Epoprostenol is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs).
This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Epoprostenol injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Use Epoprostenol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use it more or less than instructed by your doctor.
For the doctor to monitor and find the right dose for you, your first treatment of Epoprostenol will be given to you in a hospital. Once the doctor determines the suitable dose for you, a permanent tube (line) will be inserted into your veins and an infusion pump will be used during your treatment.
If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for a long time, such as for a few years. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment time frame depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Epoprostenol must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Epoprostenol.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Epoprostenol if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood) as Epoprostenol may not be suitable for you.
Do not give Epoprostenol for long-term use to individuals who develop a fluid build-up in the lungs after they are started with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart
- blockage of the blood vessels in the lungs
- at risk of bleeding
- at risk of fluid build-up in the lungs
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Epoprostenol to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure and heartbeat may fall or rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of bleeding, very low blood pressure, or overdose indication (e.g. breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, flushing) may also be needed.
Epoprostenol may cause dizziness, headache, or nausea. If affected, do not drive, or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, abdominal pain, dry mouth, flushing, fever, chills, tremor, pain in the neck, jaw, chest, or back, weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, flu-like symptoms, and injection site reactions (pain, redness, inflammation).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- very low blood pressure
- shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
Epoprostenol will cause you to bleed more easily. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises especially if they appear by themselves or if they cover a large area), or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth). Alert your doctor if you notice blood in your urine or stool or if you get a nosebleed.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines
- medicines for high blood pressure
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- digoxin (medicine for weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Epoprostenol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Epoprostenol to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Available concentrations of reconstituted and diluted solution of Epoprostenol may vary with its storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store this medicine.
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