Epoprostenol Injection: A Special Treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension

Has your doctor told you or someone you know to start taking a medication called Epoprostenol? The name may sound a little scary. But this is a very important medication used to treat a condition called 'Primary Pulmonary Hypertension', which is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. This is not like a regular pill, but an injection that is continuously administered to the body. So today, let's talk about this medication, how to use it, and the things to be careful about in a very simple way that you can understand.

What kind of medicine is Epoprostenol?

Simply put, Epoprostenol is a drug that helps to widen the blood vessels in our lungs and lower blood pressure. This reduces the workload of the heart to pump blood, which in turn helps to control symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

This medication is usually given through a small tube connected to a vein, using a small machine that runs 24 hours a day, called a 'portable infusion pump.' This treatment is usually started in the hospital and then taught to continue at home. So this is a slightly different treatment.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment

Before you begin this treatment, it is essential that you give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention these things in particular.

• If you have heart failure .
• If you have low blood pressure .
• If you have allergies to Epoprostenol or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Based on this information, the doctor will develop the treatment plan that best suits you.

How exactly should I use this medicine?

Since this is a home medication, you need to have a good understanding of it. The medical team will teach you how to prepare this medication, how to connect it to the pump, and how to use it. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.

Some of the most important points:

• Disposing of needles and syringes: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container that is provided for disposal. If you don't have one, ask your healthcare team for one.
• If given to children: Special care is needed when giving this medicine to children. Talk to your doctor about this.
• Overdose: If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
• If you miss a dose: This is the most important thing you need to remember during this treatment.

Interactions with other medications

Other medications you are taking may interact with Epoprostenol. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.

• Diuretics
• Blood pressure medication
• Medicine for chest pain
• Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin)

Things to consider during treatment

Since this treatment is long-term, you need to be careful all the time.

• Watch out for infections: Since this medicine is given through a tube placed in a vein, called an intravenous catheter , there is a small chance of infection developing there. Sometimes the symptoms of these infections (fever, chills, and shivering) can be similar to the side effects of the medicine. So , check the area where the tube was inserted for redness, swelling, or pain . If you notice any changes, tell your doctor right away.
• If your symptoms get worse: Sometimes your symptoms (such as difficulty breathing) may get worse even after taking this medicine. If this happens, let your doctor know. He or she will adjust your dose and give you the treatment you need.

Side effects of the medicine

Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some of them need to be reported immediately, while others usually subside over time.

How should medicine be stored?

It is also very important to store this medicine properly.

• Unopened vials: Store at room temperature (15-25 Celsius) away from light.
• Mixed solution: After mixing the medicine with the diluent, it can be stored in the refrigerator (between 2-8 Celsius) for up to 48 hours.
• In use: Once removed from the refrigerator, this solution can only be used for 8 hours at room temperature.
• Cold pouch: You will be given a special cold pouch and gel packs to keep you cool while you are receiving this medicine. Remember, you need to change these gel packs every 12 hours.

This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.

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