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
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 1 uses which include Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension .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
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
, 0.5 mg, 1.5 mg, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.05 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL
, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution
acute vasodilator testing
, 0.5 mg, 1.5 mg, 0.15 mg/mL, 0.05 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL
, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Injection, powder, for solution
Warnings
Flolan has one contraindication, and should not be utilized for the circumstances given in the following table.Flolan ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Do Not Combine
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.
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
52 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
acute vasodilator testing
0 Actively Recruiting
Flolan Reviews: What are patients saying about Flolan?
4.7Patient Review
1/24/2009 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 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 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
10/16/20084Patient Review
2/27/2009 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.
3.7Patient Review
5/28/2010 I've been caring for my mother with PAH and RH failure for the last 18 months. This is our last hope, and it seems to be working--though administering the Flolan can be tricky because of air bubbles. Thankful for family support during such a trying time.
2.7Patient Review
7/27/2009 Flolan has really helped me to live a more normal life. I'm a high school teacher and work 50 hours a week, something that would have been impossible before without this medication. It's a bit of a pain to mix and dress, but it is so worth it!
2.3Patient Review
12/6/2014 My 15 year old daughter was diagnosed in January 1998 and started chest line therapy in May. She was discharged home with FLOLAN but experienced the usual side effects of jaw pain, flushing, hot flashes, and difficulty breathing. We monitored her PT levels daily and things seemed to be going well until she suffered a cardiac arrest on July 4th.
Patient Q&A Section about flolan
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
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." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer