Prior to starting epoprostenol therapy, patients should understand:
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epoprostenol is continuously infused directly to the heart through a permanent indwelling central venous catheter using a small, computerized, portable infusion pump;
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there is a high likelihood that therapy with epoprostenol will be needed for a long time, possibly years;
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epoprostenol therapy requires the patient learn to prepare and administer the drug, and take care of the central venous catheter themselves.
Talk to your doctor about any conditions you may have including;
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heart problems;
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kidney problems;
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liver problems; or
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pulmonary edema.
The use of epoprostenol may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Other conditions may also affect epoprostenol therapy. Tell your doctor about all conditions you may have.
Other drugs can interact with epoprostenol resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.
Epoprostenol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take epoprostenol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Do not use epoprostenol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to use epoprostenol prior to beginning therapy, including;
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proper sterile technique, preparation, and administration of the drug;
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how to take care of your catheter;
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how to use and how to care for your infusion pump;
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how to order more epoprostenol; and
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who to contact with questions or in case of an emergency.
Do not attempt to use the drug if your doctor or nurse has not shown you how.
Sterile technique must be used for preparing the drug. Talk to your doctor if you do not understand sterile technique.
Patients should understand how to care for their catheter. Talk to your doctor if you do not understand how to care for a central venous catheter.
Do not stop using epoprostenol with out talking to your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping epoprostenol may cause shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness and even death.
Even short breaks in the delivery of epoprostenol may cause the treatment to stop working. Talk to your doctor immediately if your epoprostenol therapy stops at all.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have a fever or if the skin around the catheter turns red or looks infected.
Flolan (epoprostenol) must be reconstituted only with sterile diluent for Flolan.
Do not use epoprostenol solution that has particles in it or is discolored.
Always store and discard epoprostenol in a safe place children can not reach.
Store unopened vials and diluent away from heat, direct light, extreme cold (freezing), or damp places.
Store the reconstituted (mixed) epoprostenol injection in the refrigerator, away from direct light and for no more than 48 hours. Do not freeze the solution. (Epoprostenol that has been frozen should be thrown away.)
Even short breaks in the delivery of epoprostenol may cause the treatment to stop working. Talk to your doctor immediately if your epoprostenol therapy stops at all.
Epoprostenol use has been associated with multiple serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects associated with epoprostenol use.
Prior to starting epoprostenol therapy, patients should understand:
-
epoprostenol is continuously infused directly to the heart through a permanent indwelling central venous catheter using a small, computerized, portable infusion pump;
-
there is a high likelihood that therapy with epoprostenol will be needed for a long time, possibly years;
-
epoprostenol therapy requires the patient learn to prepare and administer the drug, and take care of the central venous catheter themselves.
Sterile technique must be used for preparing the drug. Talk to your doctor if you do not understand sterile technique.
Patients should understand how to care for their catheter. Talk to your doctor if you do not understand how to care for a central venous catheter.
Do not stop using epoprostenol with out talking to your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping epoprostenol may cause shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness and even death.
Other drugs can interact with epoprostenol resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.
Epoprostenol use has been associated with multiple serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects associated with epoprostenol use.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have a fever or if the skin around the catheter turns red or looks infected.
Do not stop using epoprostenol with out talking to your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping epoprostenol may cause shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness and even death.
Avoid hot baths, hot tubs, saunas or other activities that can make you light-headed. These types of activities may increase the dizziness associated with epoprostenol therapy.
Other drugs can interact with epoprostenol resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.
Other drugs can interact with epoprostenol resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, you are taking.
Epoprostenol is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting where an emergency situation or overdose can be handled properly.