Flolan

How does it work?

Epoprostenol sodium belongs to a groups of substances called prostaglandins and acts as an anti-clotting agent (anticoagulant). Epoprostenol sodium interferes with the body's blood clotting mechanism, which involves a series of chemical reactions. This mechanism can be triggered by certain blood cells (platelets) sticking together in clumps and leading to the formation a blood clot. Epoprostenol sodium acts by preventing the platelets from sticking together and thereby stops the activation of the blood clotting mechamism and prevents the formation of blood clots in the vein. Epoprostenol acts only for a short period of time after it has been administered, and so is useful in situations where clotting needs to be prevented immediately but not in the long term. It used during kidney dialysis to prevent the blood from clotting as it passes through the dialysis machine. It is not a standard anticoagulant and its use is reserved for individuals who cannot tolerate heparin (the more commonly used anticoagulant for this proceedure).

What is it used for?

Used to prevent blood clots forming during kidney (renal) dialysis, in individuals who can not tolerate heparin

Warning!

For use only under specialist medical supervision

Blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) should be regularly monitored during treatment with this medicine.

Use with caution in

Children

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

Inherited tendency to bleed (haemorrhagic diathesis)

Not to be used in

No known conditions

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in breastfeeding and pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal cramps

Slower than normal heart beat (bradycardia)

Dry mouth

Increased blood flow to the skin on the face (facial flushing)

High blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Nausea and vomiting

Redness around injection site

Jaw pain

Chest pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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