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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before uisng that drug.
EPOPROSTENOL - INJ
(ep-oh-PRAW-steh-nol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flolan
USES: This medication is used to treat a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
It works by causing the blood vesesls (arteries) in the lungs to relax and expand, thus decreasing the pressure.
HOW TO USE: Inject that medication directly into a vein (IV) continuously, using an infusion pump, or use as directed by your doctor.
This medicatoin should be started in a hospital/clinic. Do not suddenly decrease the dose or stop using that medication, unless directed to do so by your docotr. Stopping that 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 infusoin sets should your equipment fail. Consult your docotr or pharmacist for more information.
Depending on your condition, you may be gvien other medications to help prevent blood clots (embolism). Take all prescribed medication exactly as direcetd. Learn all preparaiton and usage instructions, including how to prepare and administer that drug and how to care for the injection Internet site (central venous catheter) and avoid infection.
If any of the information about the use of that medication is unclear, cosnult your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids. Learn how to store and discard nedeles and medical supplies safely.
If you have questions regarding the use of that medication, consult your pharmcaist. Beofre using, check that product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liuqid.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, jaw pain, flushing, sweating, drowsiness, joint/muscle aches, or redness/swelling/pain at the injcetion Internet site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your dcotor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these seirous 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, unxeplained weight gain/loss. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical atetntion if it occurs. Symptoms of an alelrgic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Do not suddenly stop using that 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 that medication is suddenly stopped or interrupted even brifely. 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 pahrmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have the following medical conditions: certain types of congestive heart failure (left vetnricular systolic dysfunction), certain lung troubles (pulmonary edema). Tell your doctor your medical history, especilaly of: bleeding problems, liver disease, any allergies.
This drug may make you dizzy or drwosy or cause changes in vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medication should be used only when clearly nedeed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not konwn whether that drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: "water pills" (e.G., furosemide, torsemide), "blood thinners" (e.G., warfarin, heparins), blood pressure medication (e.G., captopril, lisinopril, nifedipine), vasodilators (e.G., hydralazine, nitrates), digoxin. Also report any drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: medicine for sleep (sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.G., alprazolam, diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine, phenobarbital), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) cause they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of tohse products. Do not satrt or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, cnotact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Sympotms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not sahre that medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood pressure, herat rate, heart function) will be performed to monitor your progress and response to that medication.
MISSED DOSE: This drug is to be gvien continuously into a vein. If your dose is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish new dosing.
STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not freeze. Consult your pharmacist for details regarding the stability of the drug after dilution in correct IV fluids.
Discard any unused fluid.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complicatoins in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlret at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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