REMODULIN Overview
A Different Kind of Therapy
REMODULIN is a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
REMODULIN is a type of medication called a prostacyclin analog. It acts similarly to the prostacyclin that is found naturally in the human body, which helps keep the blood vessels open and working properly. Prostacyclin medications work by opening the blood vessels and may reduce the buildup of cells around the blood vessel walls.
Indications
Remodulin is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with NYHA Class II-IV symptoms to diminish symptoms associated with exercise. It may be administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion or continuous intravenous infusion; however, because of the risks associated with chronic indwelling central venous catheters, including serious blood stream infections, continuous intravenous infusion should be reserved for patients who are intolerant of the subcutaneous route, or in whom these risks are considered warranted.
Remodulin is indicated to diminish the rate of clinical deterioration in patients requiring transition from Flolan® (epoprostenol sodium) for Injection; the risks and benefits of each drug should be carefully considered prior to transition.
REMODULIN® (treprostinil sodium) Injection
Indication
REMODULIN is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with NYHA Class II-IV symptoms to diminish symptoms associated with exercise. It may be administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion or continuous intravenous infusion; however, because of the risks associated with chronic indwelling central venous catheters, including serious blood stream infections, continuous intravenous infusion should be reserved for patients who are intolerant of the subcutaneous route, or in whom these risks are considered warranted.
In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension requiring transition from Flolan (epoprostenol sodium), REMODULIN is indicated to diminish the rate of clinical deterioration. The risks and benefits of each drug should be carefully considered prior to transition.
Important Safety Information:
Chronic intravenous infusions of REMODULIN are delivered using an indwelling central venous catheter. This route is associated with the risk of blood stream infections (BSI) and sepsis, which may be fatal. REMODULIN should be used only by clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of PAH. REMODULIN is a potent pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. It lowers blood pressure, which may be further lowered by other drugs that also reduce blood pressure. REMODULIN inhibits platelet aggregation and therefore, may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients on anticoagulants. Initiation of REMODULIN must be performed in a setting with adequate personnel and equipment for physiological monitoring and emergency care. Therapy with REMODULIN may be used for prolonged periods, and the patient's ability to administer REMODULIN and care for an infusion system should be carefully considered. Dose should be increased for lack of improvement in, or worsening of, symptoms and it should be decreased for excessive pharmacologic effects or for unacceptable infusion site symptoms. Abrupt withdrawal or sudden large reductions in dosage of REMODULIN may result in worsening of PAH symptoms and should be avoided. Caution should be used in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency.
The most common side effects of REMODULIN included those related to the method of infusion. For subcutaneous infusion, infusion site pain and infusion site reaction (redness and swelling) occurred in the majority of patients. These symptoms were often severe and could lead to treatment with narcotics or discontinuation of REMODULIN. For intravenous infusion, line infections, sepsis, arm swelling, tingling sensations, bruising, and pain were most common. General side effects (>5% more than placebo) were diarrhea, jaw pain, vasodilation, and edema.
Please see the REMODULIN full prescribing information for further details.
