Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using VOLIBRIS?
VOLIBRIS contains the active ingredient ambrisentan. VOLIBRIS is used to treat adults
with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
2. What should I know before I use VOLIBRIS?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ambrisentan, any other similar
medicine or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
VOLIBRIS should not be used in children or adolescents under the age of 18 years.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with VOLIBRIS and affect how it works.
4. How do I use VOLIBRIS?
Follow dosage directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist and continue taking
it for as long as your doctor tells you.
5. What should I know while using VOLIBRIS?
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Things you should do
|
You must use reliable birth control (contraception) while using VOLIBRIS and for 3
months after you stop taking it. Use at least two reliable forms of birth control
(contraception)
If you are a male, you should avoid exposing your partner to your semen by use of
appropriate contraception e.g. condoms
Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while taking this medicine
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using VOLIBRIS
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Things you should not do
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Do not take VOLIBRIS if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or lower the dosage without checking with
your doctor
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Driving or using machines
|
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how VOLIBRIS
affects you
The symptoms of your condition can make you less fit to drive
Do not drive or operate machines if you're feeling unwell
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Looking after your medicine
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Store below 30°C
Store in original packaging
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6. Are there any side effects?
Side effects that have been reported include swelling, headache, a runny or blocked
nose, congestion or pain in the sinuses, dizziness, palpitations, feeling tired, lack
of energy, worsening shortness of breath shortly after starting, signs of anaemia,
constipation, pain in your stomach, feeling weak, vomiting, heart failure, hypotension,
fainting, abnormal blood tests for liver function, chest pain or discomfort, flushing,
nose bleed, rash, allergic reactions, visual disturbance. When taking VOLIBRIS in
combination with Tadalafil additional side effects that have been reported include
nausea, diarrhoea and tinnitus.
Active ingredient:
ambrisentan
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using VOLIBRIS. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using VOLIBRIS.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using VOLIBRIS?
VOLIBRIS contains the active ingredient ambrisentan. VOLIBRIS is a type of medicine called an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA).
VOLIBRIS is used to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which
is high blood pressure in the blood vessels (the pulmonary arteries) that carry blood
from the heart to the lungs.
In people with PAH, these arteries get narrower, so the heart has to work harder to
pump blood through them. This causes people to become tired, dizzy and short of breath.
VOLIBRIS widens the pulmonary arteries, making it easier for your heart to pump blood
through them. This lowers the blood pressure and relieves your symptoms.
2. What should I know before I use VOLIBRIS?
Warnings
Do not use VOLIBRIS if:
you are allergic to ambrisentan, any other similar medicine or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can
use this medicine.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
you have scarring of the lungs of unknown cause (a condition known as idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis or IPF).
you have or have had a serious liver problem.
you have raised levels of some liver enzymes (detected by blood tests).
Check with your doctor if you:
have or have had any other medical conditions
liver disease
heart disease called right heart failure
a low number of red blood cells (anaemia)
if you have swelling, especially of the ankles and feet (oedema)
low blood pressure
kidney problems
take any medicines for any other condition including any that you get without a prescription
from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take VOLIBRIS
if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
.
It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy or if you become
pregnant soon after you stop treatment.
If it is possible you could become pregnant, you must use reliable birth control (contraception)
while using VOLIBRIS and for 3 months after you stop taking it.
Use at least two reliable forms of birth control (contraception) while you are taking
VOLIBRIS. Talk to your doctor about this.
If you are a woman who could become pregnant, your doctor will ask you to take a pregnancy
test before you take VOLIBRIS.
If you are a male you should avoid exposing your partner to your semen by use of appropriate
contraception e.g. condoms.
If you do become pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
Children
VOLIBRIS is not recommended for use in children as there have been no studies of its
effects in children.
Blood tests
Your doctor will take blood tests to check:
whether you have a reduced number of red blood cells (anaemia).
that your liver is working properly.
These blood tests will be taken before you start taking VOLIBRIS and throughout your
treatment with VOLIBRIS.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with VOLIBRIS and affect how it works. These include:
cyclosporin (a medicine taken if you have an organ transplant). If you take cyclosporin,
do not take more than one 5 mg tablet of VOLIBRIS, once a day.
ketoconazole (medicine for fungal infection).
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect VOLIBRIS.
4. How do I use VOLIBRIS?
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may
differ from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the
instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much to take
VOLIBRIS
the usual dose is 5 mg, once a day
your doctor may decide to increase your dose to 10 mg, once a day
VOLIBRIS with Tadalafil
when used in combination with Tadalafil (another PAH medicine), VOLIBRIS is usually
started at 5 mg daily, and should be increased to 10 mg once a day, if you can tolerate
a higher dose
If you take ciclosporin A, do not take more than one 5 mg tablet of VOLIBRIS, once
a day.
When and how long to take VOLIBRIS
Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you
remember when to take it.
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. This medicine
helps to control your condition, but does not cure it. It is important to keep taking
your medicine even if you feel well.
How to take VOLIBRIS
swallow the tablet whole, with a glass of water
VOLIBRIS tablets should not be split, crushed or chewed
you can take VOLIBRIS with or without food
VOLIBRIS tablets are packaged in a special child resistant blister pack. The diagrams
provide instructions on how best to remove the tablets from the packaging.
1. Tear along the perforated lines to separate one "pocket" from the blister strip
2. Starting at the coloured corner, gently lift and peel back the outer layer over the
pocket, exposing the foil beneath
3. Push out the tablet through the exposed foil layer
If you forget to use VOLIBRIS
VOLIBRIS should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose
at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your
medicine as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you use too much VOLIBRIS
If you think that you have used too much VOLIBRIS, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26) in Australia, or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using VOLIBRIS?
Things you should do
You must use reliable birth control (contraception) while using VOLIBRIS and for 3
months after you stop taking it. Use at least two reliable forms of birth control
(contraception).
If you are a male, you should avoid exposing your partner to your semen by use of
appropriate contraception e.g. condoms.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using VOLIBRIS.
Things you should not do
do not stop using this medicine suddenly or lower the dosage without checking with
your doctor
do not take VOLIBRIS to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to
do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you
Blood tests
Your doctor will need to take regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine
to ensure your liver function and red blood cell (anaemia) levels remain normal.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how VOLIBRIS
affects you. The symptoms of your condition can make you less fit to drive.
Do not drive or operate machines if you're feeling unwell.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
store below 30°C
store in original packaging
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills
Keep it where young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date or if the packaging is torn or shows
signs of tampering.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Your doctor will consider the risk of side effects when deciding which strength of
VOLIBRIS you should use.
Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You may not experience any
of them.
Less serious side effects
Serious side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What VOLIBRIS contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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ambrisentan
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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microcrystalline cellulose
lactose monohydrate
croscarmellose sodium
magnesium stearate
polyvinyl alcohol
purified talc
titanium dioxide
macrogol 3350 (PEG 3350)
lecithin (Soya) USNF (E322)
allura red AC aluminium lake (FD&C Red #40)
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Potential allergens
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Contains lactose
VOLIBRIS contains the colouring agent allura red AC aluminium lake (FD&C Red #40),
which may cause allergic-type reactions.
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What VOLIBRIS looks like
VOLIBRIS 5 mg tablets are a pale pink, square convex tablets engraved with 'GS' on
one face and 'K2C' on the other.
VOLIBRIS 10 mg tablets are a deep pink, oval convex tablets engraved with 'GS' on
one face and 'KE3' on the other.
VOLIBRIS 5 mg are available in packs of 30 tablets (AUST R 143743).
VOLIBRIS 10 mg are available in packs of 30 tablets (AUST R 143739).
Who distributes VOLIBRIS
GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
Level 4, 436 Johnston Street,
Abbotsford, Victoria, 3067
Phone: 1800 033 109
This leaflet was prepared in May 2025.
Version 16
VOLIBRIS is a registered trade mark of Gilead. Used under licence by the GSK group
of companies.
© 2025 GSK group of companies or its licensor.