The use of certain prescription medications and street drugs can lead to the development of pulmonary hypertension. Here’s a list of drugs that have been linked to the onset of the disease according to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada.
Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications or appetite suppressants have been linked to pulmonary hypertension. These include:
- Aminorex
- Dexfenfluramine (Redux)
- Fenfluramine (Ponderal, Pondimin)
- Phentermine (Ionamin)
- Mazindol
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Chemotherapy medications that could increase the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension include:
- Bleomycin
- Busulfan
- Carmustine (BCNU)
- Dasatinib
- Interferon-alpha
- Interleukin-2
- Lomustine (CCNU)
- Mitomycin C
- Nitrosoureas
Ask questions and share your knowledge of PH in our forums.
Street Drugs
Abuse of street drugs (or recreational drugs) may also increase the risk of a person developing pulmonary hypertension. In particular, the following drugs:
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
Other Medicines
A type of amino acid commonly used to treat disorders such as sleep apnea and depression may also increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension:
- L-tryptophan
MORE: How oxygen therapy helps with pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
I am taking Endobloc,Carvidon od,Aztor and Tide plus
I took Meridia for weight loss for 13 months.
Can those drugs still be used instead of being abused
My doughter 14 years old was diagnosed with GIA currently she is taking anakinra injections 100 mg cyclosporine 100mg and cycliphophamide 500mg evey 2weeks recently she develops pulmonary hypertension. Any of that drugs ( interaction ) can be the cause ??
I am concerned as I had been taking Bronkaid (25mg ephedrine) several times a week as a diet aid. Now I am concerned about long term consequences. What are the risks of Pulmonary Hypertension due to this OTC medication?
I have been taking tramadol long term for pain. can this cause PH?
is it safe to take vyvanse if you have pulmonary hypertension?
Can i take methodone if i have ph
Hi Shelly,
Thanks for reading. Please ask your medical team about Methadone. We are all different.
Kind regards,
Jen