There is currently no cure for PH, but thanks to available treatments, many patients are living longer, healthier lives.
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Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) - help prevent blood vessels from narrowing.
Name | Administration | Health Canada Approval |
Ambrisentan (Volibris®) | Oral | 2008 |
Bosentan (Tracleer®) | Oral | 2001 |
Macitentan (Opsumit®) | Oral | 2013 |
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE 5 inhibitors) - allow the lungs to produce more natural vasodilators.
Name | Administration | Health Canada Approval |
Sildenafil (Revatio®, Viagra®) | Oral | 2006 |
Tadalafil (AdCirca®, Cialis®) | Oral | 2010 |
Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator (sCG stimulator) - increases the sensitivity of sGC to endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and directly stimulates the receptor to mimic the action of NO.
Name | Administration | Health Canada Approval |
Riociguat (Adempas®) | Oral | 2014 |
Oral IP receptor agonist – stimulates the IP prostacyclin receptor to cause vasodilation.
Name | Administration | Health Canada Approval |
Selexipag (Uptravi®) | Oral | 2016 |
Prostacyclins - open up the blood vessels and help ease symptoms of PH, including chest pain and shortness of breath.
Name | Administration | Health Canada Approval |
Epoprostenol (Flolan®) | Intravenous | 1997 |
Room temperature stable Epoprostenol (Caripul®) |
Intravenous | 2013 |
Treprostinil (Remodulin®) |
Subcutaneous Intravenous |
2002 2005 |
Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator (sCG stimulator) - increases the sensitivity of sGC to endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and directly stimulates the receptor to mimic the action of NO.
Name | Administration | Health Canada Approval |
Riociguat (Adempas®) | Oral | 2013 for the treatment of non-operative or residual post-operative CTEPH (WHO class IV) |
The standard and potentially curative treatment for patients who have developed CTEPH and are suitable for surgery is a procedure called pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). PEA is major surgery that clears the blood vessels of the lungs of clots and scar material presented in the disease. To determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for surgery, they will need to be thoroughly assessed at a centre specialized in the treatment of CTEPH. CTEPH specialists will assess:
Successful surgical outcomes can include an improved life expectancy.
For more information on PEA surgery, click here.
Information Sheet for Medical Professionals
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PH Clinical Directory
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Clinical Practice Guidelines
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The Impact of PH on Canadians
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Comprehensive information on pulmonary hypertension for medical professionals.