Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Why Birth Control Matters
Last edited Fri Mar 2, 2012, 10:04 PM - Edit history (1)
is a chronic/terminal disease which targets women of child bearing age
although, it is also diagnosed in infants, men and the elderly.
One of the first things advised during initial diagnosis is for female
patients not to become pregnant since pregnancy can and often does
cause death in the months during and after delivery.
Tracleer, an endothelium re-uptake inhibitor, is the most promising oral
medication offered for treatment.Tracleer causes severe birth defects so
female patients are asked if they will be using birth control during the time
they will be using the medication. An equally effective treatment to extend
life and alleviate symptoms are powerful vasodilators (Flolan and Remodulin)
which must be delivered via central line, a line placed in the chest so the
medication can be delivered directly to the pulmonary artery. The line is attached
to a pump the patient must carry around 24/7. Given the options it's understandable
why most patients would choose the oral medication. The IV meds cost approximately
$150,000 a year and are categorized as a "treatment" not a medication which
leads to a host of insurance issues.
The point of this post is to point out as laymen we are unfamiliar with the many
diseases and treatments where contraception plays a vital role in the
survival of female patients of child bearing age. A point that should not have to be made
because it is offensive as a woman to justify to an employer or anyone else her reason
for using contraception.
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