Frequently Asked Questions

About Ranexa

What is Ranexa?

Ranexa is a prescription medication used to treat adults with chronic angina. Ranexa can help to reduce the number of angina attacks if taken as prescribed, but it does not stop angina attacks once they have started.

Who can take Ranexa?

Ranexa has been studied in adult patients with chronic angina. Some of the chronic angina patients in the clinical studies also had other conditions such as diabetes or heart failure. Talk to your doctor to see if Ranexa is right for you.

Who should not take Ranexa?

It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Do not take Ranexa if you are taking certain medications that strongly affect the enzyme CYP3A, such as:

• Nizoral^® (ketoconazole)
• Sporanox^® (itraconazole)
• Biaxin^® (clarithromycin)
• Serzone^® (nefazodone)
• Viracept^® (nelfinavir)
• Norvir^® (ritonavir)
• Crixivan^® (indinavir)
• Fortovase^® (saquinavir)
• Rifadin^® (rifampin)
• Mycobutin^® (rifabutin)
• Priftin^® (rifapentin)
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytek^® (phenytoin)
• Tegretol^® (carbamazepine)
• St. John’s wort (herbal supplement)

Do not take Ranexa if you have serious liver problems.

What should you tell your doctor before taking Ranexa?

Because Ranexa may prolong a part of the heartbeat known as the QT interval, tell your doctor if you or a family member have had heart rhythm or heartbeat problems. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking medicines that prolong the QT interval, such as quinidine, Tikosyn^® (dofetilide), Betapace^® (sotalol), Cordarone^® (amiodarone), erythromycin, Mellaril^® (thioridazine), or Geodon^® (ziprasidone).

How to Take Ranexa

How should you take Ranexa?

Ranexa is available by prescription only, and you should follow your doctor's instructions.

• You can take Ranexa with or without food.
• Swallow Ranexa tablets whole. Ranexa is an extended-release tablet, so if you crush, split, break, or chew the tablets, Ranexa will not work properly.
• If you miss a dose, wait until the next time you’re supposed to take Ranexa, then get back on your usual schedule. Do not double your next dose.

Can you cut Ranexa tablets in half?

No. Swallow Ranexa tablets whole. Ranexa is an extended-release tablet, so if you crush, split, break, or chew the tablets, Ranexa will not work properly.

How often do you take Ranexa and at what times of day?

Ranexa is available as 500 mg and 1000 mg strength tablets and is taken twice a day. Doses of Ranexa higher than 1000 mg twice a day should not be used. Your doctor should instruct you how and when to take Ranexa based on your symptoms. Ranexa can be taken with or without food.

Side Effects of Ranexa

What are the possible side effects of Ranexa?

The most common side effects of Ranexa are:

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Headache
• Nausea

In clinical trials, 6% of patients receiving Ranexa decided to stop taking Ranexa due to side effects. Of patients receiving placebo (sugar pill), 3% stopped taking placebo due to side effects.

Because Ranexa may cause dizziness or light-headedness, you should know how you react to Ranexa before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do any other activity that requires you to be alert or coordinated.

Will tolerance develop with Ranexa?

Patients did not develop tolerance to Ranexa after 12 weeks of therapy.

When should you contact your doctor?

Tell your doctor if you faint or have a side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

If you have any questions about your condition or your treatment, including Ranexa, talk with your doctor.

Taking Ranexa With Other Medications and/or Supplements

Which medications should not be taken with Ranexa?

It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Do not take Ranexa if you are taking certain medications that strongly affect the enzyme CYP3A, such as:

• Nizoral^® (ketoconazole)
• Sporanox^® (itraconazole)
• Biaxin^® (clarithromycin)
• Serzone^® (nefazodone)
• Viracept^® (nelfinavir)
• Norvir^® (ritonavir)
• Crixivan^® (indinavir)
• Fortovase^® (saquinavir)
• Rifadin^® (rifampin)
• Mycobutin^® (rifabutin)
• Priftin^® (rifapentin)
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytek^® (phenytoin)
• Tegretol^® (carbamazepine)
• St. John’s wort (herbal supplement)

Do not take Ranexa if you have serious liver problems.

Can Ranexa be taken with other medications?

Ranexa can be taken with common heart medications, including:

• Beta-blockers, such as Toprol-XL^® or Inderal^®
• Long-acting nitrates, such as Imdur^® or Isordil^®
• Calcium channel blockers, such as Cardene^® or Sular^®
• Anti-platelet therapy, such as aspirin or Plavix^®
• Lipid-lowering therapy, such as Lipitor^® or Crestor^®
• ACE inhibitors, such as Prinivil^® or Zestril^®
• Angiotension receptor blockers, such as Diovan^® or Cozaar^®

What should I know about taking Ranexa with other medications or food?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and herbal supplements you take. The dose of Ranexa may need to be adjusted when taken with certain medications such as:

• Cardizem^® (diltiazem)
• Calan SR^® (verapamil)
• Emend^® (aprepitant)
• Erythromycin
• Fluconazole
• Mellaril^® (thioridazine)
• Geodon^® (ziprasidone)
• Cyclosporine

If you take Ranexa, you should limit the amount of grapefruit juice or grapefruit products you consume.

The doses of other medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, or digoxin, may need to be adjusted when taken with Ranexa.

Paying for Ranexa

Is there a patient assistance program for Ranexa?

Yes. Ranexa Connect is Gilead’s network of support that helps patients, physicians, and pharmacists with reimbursement and coverage questions about Ranexa. Ranexa Connect also provides Ranexa free of charge to qualified patients residing in the United States. Learn more about Ranexa Connect.

How can I get information on insurance reimbursement?

To speak with a Ranexa Connect Reimbursement Specialist, call 1-888-RANEXA-5 (1-888-726-3925). Specialists are available to talk Monday through Friday during the following times:

9 AM to 8 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
8 AM to 7 PM Central Standard Time (CST)
6 AM to 5 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST)

What do I do if my insurance company will not cover Ranexa?

Ranexa Connect is a network of support that helps patients, physicians, and pharmacists with reimbursement and coverage questions about Ranexa.

Help us understand your unique situation so we can help you find options that work for you. Call 1-888-RANEXA-5 (1-888-726-3925). to speak with a Ranexa Connect Reimbursement Specialist. Specialists are available to talk Monday through Friday during the following times:

9 AM to 8 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
8 AM to 7 PM Central Standard Time (CST)
6 AM to 5 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST)