Aggregation Inhibitors-Vasodilators Drug - How does it Works?

Aggregation Inhibitors-Vasodilators Drug - How does Aggregation Inhibitors-Vasodilators Works?

Type of Drug:

Antiplatelet agent; pulmonary artery vasodilator.

How the Drug Works:

Pulmonary artery hypertension is excessive blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (arteries in the lung). Treprostinil dilates (widens) pulmonary arteries and reduces elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. It also keeps platelets (blood cells that aid in blood clot formation) from clumping together.

Uses:

For the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II through IV symptoms to reduce symptoms (eg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue) associated with exercise.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients.

Use with caution in the following situations: kidney disease liver disease

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outA­weigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if treprostinil appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 16 years of age have not been established.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any overA­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)

Blood pressure-reducing agents (eg, diuretics, antihypertensivo agents, vasodilators)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: Circulatory System: Low blood pressure; widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation) .

Other: Infusion site reaction (eg, redness, hardness, induration, rash); infusion site pain, bleeding, or bruising; headache; rash; jaw pain; itching; dizziness; diarrhea; nausea.

Guidelines for Use:

This medicine will usually be prepared and administered by your health care provider in a medical setting, but may be administered at home if your doctor feels it is safe to do so.

Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.

If medicine needs to be stopped, the dose will usually be slowly reduced before being stopped completely.

Notify your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if you experience persistent headache, persistent nausea, or bothersome infusion site reactions.

For home infusion - This drug is administered by continuous subcutaneous (SC; beneath the skin) catheter, through an infusion pump. Carefully follow the storage, preparation, administration, and disposal techniques taught to you by your health care provider. Ensure that a backup infusion pump and subcutaneous infusion sets are readily available should a problem develop with the pump or infusion set you are using. Check infusion pump function and catheter frequently. Implement corrective actions as taught by your health care provider if a pump malfunction is noted or if the catheter becomes kinked or dislodged. Store at controlled room temperature (59 to 86A°F).