Treprostinil (Injection)

Treprostinil (tre-PROS-ti-nil)

Treats breathing problems and other symptoms caused by exercise in people who have pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Brand Name(s):

Remodulin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to treprostinil.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

 
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed under your skin.  
• This medicine will be pumped through the needle by a device called an infusion pump. A nurse or other trained health professional will start your infusion of this medicine.  
• You may be taught how to give your medicine and care for your infusion pump at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an infusion. Do not use more medicine or use it for longer than your doctor tells you to.  
• You will be shown the body areas where this infusion can be given. Use a different body area each time you start an infusion. Keep track of where you give each infusion to make sure you rotate body areas.  
• You may be given a second infusion pump and supplies for using this medicine, in case the first pump stops working.  
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you start an infusion of your medicine.  
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

 
• If your must stop your infusion, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions first.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

 
• The medicine comes in a vial. After you open the vial, the medicine will keep for up to 14 days. You will use a syringe to take some medicine out of the vial and insert it into the pump. The medicine can be kept in the syringe up to 72 hours.  
• Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.  
• Throw away any medicine after the expiration date has passed.  
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.  
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

 
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadinreg;), diuretics or “water pills” (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazidereg;, Aldactonereg;, Dyazidereg;, Hyzaarreg;, Lasixreg;, Maxzidereg;, Modureticreg;), blood pressure medicine (such as Cardurareg;, Vasotecreg;, Zestrilreg;, atenolol, Toprolreg;, Lotrelreg;, Procardiareg;), or medicine to treat circulation problems.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

 
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.  
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.  
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.  
• Ask your doctor who to call if you have any problems with the infusion pump that you cannot fix.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

 
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)  
• Extreme warmth or redness in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest  
• Increased trouble breathing  
• Lightheadedness or fainting  
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea  
• Severe redness, pain, rash, swelling, or a hard lump where the needle is placed

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

 
• Jaw pain  
• Mild diarrhea  
• Pale skin  
• Rapid weight gain  
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet  
• Tired feeling

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.