EPOPROSTENOL - INJECTION

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EPOPROSTENOL - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (E-poe-PROST-en-ol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flolan

GENERIC NAME(S): epoprostenol sodium (arginine)

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). It helps to increase your ability to exercise and improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels (arteries) in the lungs and other parts of the body so that blood can flow more easily. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators.


How to use EPOPROSTENOL - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: When you first start using this medication, it must be given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic. This medication is given as a continuous injection into the vein using an infusion pump, or as directed by your doctor. Follow all instructions from your health care professional about how to properly use and prepare this medication and the infusion pump. Learn how to properly care for your injection site and how to avoid infection. Also learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid, and contact your health care professional right away. If you have any questions about the use of this medication or the infusion pump, consult your health care professional. Do not suddenly decrease the dose or suddenly stop using this medication because doing either may lead to serious (rarely fatal) worsening of your condition. If you must stop this medication, gradually reduce the dose as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor right away if your infusion is interrupted or if you develop worsening trouble breathing, dizziness, or weakness. To avoid interruptions in drug treatment, you should have a backup infusion pump and infusion sets available in case your equipment fails. Consult your health care professional for more information. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your doctor may also direct you to use additional medications to treat your condition and prevent problems. Use all prescribed medications exactly as directed. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, flushing, sweating, abdominal pain, jaw pain, muscle/joint pain, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, nervousness, confusion, agitation), signs of infection (such as fever, chills), numb/tingling/pale skin, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, vision changes, chest pain, unusual bruising/bleeding. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using epoprostenol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart failure (on the left side of the heart), bleeding problems (such as bleeding of the stomach/intestines), blood disorders (such as thrombocytopenia), liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antiplatelet drugs (such as clopidogrel). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) that can increase the risk of bleeding or medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids) that could increase your blood pressure or heart rate. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness.

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Faq for EPOPROSTENOL - INJECTION

Epoprostenol injection is used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to improve exercise capacity and symptoms in patients with PAH.

Epoprostenol is a prostacyclin analogue that works by dilating the blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the workload on the heart, and improving blood flow. This helps to lower blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and improve symptoms associated with PAH.

Epoprostenol injection is given directly into a vein through a permanent central venous catheter. It is usually administered continuously 24 hours a day using an infusion pump.

Common side effects of epoprostenol injection include headache, jaw pain, flushing, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle pain, and injection site reactions.

The duration of treatment with epoprostenol injection varies depending on the individual patient's response and the severity of their condition. It is typically used long-term and may require lifelong treatment.

It is important to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation during epoprostenol infusion, as sudden discontinuation of the drug can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially life-threatening rebound effects. Close monitoring of liver function, blood counts, and fluid balance is also necessary.

Epoprostenol injection should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is not known whether the drug passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided while receiving treatment.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.