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.
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. 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.
Your health care professional will prepare and mix the
solution for you according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are
using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions
from your health care professional. Before using, check this product for
particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid,
and contact your health care professional right away. Learn how to store
and discard medical supplies safely.
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 right away
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.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, jaw
pain, flushing, loss of appetite, weakness, abdominal pain, and
redness/swelling/pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- new/worsening swelling of the arms/legs
- mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, nervousness)
- unusual bleeding/bruising
To avoid infection, follow your health care
professional's instructions for proper handling of this medication. Tell
your doctor right away if you develop any signs of infection (such as
fever, chills).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using treprostinil, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver problems
- bleeding problems
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, fainting.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure) may be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
This drug is to be given continuously as an infusion. If
your infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist right
away.
Store unopened vials at room temperature. Consult your
pharmacist for details about the storage of opened vials and prepared
solutions. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).