Flolan - Treatments of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

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Flolan (generically known as epoprostenol) is a synthetic version of a chemical naturally produced in the body named prostaglandin. Mainly used in the treatment severe cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension, Flolan works by dilating the blood vessels in the lungs to improve blood flow. The medication also keeps the blood vessels clear by removing any concentrations of lipids that have formed on the walls of the blood vessels and prevents the formation of blood clots. Manufactured by pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline, Flolan received approval to be used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension from the US Food and Drug Administration in 1995. Flolan has been credited with improving the quality of life for patients with late-stage cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension in which other medications did not work.

Patients using Flolan must have the medication injected directly into the bloodstream by use of a catheter implanted into the chest and a portable pump that is battery operated. This is because the medication is only effective for 3 to 5 minutes once injected into the body and must be continuously administered. The pump is carried in a shoulder pack or worn on a belt around the waist. The patient must fill the pump with the Flolan solution daily. The pump ensures that the correct dosage is administered constantly throughout the day. The medication is very expensive, costing around $100,000 per year.

Flolan is taken for life and is only prescribed after a positive diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension is obtained and other medications have failed to control the illness. Patients and home health aides must go though specialized training to learn how to administer the medication and maintain the equipment. Flolan needs to be handled in a particular way, needs to stay at a controlled temperature, and must not be exposed to light. The dosage is based on the health of the patient, the ability of the patient to handle the side effects associated with use of the drug, and the amount of relief that it gives the patient. The dosage will be increased over time to remain effective and there is no maximum dosage limit for the medication.

The typical side effects of Flolan include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in the jaw. The medication should be maintained constantly and consistently, because a brief interruption in the dosage could cause the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension being controlled by the medication to reappear and could even cause a life-threatening situation. Flolan is only used to alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is not considered a cure. There is no cure currently available for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Treatments for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

• Anticoagulants
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Beraprost (prostacyclin)
• Diuretics
• Flolan (epoprostenol sodium)
• Iloprost (Ventavis)
• Lasix
• Revatio (Viagra, sildenafil citrate)
• Tracleer (Bosentan)
• Remodulin (UT-15, treprostinil sodium
  

Do I have a Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Lawsuit?

The Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH) lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension cases in all 50 states.

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