ABOUT PH
Treatment Options
Since 1997, 11 pulmonary hypertension-specific medical treatments have been approved in Canada for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). One medication is also approved to treat chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
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Many medications can treat PH, helping to alleviate the symptoms of PH, improving patients' wellbeing, activity, and quality of life. Medical treatment can also slow the progression of PH and improve heart failure, and often improve survival. However, medical treatments do not provide a cure.
The tabs below describes current treatment options for PAH, and one medical treatment approved for CTEPH. CTEPH can also be treated surgically.
Please see your PH specialist to discuss the ideal treatment approach for you.
For more information about the surgical treatment of CTEPH, click here.
Treatment Options
Patients with PH make excess endothelin, one of the most powerful chemicals which constricts blood vessels, and causes cells to multiply, narrowing pulmonary arteries and increasing PAP. Endothelin Receptor Antagonists (ERAs) block the action of this excess endothelin, and can open up pulmonary arteries and reduce PAP, as well as improve RV function. ERAs also have anti-proliferative (make cells stop multiplying) and anti-fibrotic (decrease scar tissue formation) properties.
Endothelin Receptor Antagonists (ERAs) include:
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​Ambrisentan (Volibris®) – approved in Canada in 2008
Download AMBRISENTAN (VOLIBRIS®) Info Sheet -
Bosentan (Tracleer®) – approved in Canada in 2001
Download BOSENTAN (TRACLEER®) Info Sheet -
Macitentan (Opsumit®) – approved in Canada in 2013
Download MACITENTAN (OPSUMIT®) Info Sheet -
Macitentan + Tadalafil (Opsyvni®) - approved in Canada in 2021
New PH research advances are continuously paving the way toward better, more personalized treatment options. Find out more about ongoing clinical trials in Canada and how you could help advance the future of PH medicine.
Thanks to advancements in research, many PH treatments are available in Canada. However, they aren’t always available through public funding in every province and territory. This means people in some parts of the country don’t have equal access to the vital treatments they need. Visit our advocacy section to learn more and join us in representing a united PH community.