Treprostinil

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Orenitram; Orenitram Month 1; Orenitram Month 2; Orenitram Month 3; Remodulin; Tyvaso; Tyvaso DPI Maintenance Kit; Tyvaso DPI Titration Kit; Tyvaso Refill; Tyvaso Starter

Brand Names: Canada

Remodulin

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

  • If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you have liver disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

All products:

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
  • To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
  • You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
  • Do not stop taking this drug all of a sudden without calling your doctor. Signs of high pressure in the lungs like shortness of breath, dizziness, or weakness may get worse. Talk with your doctor.
  • If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Tablets:

  • The tablet shell does not dissolve. If you have a certain bowel problem (diverticulosis), this may be a problem. Talk with your doctor.

Infusion:

  • People who get this drug in a vein may have a higher risk of a very bad infection. These kinds of infections may be deadly. Talk with your doctor.
  • If you are having signs of withdrawal or if you think that the pump is not working, get medical help right away.

Infusion and liquid for breathing in:

  • Always have a backup system close by in case you need to use it.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All products:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
  • Trouble breathing that is new or worse.

Tablets:

  • Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.

Infusion:

  • A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
  • Anxiety.
  • Restlessness.
  • Pain and irritation where this drug goes into the body.
  • Arm swelling.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

All products:

  • Dizziness or headache.
  • Flushing.
  • Jaw pain.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Upset stomach or throwing up.

Tablets:

  • Pain in arms or legs.
  • Stomach pain.
  • You may see the tablet shell in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Infusion:

  • Irritation where the shot is given.

Liquid for breathing in:

  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Bone pain.

Inhaler:

  • Cough.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Tablets:

  • Take this drug with food.
  • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Do not take chipped or broken tablets.

Infusion:

  • It is given into the vein or the fatty part of the skin nonstop.
  • Your doctor may teach you how to give this drug.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • You may need to mix this drug with another fluid before you use it. If you do, be sure you know the right kind of fluid to use. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
  • Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
  • Do not use if solution changes color.
  • Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Liquid for breathing in:

  • For breathing into the lungs only using the Tyvaso inhalation system.
  • After the last dose is used for the day, get rid of any drug that is left in the chamber so it is ready for the next day.
  • Do not mix other drugs in nebulizer.
  • If this drug gets in the eyes or on the skin, rinse with water.

Inhaler:

  • For breathing into the lungs, only using the Tyvaso DPI inhaler.
  • Your doctor will tell you how to take this drug. Be sure you know how much to take, how often to take this drug, and how to store this drug. If your doctor does not tell you how to use this drug or if you are not sure how to use it, talk with your doctor.
  • If the drug or the inhaler is stored in the refrigerator, take out and let it come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes before use.
  • Store the inhaler empty with the mouthpiece attached.
  • If the inhaler needs to be cleaned, wipe the outside only with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rinse or wash. Always keep the inhaler dry.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Infusion:

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.

Inhaler and liquid for breathing in:

  • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Tablets:

  • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it, with food.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
  • If you miss 2 doses, call your doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Infusion:

  • Store unopened vials at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  • After opening or mixing this drug with fluids, be sure you know how to store this drug and how long the drug is good for.

Inhaler:

  • Store the empty inhaler in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away and get a new inhaler after 7 days of use.
  • Store unopened blister cards or strips in the refrigerator. They may also be stored at room temperature for up to 5 weeks.
  • Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.
  • Store opened blister strips at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Throw away if not used within 3 days.

All other products:

  • Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Liquid for breathing in:

  • Store unused containers in foil pouch until use.
  • Protect from light.
  • Throw away any part of opened pouch that is not used after 7 days.

All products:

  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-02-12

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022