concentration of the solution (nanograms/ml)
Perfusion rate (ml/h) = perfusion rate (ml/min) x 60
In long-term administration of Flolan, higher perfusion rates may be required, and therefore, more concentrated solutions.
Special precautions for storage
Do not store above25°C.
Store the package within the carton to protect it from light.
Keep in a dry place.
Do not freeze.
For more details on stability after reconstitution, see Section 5 (Storage of Flolan).
The solvent does not contain preservatives; therefore, each vial should be used only once and discarded afterwards.
Renal dialysis
Only one package is available for use in renal dialysis:
Flolan prepared with sterile solvent (pH 12) should not be used with any preparation or administration material containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate modified with glycol (PETG). Based on the available internal analysis data and published literature, compatible preparation and administration materials include:
Reconstitution:
1. Only the provided solvent should be used for reconstitution.
2. Remove approximately 10 ml of solvent with a sterile syringe, through a vial adapter*.
3. Remove the syringe from the vial adapter. Connect the needle to the syringe, inject the 10 ml of solvent into the vial containing the 0.5 mg of Flolan lyophilized powder and gently shake until the powder is dissolved.
4. Extract the resulting Flolan solution from the syringe, remove the needle, re-inject it into the remaining solvent volume through the vial adapter* and mix well.
*Alternatively, a needle can be used instead of a vial adapter.
This solution is now called the concentrated solution and contains 10,000 nanograms per ml of Flolan. Only the concentrated solution is suitable for further dilution before use. When 0.5 mg of Flolan powder for intravenous infusion is reconstituted with 50 ml of solvent, the final injection will have a pH of approximately 12 and a sodium ion content of approximately 73 mg.
Dilution:
Normally, the concentrated solution is usually diluted again immediately before use. It can be diluted with a 0.9% w/v sodium chloride solution (normal saline), in a ratio of 2.3 volumes of normal saline to 1 volume of concentrated solution; for example, 50 ml of concentrated solution diluted with 117 ml of normal saline.
Other common IV fluids are not suitable for diluting the concentrated solution, as the pH will not be maintained. Flolan solutions are less stable at low pH.
Epoprostenol should not be administered with other parenteral solutions when administered for renal dialysis.
The final solution for perfusion (either as a concentrated solution or more diluted) should be transferred to a suitable container or administration system before administration. During transfer, a sterile 0.22 micron filter should be used, applying firm but not excessive pressure. The usual time for filtering 50 ml of solution is 70 seconds.
If an in-line filter has been used during administration, it should be discarded when changing the perfusion equipment.
If, on the other hand, a syringe filter has been used during preparation, it should be used only for preparation and discarded afterwards. The usual concentrations used in the treatment of renal dialysis are as follows:
Calculation of perfusion rate:
The perfusion rate can be calculated from the following formula:
dose (nanograms/kg/min) x body weight (kg)
Perfusion rate (ml/min) =
concentration of the solution (nanograms/ml)
Perfusion rate (ml/h) = perfusion rate (ml/min) x 60
For administration using a pump capable of delivering constant small volume perfusions, the concentrated solution can be diluted with a sterile 0.9% w/v sodium chloride solution.
The detailed and updated information of this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS)http://www.aemps.gob.es/
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Flolan Solution
Instructions for use with a vial adapter and ambulatory infusion pumps
Please read these instructions before starting to prepare your Flolan solution. If you have any questions or doubts, contact your doctor.
Storage information
Do notuse Flolan after the expiration date on the label.
Do notfreeze.
Your package will contain the following: |
•1 vial of powder, 1 vial of solvent, 1 vial adapter, and a filter; or •1 vial of powder, 2 vials of solvent, 2 vial adapters, and a filter; or •1 vial of powder |
You will also need (not supplied): |
1 syringe of 60 ml • 1 needle • 1 cassette • 1 ambulatory pump • 1 perfusion equipment • Gloves • Alcohol wipes |
Preparation | |
| |
Use only the solvent provided for reconstitution. •Remove the cap from the solvent vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe. | |
2.Open the vial adapter package | |
• Remove the protective paper from the vial adapter package. Nota:keep the vial adapter in its package for the next step. Do notuse the vial adapter if the package is damaged. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do notuse the vial adapter if it falls out of the package. |
3.Connectthe vial adapter | |
• Hold the vial adapter by its package and place the inner tip vertically into the rubber stopper of the solvent vial until the vial adapter fits into place. •Check that the vial adapter is properly seated before removing the package. •Clean the tip of the vial adapter with an alcohol wipe. Do nottouch the tip of the vial adapter or the syringe. |
4.Connect the syringe without the needle | |
•Connect the syringe directly to the vial adapter without using the needle. •Hold the base of the vial adapter while connecting the syringe. •Press and twist the syringe 180° clockwise in the direction of the arrows on the vial adapter. Do notinsert the needle into the syringe. | |
5.Extract the solvent | |
•Hold the vial securely above the syringe. •Remove 10 ml of the sterile solvent solution from the vial into the syringe, through the vial adapter. | |
6.Back off the syringe | |
•Orient the tip of the syringe upwards and, while holding the lower part of the vial adapter, remove the vial adapter from the syringe. Back off the syringe in a counterclockwise direction to remove it from the vial adapter. Nota:if you are preparing a solution, go to step 7. If you are injecting directly, go to step 13. |
Preparing the solution of Flolan | |
7.Insert the needle | |
• Remove the package from the needle. • Insert the needle into the syringe. • Remove the cap from the needle. Nota:confirm that the needle is securely inserted before removing the cap from the needle. Be careful not to touch the tip of the needle. | |
8.Inject the solution into the Flolan powder vial | |
•Remove the cap from the Flolan powder vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe. •Insert the needle of the syringe vertically through the center of the rubber stopper and inject the 10 ml of solvent into the vial containing the powder. | |
9.Mix the solution gently | |
•With the needle still inserted in the vial, gently shake the mixture until the powder is dissolved and the solution is transparent.
|
10. Extract the prepared solution | |
•When the solution is transparent, place the vial upside down and, with the syringe pointing upwards, extract the Flolan solution into the syringe. •Remove the needle from the vial. | |
11.Inject the solution into the solvent | |
•Remove the needle from the syringe and discard it in a sharp object container. Do notuse the needle with the vial adapter. | |
12.Mix well | |
•Mix well. • Extract the entire volume of the concentrated solution from the vial. • Disconnect the syringe from the vial adapter as shown in step 6. Nota: this concentrated solution is the only one suitable for further dilutions before use. |
Preparing the cassette | |
*The steps in orange are optional: only when necessary | |
*Connect the syringe filter | |
Nota: a filter in-line should be provided as part of your extension equipment (see step 15). If a filter in-line is not provided as part of your extension equipment, then you must use the provided syringe filter to filter the solution during the preparation of the cassette. • Connect the provided sterile syringe filter to the syringe. • Connect the filter and syringe to the cassette with the tube. |
13. Fill the cassette | |
• Connect the syringe to the cassette tube. • Inject the contents of the syringe slowly into the cassette. • Use the syringe to remove any excess air from the cassette. Nota: make sure the sliding clamp is open. | |
*Solution diluent | |
Nota:if you need to dilute your dose, prepare a solution of solvent to inject by repeating steps 1 to 6 and 13. For the volume of solvent to be extracted, follow the instructions below, instead of step 5. • Hold the vial securely above the syringe. • Extract the necessary volume of solvent (or solution) from the vial. |
14.Mix the cassette gently | |
• Secure the sliding clamp. • Mix well, rotating or gently turning the cassette. Do notshake the cassette. | |
15.Ambulatory pump | |
•Consult the instructions for using your ambulatory pump. |
Disposal |
Dispose of used items |
•Dispose of the used filter after completing the preparation of your Flolan solution, along with the other used items. You must also dispose of any remaining pH 12 solvent, as it does not contain preservatives. |
Storage (Solutions with a concentration of150,000 ng/ml or less) |
Storage of the prepared solution |
•Once you have finished preparing your Flolan solution, you can use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 8 days at 2-8°C. • Store your Flolan cassettes in the top shelf of the refrigerator, in a secure and well-fitting container, and make sure they are kept separate from food. Have questions about this medication or your symptoms? Connect with a licensed doctor for guidance and personalized care. |