uses
What is treprostinil used for?Treprostinil is commonly used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition where you have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs.Treprostinil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.For information about an inhaled form of treprostinil, see Tyvaso (treprostinil inhaled).How does treprostinil work (mechanism of action)?Treprostinil relaxes blood vessels and stops the growth of certain muscle cells inside blood vessels. This helps widen the blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing strain on the heart in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension. How is treprostinil supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesOrenitramRemodulinDosage forms and strengths0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg extended-release oral tabletsTreprostinil is also available in injectable forms.How should I store treprostinil?Oral Tablet. Treprostinil should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.Injection Liquid. Treprostinil injection is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store treprostinil at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel or under the skin tablet that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does treprostinil interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between treprostinil and specific foods or drinks. Always take treprostinil tablets with food. This helps your body absorb the medicine better, so it can work the way it should.There are no known interactions between treprostinil and alcohol.Does treprostinil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using treprostinil.Gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterolRifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine used to treat an infection called tuberculosisAny other medicine that contains treprostinil, such as TyvasoSome other medicines may alter the blood levels of treprostinil. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.  This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with treprostinil. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of treprostinil?The most common side effects of treprostinil are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the treprostinil product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.HeadacheDiarrheaNausea or vomitingPain in your jaw, arms, or legsFlushingFluid retentionPain, itching, swelling, or redness near where the needle went in (injectable form only)Low blood pressure (see below)There may be other side effects of treprostinil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of treprostinil?While less common, the most serious side effects of treprostinil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Treprostinil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painBleeding. Treprostinil injection can prevent blood cells from clumping together (clotting), which can raise your risk of bleeding. Get help right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding.Bruising easilyBleeding that takes a long time to stopCoughing up or vomiting bloodBlack or tarry poopPink, red, or brown peeLow Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Treprostinil injection may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingConfusionFeeling weak or tired
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much treprostinil?If you or someone else has used too much treprostinil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of treprostinil?Oral Tablet. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible with food. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss two or more doses of treprostinil in a row, call your health care provider. They will let you know how much to take and when.Injection Liquid. Since treprostinil may be given around the clock (continuously), even a brief interruption can worsen the symptoms of your condition. If there is any pause during your treprostinil infusion, tell your health care provider right away. They will guide you on the best steps to take. If you receive treprostinil in a hospital or health care facility, your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use treprostinil?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use treprostinil.TreprostinilOrenitramRemodulinAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific treprostinil products they stock.Severe Liver Problems. Treprostinil tablets should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to find out if it is working well enough for you to take this medicine.What should I know about treprostinil before using it?Do not use treprostinil unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. The injectable form of treprostinil is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It may be used at home in some cases, such as for long-term treatment.There are multiple forms of treprostinil available. If you use it at home, read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to prepare and use it properly. Do not stop the medicine or change your dosage unless your health care provider tells you to do so. This could cause your condition to get worse.Do not share treprostinil with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep treprostinil out of the reach of children.If you are taking treprostinil tablets, do not split, crush, break, or chew them. Do not take a tablet if it is broken or damaged. Taking a broken or damaged treprostinil tablet may increase the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole, with food. You may notice pieces of treprostinil tablets in your stool (poop). This can happen because your body does not fully digest the tablet shell. This is not usually something to be concerned about.People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from treprostinil. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.What should I tell my health care provider before using treprostinil?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if treprostinil is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have liver problems. Your health care provider can find out if treprostinil tablets or injection is safe for you.Diverticulosis. Before taking treprostinil tablets, tell your health care provider if you have diverticulosis, a condition where you have small pouches in your intestines. Undigested pieces of treprostinil tablets could get stuck in these pouches and cause problems.Other Medicines and Supplements. Treprostinil may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using treprostinil, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how treprostinil could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if treprostinil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
about
Treprostinil is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. It works by widening blood vessels in the lungs to make it easier for blood to flow. Common side effects include fluid retention, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, flushing, and pain in your jaw. While rare, more serious side effects may include low blood pressure and bleeding. Treprostinil comes as an injection or a tablet that you swallow.Â