Flolan

Flolan is a prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance that is naturally found in the body). Prostaglandins help to manage functions in the body like blood pressure and muscle contractions.

Flolan is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to enhance your ability to exercise.

Flolan may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use Flolan if you have fluid in your lungs or heart failure due to a reduced ability of your heart to pump blood back into your body.

You should not use Flolan if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema); or
• congestive heart failure caused by a decrease in your heart's ability to pump blood back into the body.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had breathing problems while using Flolan.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Flolan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath with dizziness or weakness;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding; or
• symptoms of pulmonary edema--anxiety, sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate.

Common side effects of Flolan may include:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• trouble breathing;
• headache, jaw pain;
• fast or slow heartbeats;
• joint or muscle pain;
• flu-like symptoms; or
• feeling anxious or nervous.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. You may need to use Flolan for many years.

You may receive your first dose in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects. Your blood pressure and heart rate may also need to be monitored whenever your dose is changed.

Flolan is injected with an infusion pump, usually through a permanent central intravenous (IV) catheter placed into a large vein such as in your chest. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine, which may be different for different brands of epoprostenol. Do not use Flolan if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

You should not stop using Flolan suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

To make sure there is no interruption in your treatment, you may need to have a back-up infusion pump, replacement batteries, and extra IV infusion sets. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store Flolan powder in its original package at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

After mixing your medicine, you will need to use it within a certain number of hours or days. This will depend on the concentration of the mixture, the diluent used, and whether you store the mixture at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Carefully follow the mixing and storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

Protect the mixed medicine from light at all times, whether it is in storage or in use.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Because Flolan is given all day and night, you should not miss a dose if you use the medicine correctly. Call your doctor immediately if your Flolan therapy is stopped for any reason.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Avoid using any infusion pump that has not been approved for use by your doctor.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";
• blood pressure medications; or
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list does not include everything. Other drugs may affect Flolan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are included here.