Epoprostenol Injection (EPOPROSTENOL - INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is given as a continuous infusion into a vein.

Carefully follow the instructions for preparing this medicine before injection.

Do not dilute the medicine until ready to use.

The liquid should be clear and colorless.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Keep at room temperature until mixing. Refrigerate any extra mixed medicine until ready to use it.

Before medicine is mixed, it may be stored at room temperature - below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).

Do not freeze the medicine.

If the medicine becomes frozen, you will need to throw it away.

Store this medicine at room temperature - below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).

Protect medicine from light.

If your medicine is stored in the refrigerator, take it out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before use to warm to room temperature.

Return multi-dose vials to refrigerator after each use.

Speak with your nurse or pharmacist about how long the medicine can be stored safely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before it needs to be discarded.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Discard any unused, mixed medicine after 48 hours in the refrigerator.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

This medicine is to be given continuously. Contact your doctor or home care provider right away if the medicine is interrupted.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.

You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

Keep an extra infusion pump and infusion set in case your equipment fails.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• pain in the abdomen
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• feeling of heat or flushing
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• jaw pain
• joint or muscle pain
• nausea
• sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• confusion
• depression or feeling sad
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fever or chills
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• nervousness
• pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• shortness of breath
• skin tingling, burning or prickly feeling
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.