Consumer medicine information

Flolan for Injection

Epoprostenol

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Flolan

Active ingredient

Epoprostenol

Schedule

SUMMARY CMI

FLOLAN

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I being given FLOLAN?

FLOLAN contains the active ingredient epoprostenol sodium. FLOLAN is used to treat some types of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is characterised by high blood pressure in the blood vessels between the heart and lungs.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I being given FLOLAN? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I am given FLOLAN?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to epoprostenol sodium or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI or if you have heart disease with shortness of breath and swelling of the feet or legs due to fluid build-up.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I am given FLOLAN? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with FLOLAN and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How am I given FLOLAN?

FLOLAN is given as in intravenous infusion into a vein.
Before you are given FLOLAN it must be dissolved with the supplied diluent and filtered.
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to make up FLOLAN and how to administer it if you are using FLOLAN at home.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How am I given FLOLAN? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using FLOLAN?

Things you should do	Remind any doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using FLOLAN Tell your doctor if you have not used FLOLAN as intended Call your doctor if you become pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
Things you should not do	Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or change the dose without first checking with your doctor Do not use any other piece of equipment or material to administer FLOLAN besides what your doctor or pharmacist have given you.
Driving or using machines	Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how FLOLAN affects you FLOLAN may cause dizziness, drowsiness or tiredness in some people
Looking after your medicine	Store FLOLAN below 25°C in the box to protect it from light. Do not freeze. Once FLOLAN has been mixed with the diluent it should be used immediately or stored as per the conditions listed in section 5 of the full CMI.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using FLOLAN? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Side effects which have been reported include headache, jaw pain, pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort or pain, redness of the face (flushing), joint pain, rash, pain or redness at the injection site, sweating, dry mouth, feeling tired or weak, feeling anxious, nervous or agitated, palling of the skin.

If you experience an allergic reaction (symptoms include wheezing, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips/mouth/tongue, hay fever, lumpy rash (“hives”) and fainting) go to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital immediately.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

FULL CMI

FLOLAN

Active ingredient(s): epoprostenol sodium

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using FLOLAN. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using FLOLAN.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I being given FLOLAN?
2. What should I know before I am given FLOLAN?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How am I given FLOLAN?
5. What should I know while using FLOLAN?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I being given FLOLAN?

FLOLAN contains the active ingredient epoprostenol sodium. FLOLAN belongs to a group of medicines called prostaglandins.

FLOLAN is used to treat some types of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

PAH is characterised by high blood pressure in the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs and increased resistance in the blood vessels of the lung.

The cause of PAH is not known however there are a number of diseases such as scleroderma that are associated with PAH.

FLOLAN works by widening the blood vessels in the lungs which lowers the blood pressure in your lungs (known as vasodilator action).

2. What should I know before I am given FLOLAN?

Warnings

Do not use FLOLAN if:

you are allergic to epoprostenol sodium, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
you have heart disease with shortness of breath and swelling of the feet or legs due to fluid build-up.

Check with your doctor if you:

have any other medical conditions
have heart disease
take any medicines for any other condition
take any medicine to prevent blood clots such as heparin, warfarin, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
take any medicines to treat high blood pressure
take medicines known as nitrates that are used to treat angina
take digoxin which is used to treat heart failure
are on a sodium controlled diet

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with FLOLAN and affect how it works.

medicines used to prevent blood clots such as heparin, warfarin, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
medicines to treat high blood pressure
nitrates, medicines used to treat angina
digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect FLOLAN.

4. How am I given FLOLAN?

How is FLOLAN given

FLOLAN is given as an intravenous infusion, normally through a permanently fitted intravenous catheter (during initial treatment a peripheral line may be used which is a non-permanent catheter) through a pump.
There are only certain pumps which can be used. Your doctor will make sure you are using the right one.
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to keep your catheter clean and the area around it clean and free from infection. They will show you how to prepare and administer FLOLAN and how to stop treatment if necessary. It is very important to follow these instructions carefully.
Before FLOLAN is given it must be dissolved only in the specific diluent supplied with the medicine and then filtered.
The diluent does not contain any preservative. Use the vial once and then discard it.
Tell your doctor or nurse if your catheter becomes blocked during the infusion.

How much is given

Initial treatment with FLOLAN will start in hospital.
your doctor will start you on an infusion and slowly increase the dose (every 15 mins) to find the most effective or largest dose you can tolerate (you will also learn how your body tolerates FLOLAN).
Infusions will then continue based on the dose you can tolerate.
The infusion rate may be increased or decreased depending on your response to treatment. All changes should be done gradually and under the direction of your doctor.
If you develop pulmonary oedema (water on the lungs) during this time your doctor may decide to stop treating you with FLOLAN.

How long to take FLOLAN

Use FLOLAN for as long as your doctor tells you to.
FLOLAN is generally used over a long period of time, possibly years.
Do not stop using FLOLAN suddenly. If you do, you might experience dizziness, weakness and difficulty breathing.

If you forget to use FLOLAN

FLOLAN should be used regularly at the time that your doctor tells you.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you use too much FLOLAN

If you think that you may have been given too much FLOLAN, you may need urgent medical attention.

As FLOLAN has vasodilatory action, using too much may lead to low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, facial flushing, headache and a fast heartbeat.

If you are being given FLOLAN in hospital, the effects of FLOLAN are monitored carefully by your doctor. In the unlikely event that you receive too much, appropriate action, such as reducing the dose can be taken promptly.

If you are using FLOLAN at home and you think you have used too much you should immediately:

phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using FLOLAN?

Things you should do

tell your doctor if you have not used FLOLAN as it was prescribed for you, otherwise they may change your treatment unnecessarily

Call your doctor straight away if you:

become pregnant, intend to become pregnant
are breastfeeding or intend to start breastfeeding

Remind any doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using FLOLAN.

Things you should not do

do not stop using this medicine suddenly or change the dosage without first checking with your doctor.
do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
do not use any other piece of equipment or material to administer FLOLAN besides what your doctor or pharmacist have given you.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how FLOLAN affects you.

FLOLAN may cause dizziness, drowsiness or tiredness in some people.

Looking after your medicine

Follow the instructions on the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly. Keep the medicine in the box until it is time to use it to protect it from light.

Store FLOLAN and the diluent in in a cool dry place (below 25°C) away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills
in the freezer

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Once FLOLAN has been prepared with the diluent

Administer the medicine immediately

When to discard your medicine

If you do not administer FLOLAN straight away you can store it under the following conditions:

up to 48 hours if stored at temperatures up to 25°C
up to 36 hours if stored at temperatures up to 30°C
up to 24 hours if stored at temperatures up to 35°C
up to 12 hours if stored at temperatures up to 40°C
up to 8 days if kept between 2°C and 8°C

Any unused solution should be discarded after the above times have passed.

Never freeze FLOLAN.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effects	What to do
headache jaw pain pain nausea and vomiting diarrhoea stomach discomfort or pain redness of the face (flushing) joint pain rash pain or redness at the injection site sweating dry mouth feeling tired, weak feeling anxious, nervous or agitated palling of the skin low blood pressure heart beating faster slow heart beat	Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects

What to do

allergic reaction, symptoms include wheezing, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips/mouth/tongue, hay fever, lumpy rash (“hives”) and fainting
too much blood being pumped from the heart which may lead to persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs and abdomen due to fluid build-up (high output cardiac failure)
bleeding at various sites and bruising more easily than normal, for example from the nose or gums
infection of the blood (septicaemia)
chest pain, feeling of tightness around the chest
a build-up of fluid in the lung (pulmonary oedema) which may lead to breathlessness, which may be very severe and usually worsens upon lying down
swelling due to the build-up of fluid around the stomach
infection at the injection site
enlarged or overactive spleen which may cause pain or a feeling of fullness in the left upper abdomen that may spread to the left shoulder, feeling full without eating or after eating only a small amount, fatigue, frequent infections and/or easily bleeding
symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland which may lead to sudden weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, increased sensitivity to heat, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and/or brittle hair

Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

If you have a blood test it might show a decrease in the number of platelets (cells that help the blood clot). This may lead to bleeding or bruising more easily than normal.

FLOLAN may affect your blood sugar levels, heart rate and blood pressure during the infusion. Your doctor will monitor these.

It is important to keep the area around the catheter clean. If the skin around the catheter becomes infected it can potentially spread into your blood (known as septicaemia).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What FLOLAN contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)

epoprostenol sodium

Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)

glycine

mannitol

sodium chloride

sodium hydroxide

water for injections

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What FLOLAN looks like

FLOLAN is a sterile white to off white powder supplied with a diluent in the following presentations:

0.5 mg vial with either 1 or 2 vials of diluent and 1 filter (AUST R 80342)
1.5 mg vial with either 1 or 2 vials of diluent and 1 filter (AUST R 80343)

Who distributes FLOLAN

GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
Level 4, 436 Johnston Street
Abbotsford, VIC 3067
Phone: 1800 033 109
www.gsk.com.au

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

This leaflet was prepared in September 2023.

Version 10.0

Published by MIMS January 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Flolan

Active ingredient

Epoprostenol

Schedule

1 Name of Medicine

Epoprostenol sodium.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Flolan for injection is formulated for intravenous administration. It contains the active ingredient epoprostenol (as the monosodium salt). It is a white to off-white powder that must be reconstituted with diluent for Flolan.
Diluent for Flolan is a sterile buffer solution.
The reconstituted solution of Flolan has a pH of 11.7 to 12.3 and is increasingly unstable at a lower pH. (See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Method of administration.)
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Flolan for injection is supplied as a sterile freeze-dried powder of epoprostenol sodium in glass vials with a diluent for Flolan.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Flolan is indicated for the long-term treatment, via continuous intravenous infusion, in WHO functional Class III or Class IV patients with: idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension; familial pulmonary arterial hypertension; pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with the scleroderma spectrum of diseases.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Flolan must be reconstituted before use. Any further dilution must be performed using only the recommended solutions. The final infusion solution must be filtered with a sterile 0.22 micron or 0.20 micron filter prior to or during administration (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration, Method of administration).
Epoprostenol solution prepared with sterile diluent (pH 12), must not be used with any preparation or administration materials containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) (see Section 6.2 Incompatibilities).
Flolan is suitable for continuous intravenous infusion only. The following schedules have been found effective.

Dose.

Adults.

Short-term (acute) dose-ranging.

A short-term dose-ranging procedure administered via either a peripheral or central venous line is required to determine the long-term infusion rate. The infusion rate is initiated at 2 nanogram/kg/min and increased by increments of 2 nanogram/kg/min every 15 minutes or longer until maximum haemodynamic benefit or dose-limiting pharmacological effects are elicited.

Long-term continuous infusion.

Long-term continuous infusion of Flolan should be administered through a central venous catheter. Temporary peripheral intravenous infusions may be used until central access is established. Long-term infusions should be initiated at 4 nanogram/kg/min less than the maximum tolerated infusion rate determined during short-term dose-ranging. If the maximum tolerated infusion rate is 5 nanogram/kg/min or less, then the long-term infusion should be started at 1 nanogram/kg/min.

Dosage adjustments.

Changes in the long-term infusion rate should be based on persistence, recurrence or worsening of the patient's symptoms of PAH or the occurrence of adverse events due to excessive doses of Flolan.
In general, the need for increases in dose from the initial long-term dose should be expected over time. Increases in dose should be considered if symptoms of PAH persist, or recur after improving. The infusion rate should be increased by 1 to 2 nanogram/kg/min increments at intervals sufficient to allow assessment of clinical response; these intervals should be of at least 15 minutes. Following establishment of a new infusion rate, the patient should be observed, and erect and supine blood pressure and heart rate monitored for several hours to ensure that the new dose is tolerated.
In the controlled 12-week trial in pulmonary hypertension (PH)/ scleroderma spectrum of diseases (SSD), for example, the dose increased from a mean starting dose of 2.2 nanogram/kg/min. During the first 7 days of treatment, the dose was increased daily to a mean dose of 4.1 nanogram/kg/min on day 7 of treatment. At the end of week 12, the mean dose was 11.2 nanogram/kg/min. The mean incremental increase was 2 to 3 nanogram/kg/min every 3 weeks.
During long-term infusion, the occurrence of dose-related pharmacological events similar to those observed during the dose-ranging period may necessitate a decrease in infusion rate, but the adverse event may occasionally resolve without dosage adjustment. Dosage decreases should be made gradually in 2 nanogram/kg/min decrements every 15 minutes or longer until the dose-limiting effects resolve.
If dose-limiting pharmacologic effects occur, then the infusion rate should be decreased to an appropriate chronic infusion rate whereby the pharmacologic effects of Flolan are tolerated. If the initial infusion rate of 2 nanogram/kg/min is not tolerated, a lower dose that is tolerated by the patient should be identified.
Abrupt withdrawal of Flolan or sudden large reductions in infusion rates must be avoided. An abrupt interruption of therapy can induce a rebound of pulmonary arterial hypertension resulting in dizziness, asthenia, increase dyspnoea, and may lead to death. Except in life-threatening situations (e.g. unconsciousness, collapse, etc.) infusion rates of Flolan should be adjusted only under the direction of a physician (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
In patients receiving lung transplants, doses of Flolan were tapered after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Lack of response [persistence of (New York Heart Association) NYHA class or lack of significant improvements in haemodynamic outcomes] after 3 months of epoprostenol therapy indicates poor survival and alternative options should be considered in this group of patients.
Children. There is limited information on the use of Flolan for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) in children.
Elderly. There is limited information on the use of Flolan in patients over 65. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be made carefully, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Method of administration.

The diluent contains no preservative, consequently a vial should be used once only and then discarded.
The stability of solutions of Flolan is pH-dependent. Only the diluent supplied should be used for reconstitution of freeze-dried Flolan and only the recommended infusion solutions, in the stated ratio, should be used for further dilution, otherwise the required pH may not be maintained.
Reconstitution and dilution of Flolan must be carried out under aseptic conditions, ideally immediately prior to clinical use.
Initially a pack containing diluent must be used. During chronic Flolan therapy the final concentration of solution may be increased by the addition of a further 500 micrograms or 1.5 mg vial of freeze-dried epoprostenol.
Only vials of the same amount as that included in the initial starter pack may be used to increase the final concentration of solution.
Epoprostenol solution prepared with sterile diluent (pH 12), must not be used with any preparation or administration materials containing PET or PETG (see Section 6.2 Incompatibilities).
Particular care should be taken in the preparation of the infusion and in calculating the rate of infusion. The procedures given below should be closely followed.
Reconstitution. Depending on the dosage required, either 500 micrograms or 1.5 mg freeze-dried epoprostenol may be used for reconstitution with the diluent.
1. Use only the diluent provided for reconstitution.
2. Withdraw approximately 10 mL of the diluent into a sterile syringe, inject it into the vial containing freeze-dried Flolan and shake gently until the powder has dissolved.
3. Draw up the resulting Flolan solution into the syringe, re-inject it into the remaining volume of the diluent and mix thoroughly.
Where a pack containing 500 micrograms epoprostenol is reconstituted with 50 mL sterile diluent the resultant concentration is 10,000 nanogram/mL.
Where a pack containing 1.5 mg epoprostenol is reconstituted with 50 mL sterile diluent the resultant concentration is 30,000 nanogram/mL.
This solution is now referred to as the concentrated solution.
Only these concentrated solutions described above are suitable for further dilution with the diluent prior to use.
Dilution. Flolan may be used either as concentrated solution or in a diluted form for the treatment of PPH. Only the sterile diluent provided may be used for the further dilution of reconstituted Flolan. Physiological saline must not be used. Flolan must not be administered with other parenteral solutions or medications.
The final solution to be administered to the patient must be filtered using a 0.22 or 0.20 micron filter. Use of an in-line filter as part of the infusion set during administration is preferable. Alternatively, where in-line filtration is not possible, the final solution (either a concentrated or further diluted solution) must be filtered with the provided sterile 0.22 micron filter prior to storage in the medication cassette.
If an in-line filter has been used during administration, then the in-line filter should be discarded when the infusion set is exchanged.
If instead a syringe filter has been used during preparation, the syringe filter unit must be used only during preparation and then discarded.

To use the syringe to filter the concentrated solution and additional diluent.

Draw up the concentrated solution into a larger syringe and then attach the sterile filter provided to the syringe.
Dispense the concentrated solution directly into the pump cassette using firm but not excessive pressure; the typical time taken for filtration of 50 mL of concentrated solution is 70 seconds.
Remove the filter from the syringe and draw up the additional volume of diluent required to achieve the desired dilution.
Refit the filter to the syringe and dispense the additional diluent through this into the concentrated Flolan solution in the cassette.
Mix well.
The filter unit and any unused diluent must be discarded after completion of the dilution process.
Calculation of infusion rate. Concentrations commonly used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension are as follows:

15,000 nanogram/mL.

One vial containing 1.5 mg epoprostenol reconstituted and diluted to a total volume of 100 mL in sterile diluent.

10,000 nanogram/mL.

See Method of administration, Reconstitution. Addition of two 50 mL quantities of concentrated 10,000 nanogram/mL solution.

5,000 nanogram/mL.

One vial containing 500 micrograms epoprostenol reconstituted and diluted to a total volume of 100 mL.
The infusion rate may be calculated from the following formula (see Figure 1).

Examples for some concentrations commonly used in PAH are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

4.3 Contraindications

Flolan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Flolan is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure arising from severe left ventricular dysfunction, because it was found to increase mortality in such patients.
Flolan should not be used chronically in patients who develop pulmonary oedema during dose-ranging.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Flolan should be used only by clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of PAH.
Short-term dose-ranging with Flolan must be performed in a hospital setting with adequate personnel and equipment for haemodynamic monitoring and emergency care.

Use of diluent and high pH.

The diluent contains no preservative, consequently a vial should be used once only and then discarded.
Flolan must be reconstituted only as directed using diluent for Flolan. It must not be reconstituted or mixed with any other parenteral medications or solutions prior to or during administration.
Flolan is infused continuously through a permanent indwelling central venous catheter via a small, portable infusion pump. Thus, therapy with Flolan requires commitment by the patient to sterile drug reconstitution, drug administration, care of the permanent central venous catheter, and access to intense and ongoing patient education. Sterile technique must be adhered to in preparing the drug and in the care of the catheter as sepsis is a known associated risk with an indwelling central venous catheter and requires immediate access to expert medical care [see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects), Adverse events attributable to the drug delivery system].
Chronic infusions of Flolan should not be stopped suddenly. Even brief interruptions in the delivery of Flolan can lead to rapid clinical deterioration, with symptoms including dyspnoea, dizziness, and asthenia, which in some cases has been fatal. Sudden cessation of Flolan can also lead to platelet hyperaggregability. The decision to administer Flolan for PAH should be based upon the patient's understanding that there is a high likelihood that therapy with Flolan will be needed for prolonged periods, possibly years, and the patient's ability to accept and care for a permanent intravenous catheter and infusion pump should be carefully considered. Patients must receive comprehensive training in preparation of the infusion solution and care of the catheter and pump before being allowed to self-administer Flolan.
Because of the high pH of the final infusion solutions, care should be taken to avoid extravasation during administration and consequent risk of tissue damage.

Effects on cardiovascular system.

Extreme caution is advised in patients with coronary artery disease.
Flolan generally increases heart rate. During or shortly after dose-ranging, some patients may experience sudden-onset bradycardia, hypotension, nausea and sweating. If this occurs, Flolan should be immediately suspended and supportive measures instituted.
Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored during administration of Flolan.
The effects of Flolan on heart rate may be masked by concomitant use of drugs which affect cardiovascular reflexes.
Flolan is a potent pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. The cardiovascular effects during infusion disappear within 30 minutes of the end of administration.
If excessive hypotension occurs during administration of Flolan, the dose should be reduced or the infusion discontinued. Hypotension may be profound in overdose and may result in loss of consciousness (see Section 4.9 Overdose).
Some patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have developed pulmonary oedema during dose-ranging, which may be associated with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.

Effects on blood.

Epoprostenol is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, therefore, an increased risk for haemorrhagic complications should be considered, particularly for patients with other risk factors for bleeding (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Unless contraindicated, anticoagulant therapy should be administered to PAH patients receiving Flolan to reduce the risk of pulmonary thromboembolism or systemic embolism through a patent foramen ovale.
Elevated serum glucose levels have been reported.

Use in diet.

This medicinal product contains sodium, which should be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

Use in the elderly.

There is limited information on the use of Flolan in patients over 65.

Paediatric use.

There is limited information on the use of Flolan for PAH in children.

Effects on laboratory tests.

See sub-section titled, "Effects on blood" above.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

When Flolan is administered to patients receiving concomitant anticoagulants, standard anticoagulant monitoring is advisable.
The vasodilator effects of Flolan may augment or be augmented by concomitant use of other vasodilators.
Flolan decreased the apparent oral clearance of digoxin by 15% within two days of starting therapy. Although digoxin clearance returned to baseline levels within 90 days, prescribers should be alert to the potential for short term elevations of digoxin concentrations after initiation of Flolan, especially in patients prone to digoxin toxicity.
As reported with other prostaglandin analogues, Flolan may reduce the thrombolytic efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) by increasing hepatic clearance of t-PA.
When NSAIDs or other drugs affecting platelet aggregation are used concomitantly, there is the potential for Flolan to increase the risk of bleeding.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Fertility was not impaired in rats given epoprostenol by subcutaneous injection at doses up to 100 microgram/kg/day [600 microgram/m²/day, 1.2 times the average human chronic dose (9.2 nanogram/kg/min or 490 microgram/m²/day, IV) based on body surface area]. However, the relevance of these animal findings in humans is unknown.
(Category B1)
Reproductive studies have been performed in pregnant rats and rabbits given epoprostenol subcutaneously at doses up to 100 microgram/kg/day [600 microgram/m²/day in rats, 1.2 times the average human dose, and 1100 microgram/m²/day in rabbits, 2.2 times the average human dose (9.2 nanogram/kg/min or 490 microgram/m²/day) based on body surface area]. These studies showed no effects of epoprostenol on pregnancy, the foetus or offspring development. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits to the mother are considered to outweigh the possible risks to the foetus. However, the relevance of these animal findings in humans is unknown.
It is not known whether epoprostenol is excreted in human or animal milk. A risk to the breast-feeding child cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue/abstain from breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from epoprostenol therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

PAH and its therapeutic management may affect the ability to drive and operate machinery.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Clinical trials.

During clinical trials, adverse events were classified as follows:
adverse events during acute dose-ranging;
adverse events during chronic administration;
adverse events associated with the drug delivery system.

Adverse events during acute dose-ranging.

During acute dose-ranging, Flolan was administered in 2 nanogram/kg/min increments until the patients developed symptomatic intolerance. The most common adverse events and the adverse events that limited further increases in dose were generally related to the major pharmacologic effect of Flolan, vasodilation. Table 3 lists adverse events reported in ≥ 1% of 720 patients during acute dose-ranging.

Dose-limiting adverse events occurring in 1% or more of patients during acute dose-ranging were (in descending order of frequency): headache, nausea/vomiting, flushing, hypotension, anxiety/nervousness/agitation, chest pain, dizziness, bradycardia, abdominal pain, jaw pain, tachycardia, back pain and dyspnoea.

Adverse events during chronic administration.

Idiopathic or familial pulmonary arterial hypertension. Interpretation of adverse events is complicated by the clinical features of PAH, which are similar to some of the pharmacologic effects of Flolan (e.g. dizziness, syncope). Adverse events probably related to the underlying disease include dyspnoea, fatigue, chest pain, right ventricular failure, and pallor. Several adverse events, on the other hand, can clearly be attributed to Flolan. These include headache, jaw pain, flushing, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and anxiety/ nervousness. In an effort to separate the adverse effects of the drug from the adverse effects of the underlying disease, Table 4 lists adverse events that occurred at a rate at least 10% different in the two groups in controlled trials.

The following adverse events led to dose adjustment or discontinuation of Flolan in ≥ 1% of patients: dyspnoea, nausea, asthenia, flushing, headache, chest pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, vomiting, hypotension, pallor, myalgia, jaw pain, pain and syncope.
Thrombocytopenia has been reported during uncontrolled clinical trials in patients receiving Flolan.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with scleroderma spectrum of diseases. See Tables 5 and 6.

Adverse events reported during Flolan use in clinical practice.

Blood and lymphatic.

Anaemia, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, bleeding at various sites.

Cardiovascular.

Bradycardia, hypotension and pulmonary embolism.

General.

Anaphylaxis, unspecified pain, arthralgia, reddening over the infusion site, occlusion of the long IV catheter, lassitude, chest tightness.

Endocrine.

Hyperthyroidism.

Neurological.

Acute confusional state.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Rash and sweating.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Diarrhoea, abdominal colic, sometimes reported as abdominal discomfort, dry mouth and hepatic failure.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Pulmonary oedema.

Adverse events attributable to the drug delivery system.

Chronic infusions of Flolan are delivered using a small, portable infusion pump through an indwelling central venous catheter. During controlled PPH trials of up to 12 weeks' duration, up to 21% of patients reported a local infection and 13% of patients reported pain at the injection site. During a controlled PH/SSD trial of 12 weeks' duration, 14% of patients reported a local infection and 9% of patients reported pain at the injection site. During long-term follow-up in the clinical trial of PPH, sepsis was reported at least once in 14% of patients and occurred at a rate of 0.23 infections per patient per year in patients treated with Flolan. This rate was higher than reported in patients using chronic indwelling central venous catheters to administer parenteral nutrition, but lower than reported in oncology patients using these catheters. Malfunction in the delivery system resulting in an inadvertent bolus of or a reduction in Flolan were associated with symptoms related to excess or insufficient Flolan, respectively (see Adverse events during chronic administration).
The following serious or life-threatening adverse events related to the delivery system were reported in ≥ 1% of patients during chronic Flolan therapy: pain at injection site, injection site reaction, sepsis and septicaemia, catheter-related infections caused by organisms not always considered pathogenic (including micrococcus), dyspnoea, pneumothorax, cellulitis, chest pain, cyanosis, haemothorax, hypotension, hypoxia, infection, pallor, procedural complication and syncope.

Post-marketing experience.

Infections and infestations.

Common: sepsis, septicaemia (mostly related to delivery system for epoprostenol).
Catheter-related infections caused by organisms not always considered pathogenic (including micrococcus) have been reported.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Common: decreased platelet count, bleeding at various sites (e.g. pulmonary, gastrointestinal, epistaxis, intracranial, post-procedural, retroperitoneal).
Very rare: splenomegaly, hypersplenism.

Endocrine disorders.

Very rare: hyperthyroidism.

Psychiatric disorders.

Common: anxiety, nervousness.
Very rare: agitation.

Nervous system disorders.

Very common: headache.

Cardiac disorders.

Common: tachycardia has been reported as a response to epoprostenol at doses of 5 nanogram/kg/min and below.
Bradycardia, sometimes accompanied by orthostatic hypotension, has occurred in healthy volunteers at doses of epoprostenol greater than 5 nanogram/kg/min. Bradycardia associated with a considerable fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure has followed i.v. administration of a dose of epoprostenol equivalent to 30 nanogram/kg/min in healthy conscious volunteers.
Very rare: high output cardiac failure.

Vascular disorders.

Very common: facial flushing (seen even in the anaesthetised patient).
Common: hypotension.
Very rare: ascites, pallor.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Uncommon: pulmonary oedema.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Very common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Common: abdominal colic, sometimes reported as abdominal discomfort.
Uncommon: dry mouth.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Common: rash.
Uncommon: sweating.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Very common: jaw pain.
Common: arthralgia.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Very common: pain (unspecified).
Common: pain at the injection site*, chest pain.
Rare: local infection*.
Very rare: reddening over the infusion site*, occlusion of the long i.v. catheter*, lassitude, chest tightness.
*Associated with the delivery system for epoprostenol.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

In general, events seen after overdose of epoprostenol represent exaggerated pharmacological effects of the drug (e.g. hypotension and complications of hypotension). Signs and symptoms of excessive doses of Flolan during clinical trials are the expected dose-limiting pharmacologic effects of Flolan, including flushing, headache, hypotension, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If overdose occurs reduce the dose or discontinue the infusion and initiate appropriate supportive measures as necessary; for example plasma volume expansion and/or adjustment to pump flow.
For information on the management of overdose, please contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Epoprostenol has two major pharmacological actions: (1) direct vasodilatation of pulmonary and systemic arterial vascular beds, and (2) inhibition of platelet aggregation. In animals, the vasodilator effects reduce right and left ventricular afterload and increase cardiac output and stroke volume. The effect of epoprostenol on heart rate in animals varies with dose. At low doses, there is vagally mediated bradycardia, but at higher doses, epoprostenol causes reflex tachycardia in response to direct vasodilatation and hypotension. No major effects on cardiac conduction have been observed. Additional pharmacological effects of epoprostenol in animals include bronchodilation, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, and decreased gastric emptying.

Clinical trials.

Idiopathic or familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (primary pulmonary hypertension). Chronic continuous infusions of Flolan in patients with PPH were studied in two prospective, open, randomised parallel controlled trials of 8 and 12 weeks' duration comparing Flolan plus standard therapy to standard therapy alone (Studies BW-35/36 and BW-46). Dosage of Flolan was determined as described in Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration and averaged 9.2 nanogram/kg per minute at study end. Standard therapy varied among patients and included some or all of the following: anticoagulants in essentially all patients; oral vasodilators, diuretics and digoxin in one-half to two-thirds of patients; and supplemental oxygen in about half of the patients. Except for two NYHA functional Class II patients, all patients were either functional Class III or Class IV. As results are similar in the two studies, the pooled results are described below.

Haemodynamic effects.

Cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), and arterial oxygen saturation were increased, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm), right atrial pressure (RAP), total pulmonary resistance (TPR), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were decreased in patients who received Flolan chronically (n = 52) compared to those who did not (n = 54). The change from baseline values is statistically significant for CI, TPR and SVR in the 8 week study, and is statistically significant for CI, SV, PAPm, mean PVR, TPR, SVR and mean systemic arterial pressure in the 12-week study. Combined results from the two controlled studies are shown in Table 7.

These haemodynamic improvements appeared to persist for at least 18 months when Flolan was administered in an open, uncontrolled study.

Clinical effects.

In the two studies, exercise capacity, as measured by the 6 minute walk test, improved significantly in patients receiving continuous intravenous Flolan plus standard therapy compared to those receiving standard therapy alone. Improvements were apparent as early as the first week of therapy. In the second study, patients who received Flolan for 12 weeks had significant improvements (p < 0.05) in all 4 dimensions of the Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire (Dyspnoea, Fatigue, Emotional Function and Mastery), as well as 2 of the 6 dimensions of the Nottingham Health Profile (Emotional Reactions and Sleep).
Survival was significantly improved in PPH patients treated with Flolan for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, 8 of 40 patients receiving conventional therapy alone died, whereas none of the patients receiving Flolan in addition to conventional therapy died (p = 0.003). The improvement in survival remained significant (p < 0.01) when 6 minute walk was used as a covariate in the analysis due to the difference between the two groups at baseline (median of 312 m and 267 m for Flolan and conventional treatment, respectively).
In the 8-week study, although not reaching statistical significance, 90% of patients treated with Flolan survived, as opposed to 71% of the patients on conventional therapy alone.
In a third study, 17 patients with NYHA class III or IV PPH received continuous epoprostenol infusions for 37 to 69 months and were compared with historical controls who had received conventional therapy. The comparison was stratified according to NYHA class and transplantation status. One, three and five-year Kaplan-Meier survival rates in the epoprostenol-treated patients were 87%, 63% and 54%, respectively, compared with 77%, 41% and 27% in the historical controls (hazard ratio 2.9 [95% CI 1.0 to 8.0, p = 0.045]).
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with scleroderma spectrum of diseases.

Haemodynamic effects.

Chronic continuous infusions of Flolan in patients with PH associated with the SSD were studied in a prospective, open, randomized trial of 12 weeks' duration comparing Flolan plus conventional therapy (n = 56) to conventional therapy alone (n = 55). Except for 5 NYHA functional Class II patients, all patients were either functional Class III or Class IV. Dosage of Flolan was determined as described in Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration and averaged 11.2 nanogram/kg/min at study's end. Conventional therapy varied among patients and included some or all of the following: cardiovascular medication in the majority of patients, supplemental oxygen and diuretics were taken in two-thirds of the patients, oral vasodilators in 40% of the patients, and digoxin in a third of the patients. More patients took warfarin in the Flolan therapy group (86%) than in the conventional therapy group (67%). During the 12 week study, 53 (95%) of patients in the Flolan group and 41 (75%) of the conventional therapy group took at least one dose of warfarin. A statistically significant increase in CI, and statistically significant decreases in PAPm, RAPm, PVR, and SAPm after 12 weeks of treatment were observed in patients who received Flolan chronically compared to those who did not. Table 8 illustrates the treatments-related haemodynamic changes in these patients after 12 weeks of treatment.

Clinical effects.

Statistically significant improvement was observed in exercise capacity, as measured by the 6-minute walk, in patients receiving continuous intravenous Flolan plus conventional therapy for 12 weeks compared to those receiving conventional therapy alone. Results of the 12-week study showed that exercise capacity was improved in the 56 patients treated with Flolan (median distance walked in 6 minutes, 316 m at 12 weeks vs 270 m at Baseline), but it decreased in the 55 patients treated with conventional therapy alone (192 m at 12 weeks vs 240 m at Baseline; p < 0.001 for the comparison of the treatment groups). Increases in exercise capacity were accompanied by statistically significant improvements in dyspnoea and fatigue, as measured by the Borg Dyspnoea Index and Dyspnoea Fatigue Index. At week 12, NYHA functional class improved in 21 of 51 (41%) patients treated with Flolan compared to none of the 48 patients treated with conventional therapy alone. However, more patients in both treatment groups (28/51 [55%] with Flolan and 35/48 [73%] with conventional therapy alone) showed no change in functional class, and 2/51 (4%) with Flolan and 13/48% (27%) with conventional therapy alone worsened. Of the patients randomized, NYHA functional class data at 12 weeks were not available for 5 patients treated with Flolan and 7 patients treated with conventional therapy alone.
No statistical difference in survival over 12 weeks was observed in PH/SSD patients treated with Flolan as compared to those receiving conventional therapy alone. At the end of the treatment period, 4 of 56 (7%) patients receiving Flolan died, whereas 5 of 55 (9%) patients receiving conventional therapy alone died.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

At normal physiological pH and temperature, epoprostenol sodium breaks down spontaneously to 6-oxo-prostaglandin F_1α, although there is some enzymatic degradation to other products.
The half-life for this process in humans is expected to be no more than 6 minutes, and may be as short as 2-3 minutes, as estimated from in vitro rates of degradation of epoprostenol in human whole blood.

Distribution.

Following intravenous injection of radiolabelled epoprostenol, the highest concentrations have been found in the liver, kidneys and small intestine. During infusions in animals, steady-state plasma concentrations of tritium-labelled epoprostenol were reached within 15 minutes and were proportional to infusion rates. Tissue levels decline rapidly with no evidence for accumulation or long-term retention of a drug-related compound.

Metabolism/excretion.

Urinary excretion of the metabolites of epoprostenol has been found to account for 40% of the administered dose in rats, and 90% in dogs, with biliary excretion accounting for the remainder. In both species, urinary excretion was greater than 95% complete within 25 hours of dosing. In anaesthetised dogs, extensive clearance by the liver has been demonstrated, with approximately 80% being removed in a single pass. Following the administration of radiolabelled epoprostenol to humans, the urinary and faecal recoveries of radioactivity were 82% and 4%, respectively. At least 16 compounds were found, 10 of which were structurally identified.
Due to the chemical instability, high potency and short half-life of epoprostenol, no precise and accurate assay has been identified as appropriate for quantifying epoprostenol in biological fluids.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Epoprostenol was negative in an in vitro assay of gene mutation and in an in vitro assay of DNA damage. However, the instability of epoprostenol in solutions used for these assays makes the significance of these tests uncertain. Epoprostenol was negative in an in vivo assay of chromosomal damage (micronucleus tests in rats).

Carcinogenicity.

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of epoprostenol.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Flolan for injection contains the excipients glycine, sodium chloride and mannitol. Sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH.
Diluent for Flolan contains glycine, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide (added to adjust pH), and water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Preparation and administration materials containing PET or PETG may become damaged when used with epoprostenol solution prepared with sterile diluent (pH 12) and therefore must not be used.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australia Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Unopened Flolan vials.

Store in a dry place below 25°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Diluent for Flolan.

Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
Contains no antimicrobial agent. Product is for single use in one patient only. Discard any residue.

Reconstituted/diluted solutions using sterile diluent (pH 12).

Freshly prepared solutions for infusion (either as a concentrated solution or a further diluted solution) can be administered immediately or stored for up to 8 days at 2°C to 8°C prior to administration. Following this preparation or storage, the solution for infusion should be used within: 48 hours at up to 25°C; or 36 hours at up to 30°C; or 24 hours at up to 35°C; or 12 hours at up to 40°C.
Discard any unused solution after this time.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Freeze-dried powder.

The freeze-dried powder is contained in glass vials with synthetic butyl rubber plugs and aluminium collars.

Sterile diluent (pH 12).

The sterile diluent (50 mL) is contained in plastic vials with synthetic butyl rubber plugs and aluminium collars with a purple flip-top cover.
Flolan for injection is available in the following presentations:
1 vial of 500 micrograms epoprostenol with 1 vial of 50 mL diluent and a filter.
1 vial of 500 micrograms epoprostenol with 2 vials of 50 mL diluent and a filter.
1 vial of 1.5 mg epoprostenol with 1 vial of 50 mL diluent and a filter.
1 vial of 1.5 mg epoprostenol with 2 vials of 50 mL diluent and a filter.
Not all presentations may be marketed.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

Epoprostenol (PGI₂, PGX, prostacyclin) is (5Z,9α,11α,13E,15S)- 6,9-epoxy -11,15-dihydroxyprosta -5,13-dien-1-oic acid. The structural formula of epoprostenol sodium is:

Molecular formula: C₂₀H₃₁NaO₅. Relative molecular mass: 374.45.

CAS number.

CAS Registry Number: 61849-14-7.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Log in

Consumer medicine information

Flolan for Injection

Epoprostenol

Keep track of your medicines

BRAND INFORMATION