Epoprostenol
Generic name: epoprostenol [ EE-poe-PROST-en-ol ]
Brand names: Flolan, Veletri
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (0.5 mg; 1.5 mg)
Drug class:Agents for pulmonary hypertension
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 arterial hypertension (PAH) and improve your ability to exercise.
Epoprostenol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use epoprostenol if you have fluid in your lungs, or heart failure caused by a decrease in your heart's ability to pump blood back into the body.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use epoprostenol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema); or
congestive heart failure caused by a decrease in your heart's ability to pump blood back into the body.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had breathing problems while using epoprostenol.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I use epoprostenol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. You may need to use epoprostenol for many years.
You may receive your first dose in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects. Your blood pressure and heart rate may also need to be monitored whenever your dose is changed.
Epoprostenol is injected with an infusion pump, usually through a permanent central intravenous (IV) catheter placed into a large vein such as in your chest. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine, which may be different for different brands of epoprostenol. Do not use epoprostenol if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
You should not stop using epoprostenol suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
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