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Overview: Treprostinil (Remodulin) 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 (Remodulin) comes as an injection.

 

Uses

What is treprostinil used for?

Treprostinil (Remodulin) 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.

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 names

  • Remodulin

Treprostinil is available in an injectable form.

How should I store treprostinil?

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.

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.

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Jaw pain
  • Flushing
  • Fluid retention
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near where the needle went in
  • Low blood pressure

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 wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bleeding. Treprostinil 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 easily
  • Bleeding that takes a long time to stop
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Pink, red, or brown pee

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Treprostinil 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 fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use treprostinil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use treprostinil.

  • Treprostinil
  • Remodulin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific treprostinil products they stock.

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.

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.

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 is safe for you.

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.

Interactions

Does treprostinil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between treprostinil and specific foods or drinks. 

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 cholesterol
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Any other medicine that contains treprostinil, such as Tyvaso

Some 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.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

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?

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.