What is epoprostenol?
Epoprostenol is a prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance that occurs naturally in the
body). Prostaglandins help to control functions in the body such as blood pressure and muscle
contractions.
Epoprostenol is used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
Epoprostenol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking epoprostenol?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epoprostenol or if you have
congestive heart failure.
Before using epoprostenol, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use epoprostenol.
FDA pregnancy category B. Epoprostenol is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. However, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether epoprostenol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take epoprostenol?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. You may
need to use this medication for a period of many years.
Epoprostenol is given through a needle placed into a vein using a computerized, portable
infusion pump to control the rate of medication you receive.
Because epoprostenol must be used long-term, it is usually given through a permanent
central intravenous (IV) catheter placed into a large vein (such as in your chest).
You will receive your first dose of epoprostenol in a hospital or clinic setting where
you can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects. You may also need to
be monitored if your dose has changed and you are receiving the new dose for the first time.
Before you use epoprostenol at home, your caregivers will teach you how to how to
properly mix and store the medication, give the injection, and properly care for your catheter and
infusion pump.
You must mix epoprostenol with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Use only the diluent
provided with your medication and do not mix epoprostenol with any other medications or
liquids.
After mixing epoprostenol with the diluent, the mixture will be good for only 48
hours if kept cold and protected from light.
To use at room temperature:
You may store the medicine in the
refrigerator for up to 40 hours, then take it out of the refrigerator and use it at room temperature
over a period of no longer than 8 hours. Protect the medicine from light.
To use with a cold pouch and frozen gel packs:
Store the medicine in
the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then take it out of the refrigerator and use it with the cold
pouch over a period of no longer than 24 hours. Protect the medicine from light. Replace the
frozen gel packs every 12 hours.
The epoprostenol and diluent mixture must be protected from light at all times,
whether it is in storage or in use.
Do not stop using epoprostenol without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel
better. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms may return if you stop using epoprostenol suddenly.
This includes dizziness, weakness, and trouble breathing.
Even short breaks in the flow of your medication through the IV can cause the treatment
to stop working. To make sure there is no interruption in your treatment, you may need to have a
back-up infusion pump in case your first pump fails to work properly. Also keep replacement
batteries and extra IV infusion sets on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you
run out of medicine completely.
Store unopened vials of epoprostenol and its diluent at cool room temperature (below
77 degrees F), away from heat, light, and moisture.
Do not freeze the mixed medicine. Throw away any epoprostenol and diluent mixture
that has become frozen or if it has changed colors or has any particles in it.
What happens if I miss a dose of epoprostenol?
Because this medication is given around the clock, you should not miss a dose if you
use the medication properly. Call your doctor right away if your epoprostenol therapy is
interrupted for any reason.
Where can I get more information about epoprostenol?
Your pharmacist has information about epoprostenol written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of epoprostenol?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
chest tightness trouble breathing;
-
fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
-
nosebleed;
-
blood in your urine or stools;
-
coughing up blood; or
-
feeling like you might pass out.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
-
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
-
headache or jaw pain;
-
muscle pain; or
-
feeling anxious, nervous, or agitated.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about epoprostenol?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to epoprostenol or if you have
congestive heart failure.
Before using epoprostenol, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially a
bleeding or blood clotting disorder; heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or
any drug allergies.
Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Epoprostenol is given through a needle placed into a vein using a computerized, portable
infusion pump to control the rate of medication you receive. You may need to use this
medication for a period of many years.
Because epoprostenol must be used long-term, it is usually given through a permanent
central intravenous (IV) catheter placed into a large vein (such as in your chest).
You will receive your first dose of epoprostenol in a hospital or clinic setting where
you can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects. You may also need to
be monitored if your dose has changed and you are receiving the new dose for the first time.
Before you use epoprostenol at home, your caregivers will teach you how to how to
properly mix and store the medication, give the injection, and properly care for your catheter and
infusion pump.
Do not stop using epoprostenol without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel
better. Pulmonary hypertension symptoms (dizziness, weakness, and trouble breathing) may
return if you stop using epoprostenol suddenly. Even short breaks in your continuous medication
schedule can cause the treatment to stop working. Keep your infusion pump working properly
and get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What should I avoid while taking epoprostenol?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are using epoprostenol.
What other drugs will affect epoprostenol?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
-
a diuretic (water pill);
-
heart or blood pressure medications;
-
heparin or warfarin (Coumadin);
-
medication used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase
(Activase), anistreplase (Eminase), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine),
streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase), ticlopidine (Ticlid), and urokinase (Abbokinase); or
-
aspirin or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Cataflam,
Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol),
meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
epoprostenol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of epoprostenol?