treprostinil – injection, Remodulin

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication is used to treat a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Treprostinil helps improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in the lungs and other parts of the body so that blood can flow more easily. This medication belongs to a class of vasodilators.

HOW TO USE: When you start using this medication, it must be given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic. This medication is given as a continuous injection under the skin using an infusion pump. If you cannot receive the drug under the skin, it may be mixed with an IV solution and given into a vein using an infusion pump. Your health care professional will prepare and mix the solution for you according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your doctor directs you to continue using this medication at home, follow all instructions from your health care professional on how to properly use this medication and the infusion pump. Learn how to properly care for your injection site and how to avoid infection. Also learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid, and contact your health care professional immediately. If you have any questions about the use of this medication, consult your health care professional. Do not suddenly decrease the dose or suddenly stop using this medication because doing either may lead to serious worsening of your condition. If you must stop this medication, gradually reduce the dose as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor immediately if your infusion is interrupted or if you develop worsening trouble breathing, dizziness, or weakness. To avoid interruptions in drug treatment, you should have a backup infusion pump and infusion sets available in case your equipment fails. Consult your health care professional for more information. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to use other medications in addition to treprostinil to treat your condition and prevent problems. Use all prescribed medications exactly as directed. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, jaw pain, flushing, loss of appetite, weakness, abdominal pain, and redness/swelling/pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: new/worsening swelling of the arms/legs, mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, nervousness). To avoid infection, follow your health care professional’s instructions for proper handling of this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of infection (such as fever, chills). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using treprostinil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, bleeding problems. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Treprostinil may lower your blood pressure. Your doctor may also direct you to take other medications that may also lower your blood pressure. Your doctor may also prescribe "blood thinners" to prevent blood clots. Treprostinil may increase your risk of bleeding if you take "blood thinners." Your doctor or pharmacist will monitor you for these possible drug interactions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you develop symptoms such as easy or unusual bleeding/bruising, severe dizziness, or fainting. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: This drug is to be given continuously as an infusion. If your infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature away from light and moisture. Consult your pharmacist for details about the storage of opened vials and prepared solutions. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). Information last revised November 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

QUESTION

Related Disease Conditions

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure. The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater. If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life-threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack. REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries that carry blood from the lungs to the heart. The most common symptoms are fatigue and difficulty breathing. If the condition goes undiagnosed, more severe symptoms may occur. As pulmonary hypertension worsens, some people with the condition have difficulty performing activities that require physical exertion. While there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, it can be managed and treated with medications and supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygen levels.