About Tyvaso DPI
TYVASO and TYVASO DPI are approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; WHO Group 1) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD; WHO Group 3) to improve exercise ability.
In a clinical study, 45 of 46 people who switched from the TYVASO nebulizer reported high satisfaction with TYVASO DPI.
Using the device
Current labeled dose: TYVASO DPI starts with one 16 mcg cartridge per treatment session, 4 times daily. The dose is increased by 16 mcg per session at approximately 1- to 2-week intervals. The usual target maintenance dose is 48 to 64 mcg per session. Single-dose cartridges are available in 16, 32, 48, 64 and 80 mcg strengths.
Taking a dose uses one breath per cartridge: open, load, inhale. Doses are taken 4 times daily. Cartridges are available in color-coded strengths. Each dose is inhaled in less than 2 seconds. Medicine is shipped in a kit containing disposable inhalers and cartridges; each kit contains a 4-week supply.
Side effects
| Frequency | Mild | Moderate |
|---|---|---|
| Likely (>10%) |
|
|
| Less likely (1–10%) |
|
|
Talk with your doctor or nurse about managing cough or throat irritation.
Before treatment
- Try an over-the-counter cough medicine if your care team says it is appropriate.
- Use a throat spray to numb your throat.
- Try drinking cold or hot water.
During treatment
- Avoid holding your breath once you inhale.
After treatment
- Rinse your mouth with water; do not swallow the water.
Your doctor may recommend taking fewer breaths until cough improves. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Starting a specialty medication
Specialty medications can involve more steps than regular prescriptions and may not be picked up at a local pharmacy.
- Your clinician completes and signs a referral, which is sent to the manufacturer’s support hub; you may also need to sign it.
- The hub verifies insurance benefits and identifies an in-network Specialty Pharmacy.
- A prior authorization is submitted to insurance and may take up to a couple of weeks. If denied, your care team may investigate and appeal.
- If you have an unaffordable copay, assistance may be available.
- Once approved, the hub and/or Specialty Pharmacy contacts you to arrange shipment to your home. Answer or return their calls so medication can be shipped.
- Some medications require a Specialty Pharmacy nurse visit; your clinician will tell you if this applies.
- Work with your physician, office nurse, pharmacist and Specialty Pharmacy nurse throughout the process.
Financial support
United Therapeutics offers assistance programs. Commercially insured patients taking medication for an FDA-approved indication may qualify for manufacturer assistance; Medicare, Medicaid and other government-program patients are not eligible for commercial copay programs.
For Medicare and Medicaid patients, charitable foundations may provide copay support.
Patient support
Tyvaso patient support and resources
Pulmonary Hypertension Association offers education and support resources.
Expectations
PAH is a serious condition. Treatment benefits may develop gradually while side effects can occur early. Talk with your doctor or nurses about side effects and do not change medication on your own.