issue 798 4.1% 18 174
Pulmonary arterial hypertension 778 4.0% 358 506
Nausea 765 3.9% 98 428
Condition aggravated 739 3.8% 239 464
Dizziness 721 3.7% 95 376
Cough 705 3.6% 100 400
Off label use 659 3.4% 100 272
Fall 643 3.3% 111 473
Vomiting 593 3.0% 77 378
Fluid retention 561 2.9% 140 461
Pyrexia 545 2.8% 84 409
Chest pain 537 2.7% 72 345

Who Reports BOSENTAN Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 73.2% female, 26.8% male. Average age: 52.5 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is BOSENTAN Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 2 0 2
2001 2 0 2
2002 2 0 2
2003 2 0 0
2004 7 1 6
2005 5 2 2
2006 25 20 4
2007 27 21 5
2008 18 5 7
2009 27 13 18
2010 28 13 17
2011 68 14 44
2012 73 24 38
2013 114 29 82
2014 283 72 201
2015 946 401 533
2016 1,247 529 688
2017 1,131 395 711
2018 1,055 325 689
2019 1,472 304 751
2020 1,175 215 555
2021 999 101 391
2022 917 103 311
2023 503 50 224
2024 245 25 115
2025 120 21 65

View full timeline →

What Is BOSENTAN Used For?

IndicationReports
Pulmonary arterial hypertension 12,387
Product used for unknown indication 3,679
Pulmonary hypertension 2,337
Scleroderma associated digital ulcer 246
Skin ulcer 211
Systemic scleroderma 120
Heart disease congenital 65
Connective tissue disorder 62
Cor pulmonale chronic 60
Raynaud's phenomenon 59

BOSENTAN vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

BOSENTAN vs BOSENTAN\BOSENTAN BOSENTAN vs BOSUTINIB BOSENTAN vs BOTOX BOSENTAN vs BOTOX COSMETIC BOSENTAN vs BOTULINUM TOXIN NOS BOSENTAN vs BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A BOSENTAN vs BREMELANOTIDE BOSENTAN vs BRENTUXIMAB BOSENTAN vs BRENTUXIMAB VEDOTIN BOSENTAN vs BREO ELLIPTA

Other Drugs in Same Class: Cytochrome P450 2C9 Inducers [MoA]

Official FDA Label for BOSENTAN

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

TRACLEER ® is the proprietary name for bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist that belongs to a class of highly substituted pyrimidine derivatives, with no chiral centers. It is designated chemically as 4-tert-butyl-N-[6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2´]-bipyrimidin-4-yl]- benzenesulfonamide monohydrate and has the following structural formula: Bosentan has a molecular weight of 569.64 and a molecular formula of C 27 H 29 N 5 O 6 S∙H 2 O. Bosentan is a white to yellowish powder. It is poorly soluble in water (1.0 mg/100 mL) and in aqueous solutions at low pH (0.1 mg/100 mL at pH 1.1 and 4.0; 0.2 mg/100 mL at pH 5.0). Solubility increases at higher pH values (43 mg/100 mL at pH 7.5). In the solid state, bosentan is very stable, is not hygroscopic and is not light sensitive. TRACLEER is available as 62.5 mg and 125 mg film-coated tablets for oral administration, and contains the following excipients: corn starch, ethylcellulose, glyceryl behenate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, magnesium stearate, povidone, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, talc, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. Each TRACLEER 62.5 mg tablet contains 64.54 mg of bosentan monohydrate, equivalent to 62.5 mg of anhydrous bosentan. Each TRACLEER 125 mg tablet contains 129.08 mg of bosentan monohydrate, equivalent to 125 mg of anhydrous bosentan. TRACLEER is also available as a 32 mg tablet for oral suspension and contains the following excipients: acesulfame potassium, aspartame (E951), calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous, cellulose microcrystalline, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silica colloidal anhydrous, tartaric acid, and tutti frutti flavor. Each dispersible tablet contains 1.87 mg of phenylalanine. Each dispersible tablet contains 33.045 mg of bosentan monohydrate, equivalent to 32 mg anhydrous bosentan.

Chemical

Structure

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Bosentan tablets for oral suspension are indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1): in adults to improve exercise ability and to decrease clinical worsening. Studies establishing effectiveness included predominantly patients with WHO Functional Class II-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (60%), PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (21%) and PAH associated with congenital heart disease with left-to-right shunts (18%) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older with idiopathic or congenital PAH to improve pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which is expected to result in an improvement in exercise ability. Bosentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1): in adults to improve exercise ability and to decrease clinical worsening. Studies establishing effectiveness included predominantly patients with WHO Functional Class II-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (60%), PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (21%) and PAH associated with congenital heart disease with left-to- right shunts (18%) ( 1 ). in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older with idiopathic or congenital PAH to improve pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which is expected to result in an improvement in exercise ability ( 1 ).

Dosage & Administration

2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Patients older than 12 years of age: initiate at 62.5 mg orally twice daily; for patients weighing greater than 40 kg, increase to 125 mg orally twice daily after 4 weeks ( 2.2 ).
  • Patients 12 years of age and younger: dosage is based on weight, see Table 1 ( 2.2 ).
  • Reduce the dose and closely monitor patients developing aminotransferase elevations more than 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) ( 2.1 ).

2.1 Required Monitoring Healthcare professionals who prescribe bosentan tablets for oral suspension must enroll in the Bosentan REMS Program and must comply with the required monitoring to minimize the risks associated with bosentan <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]</span> . Obtain a pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential prior to bosentan treatment, monthly during treatment and one month after stopping bosentan. Initiate treatment with bosentan in females of reproductive potential only after a negative pregnancy test <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Boxed Warning , Contraindications (4.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]</span> . Measure liver aminotransferase levels prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> .

2.2 Recommended Dosage Administer bosentan orally following the dosing recommendations in Table 1. Doses above 125 mg twice daily did not appear to confer additional benefit sufficient to offset the increased risk of hepatotoxicity.

Table

1: Dosing Recommendations Initial 4 weeks Maintenance (after 4 weeks) Patients >12 years of age and >40 kg 62.5 mg twice daily 125 mg twice daily Patients >12 years of age and <40 kg 62.5 mg twice daily 62.5 mg twice daily Patients ≤12 years of age ≥4-8 kg ˃8-16 kg ˃16-24 kg ˃24-40 kg 16 mg twice daily 32 mg twice daily 48 mg twice daily 64 mg twice daily 16 mg twice daily 32 mg twice daily 48 mg twice daily 64 mg twice daily

2.3 Administration Bosentan tablets for oral suspension (dispersible tablets) should be administered orally twice daily. Disperse tablets for oral suspension, or dispersible tablet half, in a minimal amount of water immediately before administration. Store divided dispersible tablet pieces at 20 ºC to 25 ºC (68 ºF to 77 ºF) in the opened blister for up to 7 days.

2.4 Dosage Adjustments for Aminotransferase Elevations If aminotransferase levels increase, adjust monitoring and treatment plan according to Table 2. Discontinue bosentan if liver aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity (such as nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual lethargy or fatigue) or bilirubin ≥2xUpper Limit of Normal (ULN). There is no experience with the reintroduction of bosentan in these circumstances.

Table

2: Dosage Adjustment and Monitoring in Patients Developing Aminotransferase Elevations >3xULN ALT/AST levels Treatment and monitoring recommendations > 3 and ≤ 5xULN Confirm by another aminotransferase test; if confirmed, - in adults and pediatric patients >12 years and >40 kg , reduce the daily dose to 62.5 mg twice daily or interrupt treatment, and monitor aminotransferase levels at least every 2 weeks. If the aminotransferase levels return to pretreatment values, treatment may continue or be reintroduced at 62.5 mg twice daily, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. - in all other pediatric patients, interrupt treatment with no prior dose reduction. If the aminotransferase levels return to pretreatment values, reintroduce at the dose used prior to treatment interruption, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. > 5 and ≤ 8xULN Confirm by another aminotransferase test; if confirmed, stop treatment and monitor aminotransferase levels at least every 2 weeks. Once the aminotransferase levels return to pretreatment values, - in adults and pediatric patients >12 years and >40 kg , consider reintroduction of treatment at 62.5 mg twice daily, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. - in all other pediatric patients , consider reintroduction at the dose used prior to treatment interruption, with reassessment of aminotransferase levels within 3 days. > 8xULN Stop treatment permanently. There is no experience with reintroduction of bosentan in these circumstances.

2.5 Use with Ritonavir Co-administration of Bosentan in Patients on Ritonavir In patients who have been receiving ritonavir for at least 10 days, start bosentan at the recommended initial dose once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ]</span> . Co-administration of Ritonavir in Patients on Bosentan Discontinue use of bosentan at least 36 hours prior to initiation of ritonavir. After at least 10 days following the initiation of ritonavir, resume bosentan at the recommended initial dose once daily or every other day based upon individual tolerability <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ]</span> .

2.6 Use in Patients with Pre-existing Hepatic Impairment Avoid initiation of bosentan in patients with aminotransferases &gt;3xULN. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mildly impaired liver function <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]</span> .

Contraindications

4. CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Pregnancy ( 4.1 )
  • Use with Cyclosporine A ( 4.2 )
  • Use with Glyburide ( 4.3 )
  • Hypersensitivity ( 4.4 )

4.1 Pregnancy Use of bosentan is contraindicated in females who are or may become pregnant. To prevent pregnancy, females of reproductive potential must use two reliable forms of contraception during treatment and for one month after stopping bosentan <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Drug Interactions (7.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]</span> .

4.2 Use with Cyclosporine A Co-administration of cyclosporine A and bosentan resulted in markedly increased plasma concentrations of bosentan. Therefore, concomitant use of bosentan and cyclosporine A is contraindicated <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ]</span> .

4.3 Use with Glyburide An increased risk of liver enzyme elevations was observed in patients receiving glyburide concomitantly with bosentan. Therefore co-administration of glyburide and bosentan is contraindicated <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions (7.1) ]</span> .

4.4 Hypersensitivity Bosentan is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to bosentan or any component of the product. Observed reactions include Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), anaphylaxis, rash, and angioedema <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.2) , Description (11) ]</span> .

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatotoxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Embryo-fetal Toxicity [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]

Fluid

Retention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Common adverse reactions (≥ 3% more than placebo) for the film- coated tablet are respiratory tract infection and anemia (6.1). Common adverse reactions (≥ 15%) for the dispersible tablet are upper respiratory tract infections and pyrexia ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. at 1-877-993-8779 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Safety data on bosentan were obtained from 13 clinical studies (9 placebo-controlled and 4 open-label) in 870 adult patients with PAH and other diseases. Doses up to 8 times the currently recommended clinical dose (125 mg twice daily) were administered for a variety of durations. The exposure to bosentan in these trials ranged from 1 day to 4.1 years (n=94 for 1 year; n=61 for 1.5 years; and n=39 for more than 2 years). Exposure of PAH patients (n=328) to bosentan ranged from 1 day to 1.7 years (n=174 more than 6 months and n=28 more than 12 months). Treatment discontinuations due to adverse events other than those related to pulmonary hypertension during the clinical trials in adult patients with PAH were more frequent on bosentan (6%; 15/258 patients) than on placebo (3%; 5/172 patients). In this database the only cause of discontinuations &gt; 1% and occurring more often on bosentan was abnormal liver function. The adverse drug events that occurred in ≥ 3% of the bosentan-treated patients and were more common on bosentan in placebo-controlled trials in PAH at doses of 125 mg or 250 mg twice daily are shown in Table 3: Table 3 Adverse events * occurring in ≥ 3% of patients treated with Bosentan 125 mg to 250 mg twice daily and more common on Bosentan in placebo-controlled studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension * Note: only AEs with onset from start of treatment to 1 calendar day after end of treatment are included. All reported events (at least 3%) are included except those too general to be informative and those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug because they were associated with the condition being treated or are very common in the treated population. * * Respiratory Tract Infection combines the terms &quot;Nasopharyngitis&quot;, &quot;Upper Respiratory Tract Infection&quot; and &quot;Respiratory Tract Infection&quot;. Combined data from Study 351, BREATHE-1 and EARLY Adverse Event Bosentan n = 258 Placebo n = 172 No. % No. % Respiratory Tract Infection ** 56 22% 30 17% Headache 39 15% 25 14% Edema 28 11% 16 9% Chest Pain 13 5% 8 5% Syncope 12 5% 7 4% Flushing 10 4% 5 3% Hypotension 10 4% 3 2% Sinusitis 9 4% 4 2% Arthralgia 9 4% 3 2% Serum Aminotransferases, abnormal 9 4% 3 2% Palpitations 9 4% 3 2% Anemia 8 3% - - Bosentan was evaluated for safety in 119 pediatric patients in uncontrolled studies. The safety profile was similar to that observed in adult patients with PAH.

Decreased Sperm

Counts An open-label, single-arm, multicenter, safety study evaluated the effect on testicular function of bosentan 62.5 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, followed by 125 mg twice daily for 5 months. Twenty-five male patients with WHO functional class III and IV PAH and normal baseline sperm count were enrolled. Twenty-three completed the study and 2 discontinued due to adverse events not related to testicular function. There was a decline in sperm count of at least 50% in 25% of the patients after 3 or 6 months of treatment with bosentan. Sperm count remained within the normal range in all 22 patients with data after 6 months and no changes in sperm morphology, sperm motility, or hormone levels were observed. One patient developed marked oligospermia at 3 months and the sperm count remained low with 2 follow-up measurements over the subsequent 6 weeks. Bosentan was discontinued and after 2 months the sperm count had returned to baseline levels. Based on these findings and preclinical data from endothelin receptor antagonists, it cannot be excluded that endothelin receptor antagonists such as bosentan have an adverse effect on spermatogenesis. Decreases in Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Treatment with bosentan can cause a dose-related decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit. It is recommended that hemoglobin concentrations be checked after 1 and 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. If a marked decrease in hemoglobin concentration occurs, further evaluation should be undertaken to determine the cause and need for specific treatment. The overall mean decrease in hemoglobin concentration for adult bosentan-treated patients was 0.9 g/dL (change to end of treatment). Most of this decrease of hemoglobin concentration was detected during the first few weeks of bosentan treatment and hemoglobin levels stabilized by 4 weeks to 12 weeks of bosentan treatment. In placebo-controlled studies of all uses of bosentan, marked decreases in hemoglobin (> 15% decrease from baseline resulting in values < 11 g/dL) were observed in 6% of bosentan-treated patients and 3% of placebo-treated patients. In patients with PAH treated with doses of 125 mg and 250 mg twice daily, marked decreases in hemoglobin occurred in 3% compared to 1% in placebo-treated patients. A decrease in hemoglobin concentration by at least 1 g/dL was observed in 57% of bosentan-treated patients as compared to 29% of placebo-treated patients.

In

80% of those patients whose hemoglobin decreased by at least 1 g/dL, the decrease occurred during the first 6 weeks of bosentan treatment. During the course of treatment, the hemoglobin concentration remained within normal limits in 68% of bosentan-treated patients compared to 76% of placebo patients. The explanation for the change in hemoglobin is not known, but it does not appear to be hemorrhage or hemolysis. In a pooled analysis of pediatric patients (N=100) with PAH treated with bosentan, a decrease in hemoglobin levels to < 10 g/dL from baseline was reported in 11% of patients. There was no decrease to < 8 g/dL.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience There have been several postmarketing reports of angioedema associated with the use of bosentan. The onset of the reported cases occurred within a range of 8 hours to 21 days after starting therapy. Some patients were treated with an antihistamine and their signs of angioedema resolved without discontinuing bosentan. The following additional adverse reactions have been reported during the postapproval use of bosentan. Because these adverse reactions are reported from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to bosentan exposure: Unexplained hepatic cirrhosis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Boxed Warning ]</span> Liver failure <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Boxed Warning ]</span> Hypersensitivity, DRESS and anaphylaxis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4.4 )]</span>

Thrombocytopenia Rash Jaundice

Anemia requiring transfusion Neutropenia and leukopenia Nasal congestion Autoimmune hepatitis

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

WARNING: RISKS OF HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Because of the risk of hepatotoxicity, TRACLEER is available only through a restricted program called the Bosentan Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Under the Bosentan REMS, prescribers, patients, and pharmacies must enroll in the program [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . WARNING: RISKS OF HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. TRACLEER is available only through a restricted distribution program called the Bosentan Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) because of the risk of hepatotoxicity ( 5.2 ): Elevations of liver aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and liver failure have been reported with TRACLEER ( 5.1 ). Measure liver aminotransferases prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly ( 2.1 , 5.1 ). Discontinue TRACLEER if aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction or injury or increases in bilirubin ≥2×ULN ( 2.4 , 5.1 ). Based on animal data, TRACLEER may cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy ( 4.1 , 5.3 , 8.1 ). Females of reproductive potential: Exclude pregnancy before initiating treatment. Use effective contraception prior to initiation of treatment, during treatment and for one month after stopping TRACLEER ( 2.1 , 4.1 , 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ). When pregnancy is detected, discontinue TRACLEER as soon as possible ( 5.3 ). Hepatotoxicity In clinical studies, TRACLEER caused at least 3-fold upper limit of normal (ULN) elevation of liver aminotransferases (ALT and AST) in about 11% of patients, accompanied by elevated bilirubin in a small number of cases. Because these changes are a marker for potential serious hepatotoxicity, serum aminotransferase levels must be measured prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In the postmarketing period, in the setting of close monitoring, rare cases of unexplained hepatic cirrhosis were reported after prolonged (>12 months) therapy with TRACLEER in patients with multiple comorbidities and drug therapies. There have also been reports of liver failure. The contribution of TRACLEER in these cases could not be excluded. In at least one case, the initial presentation (after >20 months of treatment) included pronounced elevations in aminotransferases and bilirubin levels accompanied by non-specific symptoms, all of which resolved slowly over time after discontinuation of TRACLEER. This case reinforces the importance of strict adherence to the monthly monitoring schedule for the duration of treatment and the treatment algorithm, which includes stopping TRACLEER with a rise of aminotransferases accompanied by signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Elevations in aminotransferases require close attention [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . TRACLEER should generally be avoided in patients with elevated aminotransferases (>3×ULN) at baseline because monitoring for hepatotoxicity may be more difficult. If liver aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity (such as nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual lethargy or fatigue) or increases in bilirubin ≥2×ULN, treatment with TRACLEER should be stopped. There is no experience with the reintroduction of TRACLEER in these circumstances. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity TRACLEER is contraindicated for use during pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm if used by pregnant females based on animal data. Therefore, for females of reproductive potential, exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment with TRACLEER. Advise use of effective contraception before initiation, during treatment and for one month after stopping TRACLEER. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue TRACLEER as soon as possible [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) , Contraindications (4.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] .

Warnings

5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Fluid retention: May require intervention ( 5.4 ).
  • Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD): If signs of pulmonary edema occur, consider the diagnosis of associated PVOD and consider discontinuing bosentan ( 5.5 ).
  • Decreased sperm counts ( 5.6 ).
  • Decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit: Monitor hemoglobin levels after 1 and 3 months of treatment, then every 3 months thereafter ( 5.7 ).

5.1 Hepatotoxicity ALT or AST &gt; 3xULN were observed in 11% of bosentan-treated patients (n = 658) compared to 2% of placebo-treated patients (n = 280). Three-fold increases were seen in 12% of 95 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients on 125 mg twice daily and 14% of 70 PAH patients on 250 mg twice daily. Eight-fold increases were seen in 2% of PAH patients on 125 mg twice daily and 7% of PAH patients on 250 mg twice daily. Bilirubin increases to ≥3xULN were associated with aminotransferase increases in 2 of 658 (0.3%) of patients treated with bosentan. In a pooled analysis of four pediatric studies conducted in PAH (n =100), elevations in liver aminotransferases ≥3×ULN were observed in 2% of patients. The combination of hepatocellular injury (increases in aminotransferases of &gt; 3xULN) and increases in total bilirubin (≥2xULN) is a marker for potential serious hepatotoxicity. Elevations of AST or ALT associated with bosentan are dose-dependent, occur both early and late in treatment, usually progress slowly, are typically asymptomatic, and usually have been reversible after treatment interruption or cessation. Aminotransferase elevations also may reverse spontaneously while continuing treatment with bosentan. Liver aminotransferase levels must be measured prior to initiation of treatment and then monthly and therapy adjusted accordingly <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.4 )]</span> . Discontinue bosentan if liver aminotransferase elevations are accompanied by clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity (such as nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual lethargy or fatigue) or increases in bilirubin ≥2xULN. Avoid initiation of bosentan in patients with elevated aminotransferases (&gt;3xULN) prior to drug initiation because monitoring hepatotoxicity in these patients may be more difficult <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Boxed Warning , Dosage and Administration (2.6) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]</span> . In WHO Functional Class II patients, consider whether the benefits of bosentan are sufficient to offset the risk of hepatotoxicity, which may preclude future use as their disease progresses.

5.2 Embryo-fetal Toxicity Based on data from animal reproduction studies, bosentan may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Obtain a pregnancy test prior to bosentan treatment, monthly during treatment and for one month after stopping treatment. Advise females of reproductive potential to use two reliable forms of contraception during treatment with bosentan and for at least one month after the last dose <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]</span> . Bosentan tablets for oral suspension is only available for females through a restricted program under REMS <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]</span> .

5.3 Prescribing and Distribution Program for Bosentan Because of the risks of hepatotoxicity and birth defects, bosentan tablets for oral suspension is available only through a restricted program called the Bosentan REMS Program. As a component of the Bosentan REMS, prescribers, patients, and pharmacies must enroll in the program <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) , Contraindications (4.1) ]</span> . Required components of the bosentan tablets for oral suspension REMS are: Healthcare professionals who prescribe bosentan tablets for oral suspension must review the prescriber educational materials, enroll in the Bosentan REMS Program and comply with its requirements. Healthcare professionals must (1) review serum aminotransferases (ALT/AST) and bilirubin, and agree to order and monitor these tests monthly; and (2) for females of reproductive potential, confirm that the patient is not pregnant, and agree to order and monitor pregnancy tests monthly. To receive bosentan tablets for oral suspension, all patients must understand the risks and benefits, and complete a patient enrollment form. Pharmacies that dispense bosentan tablets for oral suspension must enroll in the program and agree to comply with the Bosentan REMS Program requirements. Further information about Bosentan and Bosentan and the Bosentan REMS Program is available at www.BosentanREMSProgram.com or 1-866-359-2612.

5.4 Fluid Retention Peripheral edema is a known clinical consequence of PAH and worsening PAH and is also a known effect of bosentan and other endothelin receptor antagonists. In PAH clinical trials with bosentan, combined adverse events of fluid retention or edema were reported in 1.7% (placebo-corrected) of patients. In addition, there have been numerous postmarketing reports of fluid retention in patients with pulmonary hypertension occurring within weeks after starting bosentan. Patients required intervention with a diuretic, fluid management, or hospitalization for decompensating heart failure. If clinically significant fluid retention develops, with or without associated weight gain, further evaluation should be undertaken to determine the cause, such as bosentan or underlying heart failure, and the possible need for treatment or discontinuation of bosentan <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Studies (14.2) ]</span> .

5.5 Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease If signs of pulmonary edema occur, consider the possibility of associated pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and consider whether bosentan should be discontinued.

5.6 Decreased Sperm Counts Decreased sperm counts have been observed in patients receiving bosentan. Preclinical data also suggest that bosentan, similar to other endothelin receptor antagonists, may have an adverse effect on spermatogenesis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ]</span> .

5.7 Decreases in Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Treatment with bosentan can cause a dose-related decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit. There have been postmarketing reports of decreases in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit that have resulted in anemia requiring transfusion. It is recommended that hemoglobin concentrations be checked after 1 and 3 months, and every 3 months thereafter. If a marked decrease in hemoglobin concentration occurs, further evaluation should be undertaken to determine the cause and need for specific treatment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]</span> .

Drug Interactions

INTERACTIONS Cytochrome P450: Coadministration of bosentan with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A can increase exposure to bosentan and/or the coadministered drug ( 4.2 , 4.3 , 7.1 ). Hormonal contraceptives: Bosentan use decreases contraceptive exposure and reduces effectiveness ( 7.2 ).

7.1 Cytochrome P450 Drug Interactions Bosentan is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A. Inhibition of these enzymes may increase the plasma concentration of bosentan <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . Concomitant administration of both a CYP2C9 inhibitor (such as fluconazole or amiodarone) and a strong CYP3A inhibitor (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor (e.g. amprenavir, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem) with bosentan will likely lead to large increases in plasma concentrations of bosentan. Coadministration of such combinations of a CYP2C9 inhibitor plus a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor with bosentan is not recommended. Bosentan is an inducer of CYP3A and CYP2C9. Consequently plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by these two isozymes will be decreased when bosentan is coadministered. Bosentan had no relevant inhibitory effect on any CYP isozyme in vitro (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A). Consequently, bosentan is not expected to increase the plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

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1 CYP3A induction-mediated effect of bosentan on other drugs Figure 2 Effect of other drugs on bosentan

7.2 Hormonal Contraceptives Hormonal contraceptives, including oral, injectable, transdermal, and implantable forms, may not be reliable when bosentan is coadministered. Females should practice additional methods of contraception and not rely on hormonal contraception alone when taking bosentan <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 )]</span> . An interaction study demonstrated that coadministration of bosentan and a combination oral hormonal contraceptive produced average decreases of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol levels of 14% and 31%, respectively. However, decreases in exposure were as much as 56% and 66%, respectively, in individual subjects. CYP3A induction-mediated effect of bosentan on other drugs CYP3A induction-mediated effect of bosentan on other drugs Effect of other drugs on bosentan