REMODULIN®
(treprostinil sodium) Injection
Remodulin® (treprostinil sodium) Injection is a sterile sodium salt formulated for subcutaneous or intravenous administration. Remodulin is supplied in 20 mL multi-use vials in four strengths, containing 1 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL of treprostinil. Each mL also contains 5.3 mg sodium chloride (except for the 10 mg/mL strength which contains 4.0 mg sodium chloride), 3.0 mg metacresol, 6.3 mg sodium citrate, and water for injection. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH between 6.0 and 7.2.
Treprostinil is chemically stable at room temperature and neutral pH.
Treprostinil sodium is (1R,2R,3aS,9aS)-[[2,3,3a,4,9,9a-Hexahydro-2-hydroxy-1-[(3S)-3-hydroxyoctyl]-1H-benz[f]inden-5- yl]oxy]acetic acid monosodium salt. Treprostinil sodium has a molecular weight of 412.49 and a molecular formula of C23H33NaO5.
The structural formula of treprostinil sodium is:
 |
Last updated on RxList: 10/2/2008
Remodulin is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with NYHA Class II-IV symptoms [see CLINICAL STUDIES] to diminish symptoms associated with exercise. It may be administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion or continuous intravenous infusion; however, because of the risks associated with chronic indwelling central venous catheters, including serious blood stream infections, continuous intravenous infusion should be reserved for patients who are intolerant of the subcutaneous route, or in whom these risks are considered warranted.
In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension requiring transition from Flolan (epoprostenol sodium), Remodulin is indicated to diminish the rate of clinical deterioration. The risks and benefits of each drug should be carefully considered prior to transition.
Remodulin® is supplied in 20 mL vials in concentrations of 1 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL. Remodulin can be administered as supplied or diluted for intravenous infusion with Sterile Water for Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection prior to administration.
Remodulin is indicated for subcutaneous (SC), or intravenous (IV) use only. Remodulin is administered by continuous infusion. Remodulin is preferably infused subcutaneously, but can be administered by a central intravenous line if the subcutaneous route is not tolerated, because of severe site pain or reaction. The infusion rate is initiated at 1.25 ng/kg/min. If this initial dose cannot be tolerated because of systemic effects, the infusion rate should be reduced to 0.625 ng/kg/min.
The goal of chronic dosage adjustments is to establish a dose at which PAH symptoms are improved, while minimizing excessive pharmacologic effects of Remodulin (headache, nausea, emesis, restlessness, anxiety and infusion site pain or reaction).
The infusion rate should be increased in increments of 1.25 ng/kg/min per week for the first four weeks of treatment and then 2.5 ng/kg/min per week for the remaining duration of infusion, depending on clinical response. Dosage adjustments may be undertaken more often if tolerated. There is little experience with doses > 40 ng/kg/min. Abrupt cessation of infusion should be avoided (see PRECAUTIONS). Restarting a Remodulin infusion within a few hours after an interruption can be done using the same dose rate. Interruptions for longer periods may require the dose of Remodulin to be re-titrated.
In patients with mild or moderate hepatic insufficiency, the initial dose of Remodulin should be decreased to 0.625 ng/kg/min ideal body weight and should be increased cautiously. Remodulin has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No studies have been performed in patients with renal insufficiency. No specific advice about dosing in patients with renal impairment can be given. [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Remodulin is administered subcutaneously by continuous infusion, via a self-inserted subcutaneous catheter, using an infusion pump designed for subcutaneous drug delivery. To avoid potential interruptions in drug delivery, the patient must have immediate access to a backup infusion pump and subcutaneous infusion sets. The ambulatory infusion pump used to administer Remodulin should: (1) be small and lightweight, (2) be adjustable to approximately 0.002 mL/hr, (3) have occlusion/no delivery, low battery, programming error and motor malfunction alarms, (4) have delivery accuracy of ±6% or better and (5) be positive pressure driven. The reservoir should be made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or glass.
For subcutaneous infusion, Remodulin is delivered without further dilution at a calculated Subcutaneous Infusion Rate (mL/hr) based on a patients Dose (ng/kg/min), Weight (kg), and the Vial Strength (mg/mL) of Remodulin being used. During use, a single reservoir (syringe) of undiluted Remodulin can be administered up to 72 hours at 37°C. The Subcutaneous Infusion rate is calculated using the following formula:
| Subcutaneous Infusion Rate (mL/hr) |
= | Dose (ng/kg/min) x Weight (kg) x 0.00006* |
| Remodulin Vial Strength (mg/mL) |
||
| *Conversion factor of 0.00006 = 60 min/hour x 0.000001 mg/ng | ||
Example calculations for Subcutaneous Infusion are as follows:
Example 1:
For a 60 kg person at the recommended initial dose of 1.25 ng/kg/min using the 1 mg/mL Remodulin Vial Strength, the infusion rate would be calculated as follows:
| Subcutaneous Infusion Rate (mL/hr) |
= | 1.25 ng/kg/min x 60 kg x 0.00006 | = 0.005 mL/hr |
| 1 mg/mL |
Example 2:
For a 65 kg person at a dose of 40 ng/kg/min using the 5 mg/mL Remodulin Vial Strength, the infusion rate would be calculated as follows:
| Subcutaneous Infusion Rate (mL/hr) | = | 40 ng/kg/min x 65 kg x 0.00006 | = 0.031 mL/hr |
| 5 mg/mL |
Intravenous Infusion
Remodulin must be diluted with either Sterile Water for Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection and is administered intravenously by continuous infusion, via a surgically placed indwelling central venous catheter, using an infusion pump designed for intravenous drug delivery. If clinically necessary, a temporary peripheral intravenous cannula, preferably placed in a large vein, may be used for short term administration of Remodulin. Use of a peripheral intravenous infusion for more than a few hours may be associated with an increased risk of thrombophlebitis. To avoid potential interruptions in drug delivery, the patient must have immediate access to a backup infusion pump and infusion sets. The ambulatory infusion pump used to administer Remodulin should: (1) be small and lightweight, (2) have occlusion/no delivery, low battery, programming error and motor malfunction alarms, (3) have delivery accuracy of ±6% or better of the hourly dose, and (4) be positive pressure driven. The reservoir should be made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or glass.
Diluted Remodulin has been shown to be stable at ambient temperature for up to 48 hours at concentrations as low as 0.004 mg/mL (4,000 ng/mL).
When using an appropriate infusion pump and reservoir, a predetermined intravenous infusion rate should first be selected to allow for a desired infusion period length of up to 48 hours between system changeovers. Typical intravenous infusion system reservoirs have volumes of 50 or 100 mL. With this selected Intravenous Infusion Rate (mL/hr) and the patient's Dose (ng/kg/min) and Weight (kg), the Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration (mg/mL) can be calculated using the following formula:
| Step 1 Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration (mg/mL) |
= | Dose (ng/kg/min) x Weight (kg) x 0.00006 |
| Intravenous Infusion Rate(mL/hr) |
The Amount of Remodulin Injection needed to make the required Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration for the given reservoir size can then be calculated using the following formula:
| Step 2 Amount of Remodulin Injection (mL) |
= | Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration (mg/mL) | x | Total Volume of Diluted Remodulin Solution in Reservoir (mL) |
| Remodulin Vial Strength (mg/mL) |
The calculated amount of Remodulin Injection is then added to the reservoir along with the sufficient volume of diluent (Sterile Water for Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or Flolan® Sterile Diluent for Injection) to achieve the desired total volume in the reservoir.
Example calculations for Intravenous Infusion are as follows:
Example 3:
For a 60 kg person at a dose of 5 ng/kg/min, with a predetermined intravenous infusion rate of 1 mL/hr and a reservoir of 50 mL, the Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Solution Concentration would be calculated as follows:
| Step 1 Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration (mg/mL) |
= | 5 ng/kg/min x 60 kg x 0.00006 | = 0.018 mg/mL (18,000 ng/mL) |
| 1 mL/hr |
The Amount of Remodulin Injection (using 1 mg/mL Vial Strength) needed for a total Diluted Remodulin Concentration of 0.018 mg/mL and a total volume of 50 mL would be calculated as follows:
| Step 2 Amount of Remodulin Injection (mL) |
= | 0.018 mg/mL | x 50 mL = 0.9 mL |
| 1 mg/mL |
The Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration for the person in Example 3 would thus be prepared by adding 0.9 mL of 1 mg/mL Remodulin Injection to a suitable reservoir along with a sufficient volume of diluent to achieve a total volume of 50 mL in the reservoir. The pump flow rate for this example would be set at 1 mL/hr.
Example 4:
For a 75 kg person at a dose of 30 ng/kg/min, with a predetermined intravenous infusion rate of 2 mL/hr, and a reservoir of 100 mL, the Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Solution Concentration would be calculated as follows:
| Step 1 Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration (mg/mL) |
= | 30 ng/kg/min x 75 kg x 0.00006 | = 0.0675 mg/mL (67,500 ng/mL) |
| 2 mL/hr |
The Amount of Remodulin Injection (using 2.5 mg/mL Vial Strength) needed for a total Diluted Remodulin Concentration of 0.0675 mg/mL and a total volume of 100 mL would be calculated as follows:
| Step 2 Amount of Remodulin Injection (mL) |
= | 0.0675 mg/mL | x 100 mL = 2.7 mL |
| 2.5 mg/mL |
The Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration for the person in Example 4 would thus be prepared by adding 2.7 mL of 2.5 mg/mL Remodulin Injection to a suitable reservoir along with a sufficient volume of diluent to achieve a total volume of 100 mL in the reservoir. The pump flow rate for this example would be set at 2 mL/hr.
Transition from Flolan to Remodulin is accomplished by initiating the infusion of Remodulin and increasing it, while simultaneously reducing the dose of intravenous Flolan. The transition to Remodulin should take place in a hospital with constant observation of response (e.g., walk distance and signs and symptoms of disease progression). During the transition, Remodulin is initiated at a recommended dose of 10% of the current Flolan dose, and then escalated as the Flolan dose is decreased (see Table 14 for recommended dose titrations).
Patients are individually titrated to a dose that allows transition from Flolan therapy to Remodulin while balancing prostacyclin-limiting adverse events. Increases in the patient's symptoms of PAH should be first treated with increases in the dose of Remodulin. Side effects normally associated with prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogs are to be first treated by decreasing the dose of Flolan.
Table 4: Recommended Transition Dose Changes
| Step | Flolan Dose | Remodulin Dose |
| 1 | Unchanged | 10% Starting Flolan Dose |
| 2 | 80% Starting Flolan Dose | 30% Starting Flolan Dose |
| 3 | 60% Starting Flolan Dose | 50% Starting Flolan Dose |
| 4 | 40% Starting Flolan Dose | 70% Starting Flolan Dose |
| 5 | 20% Starting Flolan Dose | 90% Starting Flolan Dose |
| 6 | 5% Starting Flolan Dose | 110% Starting Flolan Dose |
| 7 | 0 | 110% Starting Flolan Dose + additional 5-10% increments as needed |
Remodulin® is supplied in 20 mL multi-use vials at concentrations of 1 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL treprostinil, as sterile solutions in water for injection, individually packaged in a carton. Each mL contains treprostinil sodium equivalent to 1 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, or 10 mg/mL treprostinil. Unopened vials of Remodulin are stable until the date indicated when stored at 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Store at 25°C (77°F), with excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
During use, a single reservoir (syringe) of undiluted Remodulin can be administered up to 72 hours at 37°C. Diluted Remodulin Solution can be administered up to 48 hours at 37°C when diluted to concentrations as low as 0.004 mg/mL in Sterile Water for Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or Flolan® Sterile Diluent for Injection. A single vial of Remodulin should be used for no more than 30 days after the initial introduction into the vial.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. If either particulate matter or discoloration is noted, Remodulin should not be administered.
20-mL vial containing treprostinil sodium equivalent to 1 mg treprostinil per mL, carton of 1 (NDC 66302-101-01).
20-mL vial containing treprostinil sodium equivalent to 2.5 mg treprostinil per mL, carton of 1 (NDC 66302-102-01).
20-mL vial containing treprostinil sodium equivalent to 5 mg treprostinil per mL, carton of 1 (NDC 66302-105-01).
20-mL vial containing treprostinil sodium equivalent to 10 mg treprostinil per mL, carton of 1 (NDC 66302-110-01).
REMODULIN manufactured by: Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions LLC., Bloomington, IN 47403 For United Therapeutics Corp. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. February 2008. FDA Rev date: 9/12/2008
Last updated on RxList: 10/2/2008
Patients receiving Remodulin as a subcutaneous infusion reported a wide range of adverse events, many potentially related to the underlying disease (dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, right ventricular heart failure, and pallor). During clinical trials with subcutaneous infusion of Remodulin, infusion site pain and reaction were the most common adverse events among those treated with Remodulin. Infusion site reaction was defined as any local adverse event other than pain or bleeding/bruising at the infusion site and included symptoms such as erythema, induration or rash. Infusion site reactions were sometimes severe and could lead to discontinuation of treatment.
Table 2: Percentages of subjects reporting subcutaneous infusion
site adverse events
| Reaction | Pain | |||
| Placebo | Remodulin | Placebo | Remodulin | |
| Severe | 1 | 38 | 2 | 39 |
| Requiring narcotics* | NA** | NA** | 1 | 32 |
| Leading to discontinuation | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| * based on prescriptions for narcotics, not actual use **medications used to treat infusion site pain were not distinguished from those used to treat site reactions |
||||
Other adverse events included diarrhea, jaw pain, edema, vasodilatation and nausea, and these are generally considered to be related to the pharmacologic effects of Remodulin, whether administered subcutaneously or intravenously.
Table 3 lists adverse events that occurred at a rate of at least 3% and were more frequent in patients treated with subcutaneous Remodulin than with placebo in controlled trials in PAH.
Table 3: Adverse Events in Controlled 12-Week Studies of
Patients with PAH, Occurring with at Least 3% Incidence and More Common on Subcutaneous
Remodulin than on Placebo.
| Adverse Event | Remodulin (N=236) Percent of Patients |
Placebo (N=233) Percent of Patients |
| Infusion Site Pain | 85 | 27 |
| Infusion Site Reaction | 83 | 27 |
| Headache | 27 | 23 |
| Diarrhea | 25 | 16 |
| Nausea | 22 | 18 |
| Rash | 14 | 11 |
| Jaw Pain | 13 | 5 |
| Vasodilatation | 11 | 5 |
| Dizziness | 9 | 8 |
| Edema | 9 | 3 |
| Pruritus | 8 | 6 |
| Hypotension | 4 | 2 |
Reported adverse events (at least 3%) are included except those too general to be informative, and those not plausibly attributable to the use of the drug, because they were associated with the condition being treated or are very common in the treated population.
In controlled studies of Remodulin administered subcutaneously, there were no reports of infection related to the drug delivery system. There were 187 infusion system complications reported in 28% of patients (23% Remodulin, 33% placebo); 173 (93%) were pump related and 14 (7%) related to the infusion set. Eight of these patients (4 Remodulin, 4 Placebo) reported non-serious adverse events resulting from infusion system complications. Adverse events resulting from problems with the delivery systems were typically related to either symptoms of excess Remodulin (e.g., nausea) or return of PAH symptoms (e.g., dyspnea). These events were generally resolved by correcting the delivery system pump or infusion set problem such as replacing the syringe or battery, reprogramming the pump, or straightening a crimped infusion line. Adverse events resulting from problems with the delivery system did not lead to clinical instability or rapid deterioration. In addition to these adverse events due to the drug delivery system during subcutaneous administration, the following adverse events may be attributable to the IV mode of infusion including arm swelling, paresthesias, hematoma and pain (see WARNINGS).
In addition to adverse reactions reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during post-approval use of Remodulin. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. The following events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, and potential connection to Remodulin. These events are thrombophlebitis associated with peripheral intravenous infusion, thrombocytopenia and bone pain. In addition, generalized rashes, sometimes macular or papular in nature, and cellulitis have been infrequently reported.
Reduction in blood pressure caused by Remodulin may be exacerbated by drugs that by themselves alter blood pressure, such as diuretics, antihypertensive agents, or vasodilators. Since Remodulin inhibits platelet aggregation, there is also a potential for increased risk of bleeding, particularly among patients maintained on anticoagulants. During clinical trials, Remodulin was used concurrently with anticoagulants, diuretics, cardiac glycosides, calcium channel blockers, analgesics, antipyretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, corticosteroids, and other medications.
Remodulin has not been studied in conjunction with Flolan or Tracleer® (bosentan).
In vivo studies: Acetaminophen - Analgesic doses of acetaminophen, 1000 mg every 6 hours for seven doses, did not affect the pharmacokinetics of Remodulin, at a subcutaneous infusion rate of 15 ng/kg/min.
In vitro studies: Remodulin did not significantly affect the plasma protein binding of normally observed concentrations of digoxin or warfarin.
In vivo studies: Warfarin - Remodulin does not affect the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. The pharmacokinetics of R- and S- warfarin and the INR in healthy subjects given a single 25 mg dose of warfarin were unaffected by continuous subcutaneous Remodulin at an infusion rate of 10 ng/kg/min.
Caution should be used in patients with hepatic or renal impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations).
Last updated on RxList: 10/2/2008
Chronic intravenous infusions of Remodulin are delivered using an indwelling central venous catheter. This route is associated with the risk of blood stream infections (BSI) and sepsis, which may be fatal.
In an open-label study of IV treprostinil (n=47), there were seven catheter-related line infections during approximately 35 patient years, or about 1 BSI event per 5 years of use. A CDC survey of seven sites that used IV treprostinil for the treatment of PAH found approximately 1 BSI (defined as any positive blood culture) event per 3 years of use.
Remodulin should be used only by clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of PAH.
Remodulin is a potent pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. Initiation of Remodulin must be performed in a setting with adequate personnel and equipment for physiological monitoring and emergency care. Therapy with Remodulin may be used for prolonged periods, and the patient's ability to administer Remodulin and care for an infusion system should be carefully considered.
Dose should be increased for lack of improvement in, or worsening of, symptoms and it should be decreased for excessive pharmacologic effects or for unacceptable infusion site symptoms (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Abrupt withdrawal or sudden large reductions in dosage of Remodulin may result in worsening of PAH symptoms and should be avoided.
Long-term studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of treprostinil. In vitro and in vivo genetic toxicology studies did not demonstrate any mutagenic or clastogenic effects of treprostinil. Treprostinil sodium did not affect fertility or mating performance of male or female rats given continuous subcutaneous infusions at rates of up to 450 ng treprostinil/kg/min [about 59 times the recommended starting human rate of infusion (1.25 ng/kg/min) and about 8 times the average rate (9.3 ng/kg/min) achieved in clinical trials, on a ng/m2 basis]. In this study, males were dosed from 10 weeks prior to mating and through the 2-week mating period. Females were dosed from 2 weeks prior to mating until gestational day 6.
Pregnancy Category B - In pregnant rats, continuous subcutaneous infusions of treprostinil sodium during organogenesis and late gestational development, at rates as high as 900 ng treprostinil/kg/min (about 117 times the starting human rate of infusion, on a ng/m2 basis and about 16 times the average rate achieved in clinical trials), resulted in no evidence of harm to the fetus. In pregnant rabbits, effects of continuous subcutaneous infusions of treprostinil during organogenesis were limited to an increased incidence of fetal skeletal variations (bilateral full rib or right rudimentary rib on lumbar 1) associated with maternal toxicity (reduction in body weight and food consumption) at an infusion rate of 150 ng treprostinil/kg/min (about 41 times the starting human rate of infusion, on a ng/m2 basis, and 5 times the average rate used in clinical trials). In rats, continuous subcutaneous infusion of treprostinil from implantation to the end of lactation, at rates of up to 450 ng treprostinil/kg/min, did not affect the growth and development of offspring. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Remodulin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
No treprostinil sodium treatment-related effects on labor and delivery were seen in animal studies. The effect of treprostinil sodium on labor and delivery in humans is unknown.
It is not known whether treprostinil is excreted in human milk or absorbed systemically after ingestion. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Remodulin is administered to nursing women.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Clinical studies of Remodulin did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged ≤ 16 years to determine whether they respond differently from older patients. In general, dose selection should be cautious.
Clinical studies of Remodulin did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Last updated on RxList: 10/2/2008
Signs and symptoms of overdose with Remodulin during clinical trials are extensions of its dose-limiting pharmacologic effects and include flushing, headache, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most events were self-limiting and resolved with reduction or withholding of Remodulin.
In controlled clinical trials, seven patients received some level of overdose and in open-label follow-on treatment seven additional patients received an overdose; these occurrences resulted from accidental bolus administration of Remodulin, errors in pump programmed rate of administration, and prescription of an incorrect dose. In only two cases did excess delivery of Remodulin produce an event of substantial hemodynamic concern (hypotension, near-syncope).
One pediatric patient was accidentally administered 7.5 mg of Remodulin via a central venous catheter. Symptoms included flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, hypotension and seizure-like activity with loss of consciousness lasting several minutes. The patient subsequently recovered.
Remodulin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or to structurally related compounds.
Last updated on RxList: 10/2/2008
General: The major pharmacologic actions of treprostinil are direct vasodilation of pulmonary and systemic arterial vascular beds and inhibition of platelet aggregation. In animals, the vasodilatory effects reduce right and left ventricular afterload and increase cardiac output and stroke volume. Other studies have shown that treprostinil causes a dose-related negative inotropic and lusitropic effect. No major effects on cardiac conduction have been observed.
The pharmacokinetics of continuous subcutaneous Remodulin are linear over the dose range of 1.25 to 125 ng/kg/min (corresponding to plasma concentrations of about 15 pg/mL to 18,250 pg/m) and can be described by a two-compartment model. Dose proportionality at infusion rates greater than 125 ng/kg/min has not been studied.
Subcutaneous and intravenous administration of Remodulin demonstrated bioequivalence at steady state at a dose of 10 ng/kg/min.
Absorption: Remodulin is relatively rapidly and completely absorbed after subcutaneous infusion, with an absolute bioavailability approximating 100%. Steady-state concentrations occurred in approximately 10 hours. Concentrations in patients treated with an average dose of 9.3 ng/kg/min were approximately 2 mcg/L.
Distribution: The volume of distribution of the drug in the central compartment is approximately 14L/70 kg ideal body weight. Remodulin at in vitro concentrations ranging from 330-10,000 mcg/L was 91% bound to human plasma protein.
Metabolism: Remodulin is substantially metabolized by the liver, but the precise enzymes responsible are unknown. Five metabolites have been described (HU1 through HU5). The biological activity and metabolic fate of these metabolites are unknown. The chemical structure of HU1 is unknown. HU5 is the glucuronide conjugate of treprostinil. The other metabolites are formed by oxidation of the 3-hydroxyoctyl side chain (HU2) and subsequent additional oxidation (HU3) or dehydration (HU4). Based on the results ofin vitro human hepatic cytochrome P450 studies, Remodulin does not inhibit CYP-1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A. Whether Remodulin induces these enzymes has not been studied.
Excretion: The elimination of Remodulin is biphasic, with a terminal half-life of approximately 4 hours. Approximately 79% of an administered dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug (4%) and as the identified metabolites (64%). Approximately 13% of a dose is excreted in the feces. Systemic clearance is approximately 30 liters/hr for a 70 kg ideal body weight person.
Hepatic Insufficiency: In patients with portopulmonary hypertension and mild (n=4) or moderate (n=5) hepatic insufficiency, Remodulin at a subcutaneous dose of 10 ng/kg/min for 150 minutes had a Cmax that was increased 2-fold and 4-fold, respectively, and an AUC 0-∞ that was increased 3-fold and 5-fold, respectively, compared to healthy subjects. Clearance in patients with hepatic insufficiency was reduced by up to 80% compared to healthy adults.
In patients with mild or moderate hepatic insufficiency, the initial dose of Remodulin should be decreased to 0.625 ng/kg/min ideal body weight and should be increased cautiously. Remodulin has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency.
Renal Insufficiency: No studies have been performed in patients with renal insufficiency, so no specific advice about dosing in such patients can be given. Although only 4% of the administered dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, the five identified metabolites are all excreted in the urine.
Effect of Other Drugs on Remodulin: In vitro studies: Remodulin did not significantly affect the plasma protein binding of normally observed concentrations of digoxin or warfarin.
In vivo studies: Acetaminophen - Analgesic doses of acetaminophen, 1000 mg every 6 hours for seven doses, did not affect the pharmacokinetics of Remodulin, at a subcutaneous infusion rate of 15 ng/kg/min.
Two 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind studies compared continuous subcutaneous infusion of Remodulin to placebo in a total of 470 patients with NYHA Class II-IV pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH was primary in 58% of patients, associated with collagen vascular disease in 19%, and the result of congenital left to right shunts in 23%. The mean age was 45 (range 9 to 75 years). About 81% were female and 84% were Caucasian. Pulmonary hypertension had been diagnosed for a mean of 3.8 years. The primary endpoint of the studies was change in 6-minute walking distance, a standard measure of exercise capacity. There were many assessments of symptoms related to heart failure, but local discomfort and pain associated with Remodulin may have substantially unblinded those assessments. The 6-minute walking distance and an associated subjective measurement of shortness of breath during the walk (Borg dyspnea score) were administered by a person not participating in other aspects of the study. Remodulin was administered as a subcutaneous infusion, described in DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and the dose averaged 9.3 ng/kg/min at Week 12. Few subjects received doses > 40 ng/kg/min. Background therapy, determined by the investigators, could include anticoagulants, oral vasodilators, diuretics, digoxin, and oxygen but not an endothelin receptor antagonist or epoprostenol. The two studies were identical in design and conducted simultaneously, and the results were analyzed both pooled and individually.
As shown in Table 1, chronic therapy with Remodulin resulted in small hemodynamic changes consistent with pulmonary and systemic vasodilation.
Table 1: Hemodynamics During Chronic Administration of Remodulin
in Patients with PAH in 12-Week Studies
| Hemodynamic Parameter |
Baseline | Mean change from baseline at Week 12 | ||
| Remodulin (N=204-231) |
Placebo (N=215-235) |
Remodulin (N=163-199) |
Placebo (N=182-215) |
|
| CI (L/min/m2) | 2.4 ± 0.88 | 2.2 ± 0.74 | +0.12 ± 0.58* | -0.06 ± 0.55 |
| PAPm (mmHg) | 62 ± 17.6 | 60 ± 14.8 | -2.3 ± 7.3* | +0.7 ± 8.5 |
| RAPm (mmHg) | 10 ± 5.7 | 10 ± 5.9 | -0.5 ± 5.0* | +1.4 ± 4.8 |
| PVRI (mmHg/L/min/m2) | 26 ± 13 | 25 ± 13 | -3.5 ± 8.2* | +1.2 ± 7.9 |
| SVRI (mmHg/L/min/m2) | 38 ± 15 | 39 ± 15 | -3.5 ± 12* | -0.80 ± 12 |
| SvO2(%) | 62 ± 100 | 60 ± 11 | +2.0 ± 10* | -1.4 ± 8.8 |
| SAPm (mmHg) | 90 ± 14 | 91 ± 14 | -1.7 ± 12 | -1.0 ± 13 |
| HR (bpm) | 82 ± 13 | 82 ± 15 | -0.5 ± 11 | -0.8 ± 11 |
| *Denotes statistically significant difference between Remodulin
and placebo, p < 0.05. CI = cardiac index; PAPm = mean pulmonary arterial pressure; PVRI = pulmonary vascular resistance indexed; RAPm = mean right atrial pressure; SAPm = mean systemic arterial pressure; SVRI = systemic vascular resistance indexed; SvO2 = mixed venous oxygen saturation; HR = heart rate. |
||||
The effect of Remodulin on 6-minute walk, the primary end point of the 12-week studies, was small and did not achieve conventional levels of statistical significance. For the combined populations, the median change from baseline on Remodulin was 10 meters and the median change from baseline on placebo was 0 meters from a baseline of approximately 345 meters. Although it was not the primary endpoint of the study, the Borg dyspnea score was significantly improved by Remodulin during the 6-minute walk, and Remodulin also had a significant effect, compared with placebo, on an assessment that combined walking distance with the Borg dyspnea score. Remodulin also consistently improved indices of dyspnea, fatigue and signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, but these indices were difficult to interpret in the context of incomplete blinding to treatment assignment resulting from infusion site symptoms.
In an 8-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients on stable doses of Flolan were randomly withdrawn from Flolan to placebo or Remodulin. Fourteen Remodulin and 8 placebo patients completed the study. The primary endpoint of the study was the time to clinical deterioration, defined as either an increase in Flolan dose, hospitalization due to PAH, or death. No patients died during the study.
During the study period, Remodulin effectively prevented clinical deterioration in patients transitioning from Flolan therapy compared to placebo (Figure 1). Thirteen of 14 patients in the Remodulin arm were able to transition from Flolan successfully, compared to only 1 of 8 patients in the placebo arm (p=0.0002).
Figure 1: Time to Clinical Deterioration for PAH Patients
Transitioned from Flolan to Remodulin or Placebo in an 8-Week Study
 |
Last updated on RxList: 10/2/2008
Patients receiving Remodulin should be given the following information: Remodulin is infused continuously through a subcutaneous or surgically placed indwelling central venous catheter, via an infusion pump. Therapy with Remodulin will be needed for prolonged periods, possibly years, and the patient's ability to accept and care for a catheter and to use an infusion pump should be carefully considered. In order to reduce the risk of infection, aseptic technique must be used in the preparation and administration of Remodulin. Additionally, patients should be aware that subsequent disease management may require the initiation of an alternative intravenous prostacyclin therapy, Flolan® (epoprostenol sodium).
Last updated on RxList: 10/2/2008
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
TREPROSTINIL - INJECTION
(treh-PRAW-steh-nil)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remodulin
USES: This medication is used to treat a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Treprostinil helps to improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels (arteries) in the lungs and other parts of the body so that blood can flow more easily. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators.
HOW TO USE: When you first start using this medication, it must be given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic. This medication is given as a continuous injection, usually under the skin using an infusion pump. If you cannot receive the drug under the skin, it may be mixed with an IV solution and given into a vein using an infusion pump.
Your health care professional will prepare and mix the solution for you according to the manufacturer's instructions. If your doctor directs you to continue using this medication at home, follow all instructions from your health care professional about how to properly use this medication and the infusion pump. Learn how to properly care for your injection site and how to avoid infection. Also learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid, and contact your health care professional immediately. If you have any questions about the use of this medication, consult your health care professional.
Do not suddenly decrease the dose or suddenly stop using this medication because doing either may lead to serious (rarely fatal) worsening of your condition. If you must stop this medication, gradually reduce the dose as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor immediately if your infusion is interrupted or if you develop worsening trouble breathing, dizziness, or weakness. To avoid interruptions in drug treatment, you should have a backup infusion pump and infusion sets available in case your equipment fails. Consult your health care professional for more information.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to use other medications in addition to treprostinil to treat your condition and to prevent problems. Use all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new/worsening swelling of the arms/legs, mental/mood changes (e.g., restlessness, nervousness).
To avoid infection, follow your health care professional's instructions for proper handling of this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using treprostinil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, bleeding problems.
This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Treprostinil may lower your blood pressure. Your doctor may also direct you to take other medications that may also lower your blood pressure (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics such as furosemide, ACE inhibitors such as captopril, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, other vasodilators such as nitrates). Your doctor may also prescribe "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin) to prevent blood clots. Treprostinil may increase your risk of bleeding if you take "blood thinners." Your doctor or pharmacist will monitor you for these possible drug interactions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you develop symptoms such as easy or unusual bleeding/bruising, severe dizziness, or fainting.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: This drug is to be given continuously as an infusion. If your infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Consult your pharmacist for details about the storage of opened vials and prepared solutions. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Remodulin sorted by most helpful. 
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get tips on handling your hypertension.
 |
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
Updated & New