Epoprostenol

The dose of Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) is based on body weight. The recommended starting dose is 2 mg per kilogram of bodyweight, per hour. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication and may adjust the dose based on how you respond.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) is injected intravenously (into a vein) by a procedure called continuous intravenous infusion. This means that the medication will be flowing into your body on a constant basis. You will need to have a special device inserted into your vein for the medication to be given (called a central venous catheter).

Sometimes, Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) will be given in the hospital by a health care professional. At other times, it may be given to you while you are at home or outside the hospital. In this situation, you will have a special pump that will help deliver the medication into your vein. A health care professional will teach you (and your caregiver or family member) how to prepare the medication and how to use the pump. Only use the tubing supplied to you with your medication or by your health care professional.

It is important Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) be used exactly as recommended by your doctor. If your infusion of Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) is interrupted for any reason, contact your doctor to discuss what you should do.

Store the unmixed vials of medication and diluents at room temperature (between 15°C to 25°C), protect it from light, and keep out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Each vial of sterile lyophilized powder contains Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) sodium equivalent to 0.5 mg (500,000 ng) or 1.5 mg (1,500,000 ng) Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) in a 10 mL vial. Nonmedicinal ingredients: L-arginine, sucrose, and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment).

Do not use Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) if you:

• are allergic to Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol), or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to any medications with a similar chemical structure to Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol)
• develop pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) when starting the medication
• have Congestive Heart Failure

There may be an interaction between Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid
• Aldesleukin
• Aliskiren
• alpha-blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• amifostine
• Amiodarone
• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., Irbesartan, Losartan, Valsartan)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Clozapine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Apixaban
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Timolol)
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• brimonidine
• Clopidogrel
• conivaptan
• dabigatran
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Spironolactone)
• Edoxaban
• Guanfacine
• Heparin
• herbal products that affect blood clotting (e.g., cat's claw, chamomile, fenugreek, evening primrose, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, turmeric)
• Hydralazine
• levodopa
• low molecular weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
• Minoxidil
• nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Naproxen)
• Obinutuzumab
• Pentoxifylline
• phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• Prasugrel
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Ticagrelor
• Ticlopidine
• tolcapone
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol).

Bleeding: Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) prevents platelets in the blood from sticking together, which can put you at risk for bleeding. If you experience any signs or symptoms of bleeding (e.g., black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, cuts that won't stop bleeding), contact your doctor immediately. While you are taking Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol), your doctor should closely monitor your platelet counts with blood tests.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) affects you.

Infection: Since Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) is given intravenously through a central venous catheter, this increases your risk of infections in the blood, which can be fatal. If you notice any signs or symptoms such as a sudden onset of fever, fatigue, or headache, contact your doctor immediately.

Giving the medication intravenously also puts you at increased risk of infections at the infusion site. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice symptoms such as redness, tenderness, swelling, or pus at the infusion site.

Low blood pressure (hypotension): Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) works to reduce the pressure in the blood vessels by dilating the blood vessels. People being treated with Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) should avoid situations that can further dilate their blood vessels, such as sitting in saunas, hot baths, and sunbathing.

Stopping the medication: When Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) is stopped suddenly, or the dose is decreased by a large amount, symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may occur. If your Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) infusion is stopped abruptly for some reason and you develop symptoms such as pain when breathing (dyspnea), dizziness, weakness, and fatigue, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) have not been established for children.

Seniors: The safety of using Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) has not been established for seniors. Seniors may be at greater risk for side effects such as kidney, liver, or heart problems and should be monitored closed.

<p>Epoprostenol (<a href="/drug/flolan">Epoprostenol</a>) belongs to the class of medications called <i>vasodilators.</i> Vasodilators open up (dilate) the blood vessels in your body by relaxing the muscle walls of the blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and allow blood to flow more easily throughout your body, which improves your heart function and your ability to exercise.</p><p>Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) is used to for the <b>long-term treatment of pulmonary hypertension.</b> People with pulmonary hypertension have high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. The high pressure makes it difficult for blood to travel to the lungs and pick up oxygen. This makes the heart work harder in order to push enough blood into the lungs, which over time can lead to heart problems.</p><p><b>Your doctor may have suggested Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles.</b> If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol), speak to your doctor. <b>Do not stop using Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) without consulting your doctor.</b></p><p><b>Do not give Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do.</b> It can be harmful for people to use Epoprostenol (Epoprostenol) if their doctor has not prescribed it.</p>