Adempas Side Effects

Generic name: riociguat

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 17, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about riociguat. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Adempas.

Applies to riociguat: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Adempas

Along with its needed effects, riociguat (the active ingredient contained in Adempas) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking riociguat:

More common

• Confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• nosebleeds
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• bruising or purple areas on the skin
• coughing or spitting up blood
• decreased alertness
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
• rapid weight gain
• stomach pain or swelling
• troubled breathing with exertion
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Other side effects of Adempas

Some side effects of riociguat may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Diarrhea
• headache
• heartburn
• indigestion
• nausea
• stuffy nose
• vomiting

Less common

• Difficulty having a bowel movement

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to riociguat: oral tablet.

General

The most frequently reported side effects were headache, dyspepsia/gastritis, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, hypotension, vomiting, anemia, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema (up to 17.3%), hypotension (up to 10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Palpitation, chest pain, chest discomfort^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 27%), dizziness (up to 20%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Dyspepsia (up to 21%), gastritis (21%), nausea (up to 14.1%), diarrhea (up to 12%), vomiting (up to 10.2%)

Common (1% to 10%): Gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal/abdominal pain, dysphagia, abdominal distention^[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Hemoglobin decreased (24.1%), hematocrit decreased (13.3%)

Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (11.8%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, cough, nasal congestion, epistaxis, hemoptysis

Frequency not reported: Pulmonary hemorrhage^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Pain in extremity^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer