Macikad 10 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET (10 TAB) by LUPIN LTD.

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET is a medication primarily used for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Name

• Brand Name: MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Macitentan (as the active ingredient)

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Macitentan 10 mg

Uses

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET is prescribed for adults to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a severe condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. It works by blocking endothelin, a substance that narrows blood vessels, thereby helping to relax and widen them, which reduces pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This action helps to improve exercise ability, enhance the quality of life, and delay disease progression in PAH patients.

Dosage and Administration

The typical dosage is one 10 mg tablet daily. It can be taken with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed or chewed. For optimal results, it is advisable to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects include:

• Headache
• Nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, sneezing)
• Anemia (low haemoglobin or red blood cells)
• Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways)
• Urinary tract infection
• Edema (swelling, particularly of the arms and feet)
• Low blood pressure
• Influenza (flu)

Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention if experienced):

• Signs of allergic reaction (swelling around eyes, face, lips, tongue/throat, itching, rash)
• Signs of impaired liver function (nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach pain, yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness)
• Signs of pulmonary edema (breathlessness, cough with frothy sputum, racing/pounding heartbeat)

Precautions

• Pregnancy: MACIKAD is contraindicated during pregnancy and in women planning pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Women of reproductive potential must use highly effective contraception during treatment and for one month after stopping therapy.
• Breastfeeding: It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it is unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk.
• Liver Impairment: Caution is advised in patients with liver impairment. Regular monitoring of liver function tests may be required. It is not recommended for severe liver diseases or very high levels of liver enzymes.
• Kidney Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney problems as fluid retention may occur.
• Anemia: Caution is advised in patients with anemia as it can cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, including antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) and antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), as they may affect MACIKAD's efficacy or increase side effects.
• Male Fertility: This medicine may reduce sperm count in males.
• Driving: Macikad may cause headaches and low blood pressure, which could impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

Store MACIKAD TABLET at room temperature, ideally below 30°C. Keep it in its original packaging, away from light and moisture, and out of reach and sight of children. Ensure to use it before the expiry date.

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET (Macitentan) FAQs

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET, containing the active ingredient Macitentan, is a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Below are some frequently asked questions about this medicine.

What is MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET used for?

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET is used in adults for the long-term treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. It helps to improve quality of life, exercise ability, and delay disease progression in PAH patients.

How does MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET work?

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET contains Macitentan, which belongs to a class of medicines called endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). It works by blocking the action of endothelin, a natural substance in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking endothelin, Macitentan helps to relax and widen the blood vessels in the lungs, which reduces the pressure in the pulmonary arteries and improves blood flow.

What is the usual dosage for MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET?

The usual dosage is one 10mg tablet taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. For best results, it is advised to take the medicine at the same time each day. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration based on your condition.

What are the possible side effects of MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET?

Common side effects include headache, nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms), anemia (low number of red blood cells), bronchitis, urinary tract infection, influenza, upper respiratory tract infection, and edema (swelling, particularly of the ankles and feet). It can also cause low blood pressure.

More serious side effects, though rare, warrant immediate medical attention. These include signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., swelling around eyes, face, lips, tongue, itching, rash), impaired liver function (e.g., nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach pain, yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness), and pulmonary edema (e.g., breathlessness, cough with frothy sputum, racing heartbeat). Your doctor may conduct routine blood tests to monitor for anemia and liver function during treatment.

Is MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET is highly unsafe and contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential risk of fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after stopping the medication. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting treatment.

Breastfeeding: It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding as it is unknown whether the medicine passes into breast milk. Caution is advised, and you should consult your doctor.

Can MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET can interact with certain other medicines. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin supplements. Interactions can occur with some antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole), certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, clarithromycin), HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir), seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine), and St. John's Wort. These interactions can affect the effectiveness of Macikad or increase the risk of side effects.

What precautions should be taken while on MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET?

Before starting MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any existing liver problems, kidney problems, anemia, low blood pressure, or a history of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). Regular blood tests to check for anemia and liver function are required before and during treatment.

This medicine may cause headaches and low blood pressure, which could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, so avoid these activities until you know how it affects you. While specific information on alcohol interaction is limited, it is advisable to consult your physician about alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. If you are allergic to macitentan or soya, this medicine is not recommended. MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET may also decrease fertility in men by reducing sperm count.

What happens if a dose of MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

How should MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET be stored?

Store MACIKAD 10 MG TABLET at room temperature, ideally below 30°C, and some sources suggest between 10°C and 25°C. Keep the medicine in its original packaging, away from light and moisture. Always ensure it is kept out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the package.