GENERIC NAME: EPOPROSTENOL - INJ (ep-oh-PRAW-steh-nol)

BRAND NAME(S): Flolan

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). It works by causing the blood vessels (arteries) in the lungs to relax and expand, thus decreasing the pressure.

HOW TO USE: Inject this medication directly into a vein (IV) continuously, using an infusion pump, or use as directed by your doctor. This medication should be started in a hospital/clinic. Do not suddenly decrease the dose or stop using this medication, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Stopping this drug, even briefly, may lead to serious side effects (see Side Effects section). To avoid interruptions in drug treatment, you should have access to a backup infusion pump and infusion sets should your equipment fail. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Depending on your condition, you may be given other medications to help prevent blood clots (embolism). Take all prescribed medication exactly as directed. Learn all preparation and usage instructions, including how to prepare and administer this drug and how to care for the injection site (central venous catheter) and avoid infection. If any of the information about the use of this medication is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, jaw pain, flushing, sweating, drowsiness, joint/muscle aches, or redness/swelling/pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach pain, chest pain, vision changes, fast/slow/irregular pulse, mental/mood changes, changes in the appearance of the skin (e.g., unusual paleness or blue/grey color), signs of flu (e.g., chills, fever, sore throat), unusual bleeding or bruising, tingling /numbness/loss of feeling in hands or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual fatigue or weakness, enlarged abdomen, unexplained weight gain/loss. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Do not suddenly stop using this medication or decrease the dose unless directed to do so by your doctor. Serious effects such as trouble breathing, dizziness, or weakness may occur, which rarely may lead to death, if this medication is suddenly stopped or interrupted even briefly. Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if your dose is interrupted or if you develop these side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

High Blood Pressure - High Blood Pressure: Medical information about hypertension, its treatment, therapies and prevention Source:MedicineNet Read 11 more epoprostenol-inj related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection