Flolan

acute vasodilator testing, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
4 Active Studies for Flolan

What is Flolan

EpoprostenolThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryProstacyclin is a medication that helps with blood flow by widening blood vessels and preventing platelets from clumping together. It is made in the body from substances called prostaglandin endoperoxides and is sometimes used to treat primary pulmonary hypertension. The sodium salt of prostacyclin is also available for use as a medication.
Flolanis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Flolan Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Flolan
Epoprostenol
1995
11

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Epoprostenol, otherwise called Flolan, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension .
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Effectiveness

How Flolan Affects PatientsEpoprostenol helps widen the blood vessels, reducing the pressure on the heart and increasing blood flow. It can also reduce the risk of blood clots. In animals, epoprostenol can cause a slower or faster heartbeat, depending on the dose, as well as widened bronchial tubes, less acid in the stomach, and sped up digestion. Scientists have not been able to study the effects of this drug in humans yet.
How Flolan works in the bodyProstaglandins, like epoprostenol, are molecules found in many parts of the body and play a role in many different biological functions. Epoprostenol stops platelets from sticking together and forming clots. It does this by activating certain receptors on platelets and endothelial cells, which then triggers a cascade of events that block further platelet activation and relaxes the blood vessels. Epoprostenol works against thromboxane A2 to produce this effect.

When to interrupt dosage

The portion of Flolan is contingent upon the diagnosed condition. The dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery featured in the table under.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
acute vasodilator testing
, 1.5 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.05 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
, 1.5 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.05 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL
, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous

Warnings

Flolan has one contraindication, and should not be utilized for the circumstances given in the following table.Flolan Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Flolan.
Common Flolan Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abrocitinib
Major
The risk or severity of bleeding and thrombocytopenia can be increased when Epoprostenol is combined with Abrocitinib.
Albutrepenonacog alfa
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Albutrepenonacog alfa can be decreased when used in combination with Epoprostenol.
Amifostine
Major
Epoprostenol may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.
Andexanet alfa
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Andexanet alfa can be decreased when used in combination with Epoprostenol.
Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex can be decreased when used in combination with Epoprostenol.
Flolan Toxicity & Overdose RiskAn overdose of epoprostenol may cause flushing, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Very large doses can be fatal to mice and rats, and symptoms of poisoning include reduced activity, unsteadiness, difficulty righting themselves, slow breathing, and low body temperature.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Flolan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Flolan?

Fifty-two active studies are currently examining the potential of Flolan in the management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2
acute vasodilator testing
0 Actively Recruiting

Flolan Reviews: What are patients saying about Flolan?

4.7Patient Review
1/24/2009
Flolan for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
My cousin was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and told he wouldn't live past three years old. He's now 15, and recently got off flolan and oxygen. The doctors said that flolan was experimental for a child his age, but we believe it prolonged his life. He's doing great!
4.7Patient Review
12/1/2010
Flolan for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
We've tried a few different treatments for my daughter's PH, and Flolan has been the best by far. We're finally seeing some good results from her echo and clinical tests after 5 years of struggling. I'm excited to see what the new Flolan treatment can do!
4.3Patient Review
1/24/2011
Flolan for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Flolan has been a life-saving drug for me since February 2001. I occasionally have experienced jaw pain when eating, but it goes away after continuing to eat. I've also had flushing or hot flashes up to 5 times per year; however, Flolan is still a very worthwhile medication for me.
4.3Patient Review
10/16/2008
Flolan for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
4Patient Review
2/27/2009
Flolan for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
My son has been on Flolan since he was one year old for PH, and he's doing great. He's a normal kid with the exception of having to carry around a pump.
View All Reviews

Patient Q&A Section about flolan

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does Flolan do to blood pressure?

"FLOLAN works by widening the blood vessels in the lungs, which in turn lowers the blood pressure in the lungs."

Answered by AI

How does Flolan help pulmonary hypertension?

"Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become resistant to blood flow. This resistance forces the heart to work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Flolan works by relaxing blood vessels and therefore facilitating blood supply from the heart to the lungs. This, in turn, reduces the workload of the heart."

Answered by AI

How is Flolan administered?

"Epoprostenol can be administered either long-term through a surgically placed central venous catheter, or short-term through a small IV placed in the arm. Long-term administration requires a small battery-powered pump (CADD Legacy Pump) to keep the medication flowing into the body from outside the body, whereas short-term administration does not."

Answered by AI

What is Flolan used for?

"This medication is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs by increasing your ability to exercise and improving symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Flolan

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