Type of medicine: antihypertensive
Generic and brand names: epoprostenol sodium, injection; Flolan; Veletri
This medicine is infused through an special catheter and infusion pump. It is used to treat pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).
This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
You will receive your first dose of this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting where you can be monitored closely.
This medicine is given as a continuous injection through a portable infusion pump. Before you use this medicine at home, you will be shown how to use the medicine, and how to care for your catheter and portable infusion pump.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. The dose of medicine you take may be increased gradually by your healthcare provider. Keep all appointments. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You will probably need this medicine for a long time (maybe years).
Do not mix this medicine with any other medicine for injection. Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
Do not run out of this medicine or suddenly stop the infusion. Your condition could get worse and cause shortness of breath, dizziness, or weakness. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
You will need to learn and use sterile technique when you handle the medicine and the liquids that are mixed with the medicine. Read and follow all directions given to you. Use only the sterile solutions that come with this medicine to dissolve the powder.
The catheter is placed in your vein. A small, portable pump that you carry with you is attached to the catheter by a tube. This delivers constant measured doses of the medicine. This allows you to follow a more normal life while receiving this medicine day and night. It is important that you learn how to take care of the catheter and keep it sterile. Check the area around the catheter for redness, pain, or discharge. You should also make sure that you understand how to use the pump.
You should have 2 working pumps at all times to make sure your treatment is not interrupted. Usually pumps are replaced every 6 months.
If you do not understand how you should prepare or use this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: flushing, fast heartbeat, headache, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine lowers blood pressure. Taking other blood pressure medicines along with this one may lower your blood pressure too much. Be sure you tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you take.
Saunas, hot baths, or sunbathing may cause blood vessels to dilate and lower your blood pressure too far. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Irregular or rapid heartbeat, severe headache, severe diarrhea, severe nausea or vomiting, severe dizziness, inflammation or pain at the spot where the needle is inserted, increased trouble breathing, fever, chest pain, redness of face or neck, rash, unexplained swelling, unusual bruising or bleeding, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, seizures.
Other: Mild headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, jaw pain, stomach pain, nervousness, muscle or joint pain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store unopened vials of this medicine at room temperature. Keep the containers tightly closed. Protect from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
After mixing the powder with the liquid, keep the mixture in the refrigerator. Do not use any mixture that has particles in it or is discolored. Do not freeze. Do not use medicine that has been frozen. Discard any mixtures not used according to your provider’s instructions.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
