|
This medication is used to treat a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Treprostinil helps to improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels (arteries) in the lungs and other parts of the body so that blood can flow more easily. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators.
|
|
| |
|
|
Treprostinil SubQ images:
|
| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
|
Treprostinil SubQ
Uses
This medication is used to treat a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Treprostinil helps to improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels (arteries) in the lungs and other parts of the body so that blood can flow more easily. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store unopened vials at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C).
- Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
- Consult your pharmacist for details about the storage of opened vials and prepared solutions.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.
How To Use
- When you first 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, usually 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 about 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 (rarely fatal) 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 to prevent problems.
- Use all prescribed medications exactly as directed.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, jaw pain, flushing, or redness/swelling/pain at the injection site may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new/worsening swelling of the arms/legs, mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, nervousness).To avoid infection, follow your health care professional's instructions for proper handling of this medication.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using treprostinil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.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.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- This drug is to be given continuously as an infusion.
- If your infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.Treprostinil may lower your blood pressure.
- Your doctor may also direct you to take other medications that may also lower your blood pressure (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics such as furosemide, ACE inhibitors such as captopril, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, other vasodilators such as nitrates).
- Your doctor may also prescribe "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin) 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.
|
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
|