Drug Interaction Report

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Coadministration of riociguat with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or other antithrombotic therapy may increase the risk of bleeding. Patients with pulmonary hypertension have an underlying risk for respiratory tract bleeding, which can be further exacerbated by riociguat and use of antithrombotic agents, particularly in the presence of additional risk factors such as recent episodes of serious hemoptysis (including those managed by bronchial arterial embolization) or concomitant prostacyclin use (e.g., epoprostenol, iloprost, and treprostinil) due to their inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. In clinical trials, serious bleeding occurred in 2.4% and hemoptysis in 1% of patients taking riociguat compared to 0% of placebo patients. The proposed mechanism for the bleeding risk associated with riociguat is unknown. However, an in vitro study indicates that riociguat may inhibit von Willebrand factor elongation and platelet adhesion on the surface of pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

MANAGEMENT: Bleeding risk should be carefully evaluated before initiating riociguat in patients on antithrombotic therapy. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring for bleeding complications is recommended if concomitant use is required. Some authorities recommend avoiding riociguat in patients with a history of serious hemoptysis or who have previously undergone bronchial arterial embolization.

Butalbital may reduce the blood levels and effects of riociguat. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Ask your doctor before using butalbital together with ethanol (alcohol), this can add to dizziness, drowsiness and other side effects of butalbital. Be careful if you drive or do activities that require you to be awake and alert. Talk with your doctor before using any medications together, or drinking alcohol with butalbital. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Chemical substances present in cigarette smoke may reduce the blood levels of riociguat. This means that the medication may be less effective if you smoke during treatment. Let your doctor know if you are a smoker, or if you start smoking or stop smoking during treatment with riociguat, because the dosage may need to be adjusted. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food may affect the absorption and blood levels of riociguat. To avoid significant fluctuations in blood levels of the medication, riociguat should be taken about the same time each day consistently either with or without food.

Ask your doctor before using aspirin together with ethanol (alcohol). Do not drink alcohol while taking aspirin. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by aspirin. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.