Sotatercept is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Sotatercept is a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. It works by inhibiting the action of Activins, which play a role in the abnormal growth and​/or changes in shape or structure of blood vessels in the lungs. By doing so, it helps relax the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the lungs and reducing the strain on the heart. This helps to improve symptoms such as breathlessness and increase your ability to exercise. 

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. 
• Sotatercept is typically administered as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). It may be given in a clinical setting, or you may be trained to give yourself the injection at home. Use the injection as advised by your healthcare professional and as described in the instruction manual. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• If you miss your dose of Sotatercept within 3 days, administer it as soon as possible. You may go back to your regular dosing schedule for the next dose. 
• If it has been more than 3 days since the missed dose, contact your healthcare professionals on what to do.  

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:  

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication. 

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding  

• Sotatercept may cause harm to unborn babies 
• Use effective birth control when you are taking Sotatercept and for at least 4 months after stopping this medicine  
• Do not breastfeed when you are taking Sotatercept and for at least 4 months after stopping this medicine

You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.  

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, or swelling) 
• Headache 
• Diarrhoea 
• Nosebleed  
• Spider veins (small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin, typically seen as red, blue, or purple lines)  
• Dizziness 

Inform your healthcare professional if these side-effects do not go away or are ​troubling ​you. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• High level of hemogloblin in blood which may increase the risk of blood clots 
• Low number of platelets in blood which can increase your chance of bleeding 
  • Your doctor may monitor your hemoglobin and platelets levels when you are on this medication. 
  • Signs or symptoms of serious bleeding include: 
    • Blood in the urine 
    • Black and sticky stools (if you are not using iron supplements at the same time) 
    • Unexplained large bruises 
    • Coughing up blood or coffee ground-like vomit 
    • Sudden severe headache with nausea or loss of consciousness

Sotatercept may also cause allergic reactions. The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:  

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

How should I store this medication?

Store unused injection kits in the refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do not freeze.  

Unused injection kits can be out of the refrigerator (up to 25°C) for 24 hours. 

Reconstituted ​​solution should be injected immediately (no more than 4 hours after mixing).  

Store in the original container to protect from light.  

How do I throw away this medication safely?

If used at home, you may throw this injection away along with the used needles, into a metal tin, or glass jar or thick plastic container (e.g. detergent bottles) before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin to prevent any needle stick injury. 

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on April 2025