Remodulin (Treprostinil) for Pulmonary Hypertension

Overview
Remodulin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve exercise capacity in cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Remodulin is sometimes prescribed when someone must transition from Flolan. Remodulin may be referred to by its drug name, treprostinil.

Remodulin is a prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds made by the body. In cases of PAH, lower levels of prostaglandins are associated with narrowing of blood vessels in the lungs. Prostaglandins are believed to work in two ways. First, prostaglandins dilate the blood vessels of the lungs, increasing the blood flow and the amount of oxygen the cells receive. Second, prostaglandins help slow scarring in the blood vessels of the lungs, delaying the progress of the disease.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Remodulin is taken as a continuous infusion, either subcutaneously or intravenously. For subcutaneous infusion, a catheter is inserted into the skin and moved to a different location every three days. For intravenous infusion, Remodulin is administered through a thin, flexible tube called a Hickman or Groshong line. The line is permanently implanted into the chest and attached to a pump worn on the belt or as a backpack.

Remodulin comes in the form of single-use vials.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Remodulin lists common side effects including skin reactions at subcutaneous infusion sites, headache, jaw pain, nausea, diarrhea, edema (swelling), and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Intravenous infusion through a permanent line carries the risk for serious infection, including life-threatening sepsis.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Remodulin — United Therapeutics
https://www.remodulin.com