Other AreasFen-Phen
Health RisksPPH Treatment
What common treatments are used to combat the effects of PPH?
The following medications are often used to treat the symptoms and adverse effects of PPH:
- Flolan® (epoprostenol) described below;
- Anticoagulants (used to thin the blood in an effort to reduce flow pressures;
- Diuretics (used to reduce edema);
- Calcium Channel Blockers (used to improve cardiac pumping efficiency).
In addition, many patients suffering from PPH undergo lung transplant or, in some cases, combined heart/lung transplant.
What is Flolan® and How is it Administered?
Flolan® is prescribed as an intravenously administered drug treatment designed to reduce arterial pressures. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Flolan® is an expensive (~>$100,000 per year) medication that must be continuously administered. To insure continuous application, Flolan is administered intravenously by use of a computer-controlled pump.
Flolan® (epoprostenol) is designed to reduce pulmonary arterial pressures by relaxing the blood vessels. Such relaxation of the walls of the blood vessel means less resistance to blood flow. This results in less arterial pressure, increased blood flow to the lungs and reduced stress on the heart.
The Flolan® Pump
To administer Flolan continuously, a catheter is surgically implanted into a readily-accessible vein in the chest. The catheter is then attached to a compact, computer-controlled pump that is enclosed in a harness or belt worn by the patient. The pump's reservoir is filled with a Flolan® solution and is regularly replenished to insure that a continuous supply of Flolan® is injected (pumped) into the bloodstream.
The therapeutic effect of the Flolan® solution dissipates quickly; therefore the pump is programmed to inject Flolan every few minutes.
Lung and/or Heart Transplant
Lung and/or heart transplantation are often indicated for PPH patients who are at high risk for pulmonary and/or cardiac failure. Single lung, double lung and/or heart transplantation from suitable donors to eligible recipients are based upon a wide array of circumstances and variables. Transplantation eligibility and procedures for PPH patients should be discussed with the treating physician.
Oral Beraprost
Severe Pulmonary Hypertension May Improve With Oral Berprost. One year of treatment with beraprost, an oral prostacyclin analogue, led to long lasting clinical and hemodynamic improvement in 11 of 13 patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.
