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Epoprostenol  (Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Flolan

In Canada—

  • Flolan

Other commonly used names are Prostacyclin; PGI2; PGX.

Category


Description

Epoprostenol (e-poe-PROST-en-ole) belongs to a group of agents called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins occur naturally in the body and are involved in many biological functions. Epoprostenol is used to treat the symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension, or the high blood pressure that occurs in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Epoprostenol works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood to the lungs, reducing the workload of the heart.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s):



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For epoprostenol, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Epoprostenol has not been studied in pregnant women and, although epoprostenol has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animals, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether epoprostenol passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of epoprostenol in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. It is important that your health care professional know if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of epoprostenol. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to prepare the medicine and use the pump for administering the medicine. Epoprostenol must be administered continuously by a portable pump that is operated by a small computer. The medicine will be delivered directly to the heart through a catheter that will be inserted into a vein in the chest.

Epoprostenol should be reconstituted only with the sterile diluent that is supplied with this medicine. The reconstituted medicine should not be mixed with other solutions or medicines. Use the following procedure for reconstituting your daily supply:

Dosing—

The dose of epoprostenol will be different for different patients and will be determined by your doctor. The amount of medicine you take may have to be increased gradually by your doctor. It must never be stopped suddenly. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of epoprostenol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the concentration of the reconstituted medicine and the rate at which the infusion pump delivers the medicine.

Missed dose—

Epoprostenol has to be administered by a continuous intravenous infusion and it must never be stopped suddenly.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to make sure the medicine is working properly and to change the dosage if needed.

Be sure to report any signs of infection at the catheter site to your doctor. Also, if you develop a sudden fever, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Avoid the use of saunas, hot baths, or sunbathing, or other situations that may cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in low blood pressure and increasing the possibility of dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.

Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. Stopping suddenly may bring on symptoms of your condition and can be dangerous. Check with your doctor before stopping completely.

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card stating that you are using this medicine.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

If you stop using this medicine abruptly or your dosage is reduced suddenly, symptoms of your condition may recur. If your medicine is suddenly stopped or reduced, check with your doctor immediately, especially if any of the following side effects occur:


Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Developed: 01/04/1999
Revised: 09/04/2000

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