Frequently Asked Questions

About Ranexa

What is Ranexa?

Ranexa is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic angina. Ranexa may be used with beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, antiplatelet therapy, lipid-lowering therapy, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers. Ranexa can help to reduce the number of angina episodes if taken as prescribed, but it will not stop an angina episode once it has started.

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 including

• 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 liver cirrhosis.

Side Effects of Ranexa

What are the possible serious side effects of Ranexa?

Ranexa may lead to a change in your heartbeat called QTc interval prolongation. This change is measured by an electrocardiogram. Tell your doctor if you or a family member have had heart-rhythm or heartbeat problems, or 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).

What are the most common side effects of Ranexa?

The most common side effects of Ranexa include dizziness, headache, constipation, and nausea. Ranexa may cause dizziness and lightheadedness; therefore, patients should know how they react to this drug before they operate an automobile or machinery, or engage in activities requiring mental alertness or coordination.

Tell a doctor if you faint of 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.

What information should I know about taking other medicines with Ranexa?

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), erythromycin, fluconazole, and 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 Prograf^® (tacrolimus), Rapamune^® (sirolimus), lovastatin, cyclosporine, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, or digoxin, may need to be adjusted when taken with Ranexa. Tell your doctor if you take any medicines containing simvastatin, such as Zocor^®, Vytorin^®, or Simcor^®. You should not take more then 20mg of simvastatin a day if you take Ranexa.

How to Take Ranexa

How should you take Ranexa?

Take Ranexa exactly as your doctor tells you. You can take Ranexa with or without meals. Ranexa should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed. Doses of Ranexa higher then 1000mg twice daily should not be used. If a dose of Ranexa is missed, the usual dose should be taken at the next scheduled time. The next dose should not be doubled.

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)