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Caripul

Caripul

(epoprostenol)

Caripul (Epoprostenol) belongs to the class of medications called vasodilators. Vasodilators open up (dilate) the blood vessels in your body by relaxing the muscle walls of the blood vessels.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Powder

0.5MG

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Caripul information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The dose of Caripul (Epoprostenol) is based on body weight. The recommended starting dose is 2 mg per kilogram of bodyweight, per hour. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication and may adjust the dose based on how you respond.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Caripul (Epoprostenol) is injected intravenously (into a vein) by a procedure called continuous intravenous infusion. This means that the medication will be flowing into your body on a constant basis. You will need to have a special device inserted into your vein for the medication to be given (called a central venous catheter).

Sometimes, Caripul (Epoprostenol) will be given in the hospital by a health care professional. At other times, it may be given to you while you are at home or outside the hospital. In this situation, you will have a special pump that will help deliver the medication into your vein. A health care professional will teach you (and your caregiver or family member) how to prepare the medication and how to use the pump. Only use the tubing supplied to you with your medication or by your health care professional.

It is important Caripul (Epoprostenol) be used exactly as recommended by your doctor. If your infusion of Caripul (Epoprostenol) is interrupted for any reason, contact your doctor to discuss what you should do.

Store the unmixed vials of medication and diluents at room temperature (between 15°C to 25°C), protect it from light, and keep out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Caripul (Epoprostenol). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Caripul (Epoprostenol) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Caripul (Epoprostenol). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

back pain
Diarrhea
dizziness
Dry Mouth
flushing
headache
heartburn
increased sensitivity to touch
increased sweating
jaw discomfort
lightheadedness
loss of appetite
nausea
pain, redness, or rash at the site of infusion
restlessness
tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
tiredness
trouble sleeping
vomiting
weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

abdominal pain
agitation
anxiety
bone and joint pain
change in heart rate (fast or slow)
difficulty breathing
muscle pain
nervousness
signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools; nosebleeds; blood in urine; coughing blood; bleeding gums; cuts that don’t stop bleeding; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
signs of intravenous line blockage (e.g., dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath)
symptoms of an intravenous line infection (e.g., redness, tenderness, swelling, or pus at the infusion site)
symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (e.g., fainting, severe dizziness)
symptoms of too much blood pumping from the heart (e.g., persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs and abdomen)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

chest pain
signs of a Heart Attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
sudden onset of Fever
symptoms of a blood infection (e.g., fever, headache, fatigue)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Caripul (Epoprostenol).

There may be an interaction between Caripul (Epoprostenol) and any of the following:

acetylsalicylic acid
Aldesleukin
Aliskiren
alpha-blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
amifostine
Amiodarone
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril)
angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., Irbesartan, Losartan, Valsartan)
antipsychotics (e.g., Clozapine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
Apixaban
barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Timolol)
calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
brimonidine
Clopidogrel
conivaptan
dabigatran
Digoxin
Dipyridamole
diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Spironolactone)
Edoxaban
Guanfacine
Heparin
herbal products that affect blood clotting (e.g., cat's claw, chamomile, fenugreek, evening primrose, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, turmeric)
Hydralazine
levodopa
low molecular weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
Minoxidil
nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Naproxen)
Obinutuzumab
Pentoxifylline
phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
Prasugrel
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
Ticagrelor
Ticlopidine
tolcapone
Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Caripul (Epoprostenol). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Caripul (Epoprostenol).

Bleeding: Caripul (Epoprostenol) prevents platelets in the blood from sticking together, which can put you at risk for bleeding. If you experience any signs or symptoms of bleeding (e.g., black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, cuts that won't stop bleeding), contact your doctor immediately. While you are taking Caripul (Epoprostenol), your doctor should closely monitor your platelet counts with blood tests.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Caripul (Epoprostenol) may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Caripul (Epoprostenol) affects you.

Infection: Since Caripul (Epoprostenol) is given intravenously through a central venous catheter, this increases your risk of infections in the blood, which can be fatal. If you notice any signs or symptoms such as a sudden onset of fever, fatigue, or headache, contact your doctor immediately.

Giving the medication intravenously also puts you at increased risk of infections at the infusion site. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice symptoms such as redness, tenderness, swelling, or pus at the infusion site.

Low blood pressure (hypotension): Caripul (Epoprostenol) works to reduce the pressure in the blood vessels by dilating the blood vessels. People being treated with Caripul (Epoprostenol) should avoid situations that can further dilate their blood vessels, such as sitting in saunas, hot baths, and sunbathing.

Stopping the medication: When Caripul (Epoprostenol) is stopped suddenly, or the dose is decreased by a large amount, symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may occur. If your Caripul (Epoprostenol) infusion is stopped abruptly for some reason and you develop symptoms such as pain when breathing (dyspnea), dizziness, weakness, and fatigue, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Caripul (Epoprostenol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Caripul (Epoprostenol), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Caripul (Epoprostenol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Caripul (Epoprostenol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Caripul (Epoprostenol) have not been established for children.

Seniors: The safety of using Caripul (Epoprostenol) has not been established for seniors. Seniors may be at greater risk for side effects such as kidney, liver, or heart problems and should be monitored closed.

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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