Pulmonary Hypertension Product Information

Note: This is a partial listing of manufacturers and distributors for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

Manufacturers and distributors

Prostacyclines

Flolan

GlaxoSmithKline makes Flolan (epoprostenol), a blood vessel dilator used intravenously that can lessen symptoms of pulmonary hypertension such as shortness of breath and chest pain. The medication can also improve stamina and reduce the risk of blood clots. In cases of severe pulmonary hypertension, Flolan therapy is used to prolong and improve patients' lives. Flolan is continuously infused through an intravenous catheter attached to a small pump that's worn in a pack on the shoulder or belt. This link contains product insert information, including drug safety information, and also covers financial and legal advice, frequently asked questions, infusion pump care and maintenance, and other PPH treatment options.

Theracom Flolan Care Program

Theracom, which provides specialty products, offers a therapy infusion program that combines a centralized mail-order pharmacy with a hands-on nursing program. Its home infusion program includes a referral to a patient care coordinator, reimbursement specialists to help you with insurance coverage and billing, home nursing (if requested by your physician), and access to a registered nurse and a clinical pharmacist who are on call 24 hours a day. Theracom also provides a pulmonary hypertension newsletter and an extensive Patient Home Therapy Manual, which patients and their families are encouraged to read before starting Flolan infusion therapy. Toll-free number: 877/FLOLAN-4 (877/356-5264)

Remodulin

United Therapeutics produces Remodulin (treprostinil), another prostacyclin medication that helps relax blood vessels, allowing them to widen and increase the supply of blood to the lungs. This recently approved form of prostacyclin can be delivered subcutaneously, or just under the skin; it's administered by a small pump worn on the belt. Remodulin is distributed in the U.S. by Priority Healthcare, Accredo Therapeutics, and Caremark. This site contains background on the product and how to obtain it, as well as online resources for people with pulmonary hypertension.

Tracleer

Actelion makes Tracleer (bosetan), one of the first oral forms of prostacyclin. It's designed to improve stamina and exercise ability in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Tracleer blocks the action of endothelin, a substances that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. This site contains frequently asked questions (FAQs), a pamphlet on pulmonary hypertension, information about starting this therapy, important drug safety warnings, and links to online resources.

Related sites

PHCentral

This Web site, produced by Accredo Therapeutics, is an online resource for anyone seeking information on pulmonary hypertension. The site blends first-person stories (often humorous), and the latest in news and research. The mission of PHCentral is to serve as a guide for newly diagnosed patients, to advocate and educate, and to connect patients, caregivers, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals through specific discussions.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Norvasc

Pfizer produces Norvasc (amlodipine besylate), a calcium channel blocker used to reduce high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels; it's prescribed for people with ordinary hypertension as well as those who have pulmonary hypertension. This site contains information about the product, commonly asked questions, and practical, easy-to-use tools for patients, including a weight and blood pressure tracker, a daily medicine chart, and a physical activity tracker. Patients can also sign up for a free online newsletter.

Cardizem

Cardizem (diltiazem HCl) is produced by Biovail Pharmaceuticals. Another type of calcium channel blocker, this medication is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure as well as people with pulmonary hypertension. This site contains articles on angina, high blood pressure, Cardizem and drug safety, and prescribing information. Patients can also sign up for a free online newsletter, CardiSense, which includes articles on the DASH diet, yoga, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes to relieve stress.

Tiazac

Forest Laboratories makes the calcium channel Tiazac (diltiazem HCl The Web page consists of a link to product insert information that patients may want to discuss with their doctor or pharmacist (it is written for medical professionals).

Adalat

Bayer HealthCare makes a calcium channel blocker called Adalat (nifedipine). This site contains information about the product and about hypertension; it links to a Bayer center on cardiovascular disease management.

Procardia

Pfizer produces another version of the calcium channel blocker called Procardia (nifedipine). This link consists of product labeling information for medical professionals. Endothelin receptor antagonists

Viagra

Pfizer also produces Viagra (sildenafil), a drug better known for treating erectile dysfunction. It has recently emerged, however, as a new therapy for pulmonary hypertension. The medication has been found to relax smooth muscle cells, allowing arteries to widen, thus decreasing blood pressure. This site includes product labeling information and focuses almost exclusively on the drug's more commonly known usage.

Anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs)

Coumadin

The blood-thinning drug Coumadin (warfarin), made by Bristol-Myers Squibb, helps prevent blood clots. This site contains product insert information, frequently asked questions, and a patient guide to Coumadin therapy.

Other medications

Lanoxin

Lanoxin (digoxin), sometimes prescribed to patients with pulmonary hypertension to strengthen the contraction of the right side of the heart, is produced by GlaxoSmithKline. This link contains product insert information.

Commonly available treatments Oxygen, diuretics, and nitric oxide are also used in treating some pulmonary hypertension patients, and can be obtained from a wide variety of manufacturers.

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