Tracleer, the first pill for treatment of pulmonary hypertension, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Tracleer (bosentan) acts against a hormone called endothelin causing constriction of blood vessels and elevating blood pressure. Studies demonstrate that Tracleer is "extremely powerful" in improving heart function and reducing shortness of breath in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition of the lungs and heart for which no cure exists. The condition is usually very rare but new reports suggest the popular diet drug combination popularly known as fen-phen -- used by an estimated six million consumers before the weight loss pills were removed from the market -- causes pulmonary hypertension, according to www.PulmonaryHypertensionReport.com.
Jennifer Johnson, an intensive care nurse turned consumer lawyer who specializes in complex medical law, said, "We are seeing a very serious and regrettable latency in the onset and diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in persons having taken the fen-phen diet drugs. Tracleer will be a tremendous blessing to persons diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension."
Tracleer is expected to bring medical and economic relief to persons diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Many patients are currently treated with Flolan, a 24-hour catheter infusion at an annual cost near $100,000.
A "once-a-day" pill, Tracleer is "a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension," according to www.Tracleer.info. Manufactured by Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Tracleer will be direct distributed by Gentiva Health Services.
"Tracleer is a lifesaving breakthrough, giving an opportunity for a better life to thousands of pulmonary hypertension patients worldwide," said Johnson.
According to Dr. Richard Channick, University of California at San Diego pulmonary hypertension specialist, who led the Tracleer study, symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are "probably often unrecognized." Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizzy spells and swelling of legs. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms are often confused with asthma, emphysema and other conditions.
For information, visit http://www.Tracleer.info or call 949/759-3876.