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REMODULIN®
(treprostinil) Injection, for Subcutaneous or Intravenous Use
Remodulin (treprostinil sodium) is a vasodilator that works by dilating (widening) the arteries used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Remodulin improves the ability to exercise and prevents the condition from getting worse. Common side effects of Remodulin include:
Remodulin is indicated for subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) use only as a continuous infusion and is administered in a clinical setting. The infusion rate is initiated at 1.25 ng/kg/min. If this initial dose cannot be tolerated because of side effects, the infusion rate may be reduced to 0.625 ng/kg/min. Remodulin may interact with blood pressure medications, bosentan, blood thinners, diuretics (water pills), or medications to treat congestive heart failure. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Remodulin should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Our Remodulin (treprostinil sodium) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
Remodulin (treprostinil) Injection is a sterile solution of treprostinil formulated for subcutaneous or intravenous administration. Remodulin is supplied in 20 mL multidose vials in four strengths, containing 20 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg (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 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 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. Treprostinil has a molecular weight of 390.52 and a molecular formula of C23H34O5.
The structural formula of treprostinil is:
 |
Sterile Diluent for Remodulin is a high-pH (pH~10.4) glycine diluent supplied in a 50 mL vial containing 50 mL of Sterile Diluent for Remodulin. Each vial contains 94 mg glycine, 73.3 mg sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), and water for injection.
Remodulin is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; WHO Group 1) to diminish symptoms associated with exercise. Studies establishing effectiveness included patients with NYHA Functional Class II-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (58%), PAH associated with congenital systemic-to-pulmonary shunts (23%), or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (19%) [see Clinical Studies].
In patients with PAH requiring transition from epoprostenol, Remodulin is indicated to diminish the rate of clinical deterioration. Consider the risks and benefits of each drug prior to transition.
Remodulin can be administered with or without further dilution with Sterile Diluent for Remodulin or similar approved high-pH glycine diluent (e.g., Sterile Diluent for Flolan or Sterile Diluent for Epoprostenol), Sterile Water for Injection, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection prior to administration. See Table 1 below for storage and administration time limits for the different diluents.
Diluted Remodulin has been shown to be stable at ambient temperature when stored for up to 14 days using high-pH glycine diluent at concentrations as low as 0.004 mg/mL (4,000 ng/mL).
Table 1: Selection of Diluent
| Diluent | Storage Limits | Administration Limits |
| None | See Section 16 | 16 weeks at 40°C |
| Sterile Diluents for Remodulin, Flolan, or Epoprostenol | 14 days at room temperature | 48 hours at 40°C |
| Sterile Water for Injection 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection | 4 hours at room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated | 48 hours at 40°C |
Remodulin is indicated for subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) use only as a 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, reduce the infusion rate to 0.625 ng/kg/min.
The initial dose of Remodulin should be the same as the current dose the patient is receiving using the external infusion pump at the time of transition.
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. Avoid abrupt cessation of infusion [see WARNINGS AND 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, decrease the initial dose of Remodulin to 0.625 ng/kg/min ideal body weight. Remodulin has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. If either particulate matter or discoloration is noted, do not use.
Remodulin is administered by subcutaneous or intravenous infusion at a calculated rate based on a patient's dose (ng/kg/min), weight (kg) and the Remodulin concentration (mg/mL).
For administration of Undiluted Remodulin the rate is calculated using the following formula:
| Undiluted Infusion Rate (mL/hour) = | 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 | |
For administration of Diluted Remodulin the rate and concentration is calculated using the following formulas:
Step 1
| Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration (mg/mL) = | Dose (ng/kg/min) x Weight (kg) x 0.00006 Intravenous Infusion Rate (mL/hr) |
The volume of Remodulin Injection needed to make the required diluted Remodulin concentration for the given reservoir size can then be calculated using the following formula:
Step 2
| Volume of Remodulin Injection (mL) = | Diluted Intravenous Remodulin Concentration (mg/mL) Remodulin Vial Strength (mg/mL) |
x Total Volume of Diluted Remodulin Solution in Reservoir (mL) |
The calculated volume of Remodulin Injection is then added to the reservoir along with the sufficient volume of diluent to achieve the desired total volume in the reservoir.
Remodulin is administered subcutaneously by continuous infusion, via a subcutaneous catheter, using an infusion pump designed for subcutaneous drug delivery. The infusion pump should: (1) be adjustable to approximately 0.002 mL/hour, (2) have occlusion/no delivery, low battery, programming error and motor malfunction alarms, (3) have delivery accuracy of ±6% or better, (4) be positive pressure-driven, and (5) have a reservoir made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or glass. Alternatively, use an infusion pump cleared for use with Remodulin. To avoid potential interruptions in drug delivery, the patient must have immediate access to a backup infusion pump and subcutaneous infusion sets.
External Intravenous Infusion Pump
Remodulin is administered intravenously by continuous infusion via a surgically placed indwelling central venous catheter using an external 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 increases the risk of thrombophlebitis. The infusion pump used to administer Remodulin should: (1) have occlusion/no delivery, low battery, programming error and motor malfunction alarms, (2) have delivery accuracy of ±6% or better of the hourly dose, (3) be positive pressure driven, and (4) have a reservoir made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or glass. Alternatively, use an infusion pump cleared for use with Remodulin. To avoid potential interruptions in drug delivery, the patient must have immediate access to a backup infusion pump and infusion sets.
Infusion sets with an in-line 0.22 or 0.2 micron pore size filter should be used.
Implantable Intravenous Infusion Pump
Use an implantable intravenous infusion pump approved for use with Remodulin, such as the Implantable System for Remodulin® (ISR). Refer to the pump manufacturer's manual for specific instructions regarding preparation, programing, implantation, and refilling.
Transition from epoprostenol to Remodulin is accomplished by initiating the infusion of Remodulin and increasing it, while simultaneously reducing the dose of intravenous epoprostenol. 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).
Initiate Remodulin at a recommended dose of 10% of the current epoprostenol dose, and then escalate as the epoprostenol dose is decreased (see Table 2 for recommended dose titrations).
Patients are individually titrated to a dose that allows transition from epoprostenol therapy to Remodulin while balancing prostacyclin-limiting adverse events. Treat increases in the patient's symptoms of PAH first with increases in the dose of Remodulin. Treat side effects normally associated with prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogs first by decreasing the dose of epoprostenol.
Table 2: Recommended Transition Dose Changes
| Step | Epoprostenol Dose | Remodulin Dose |
| 1 | Unchanged | 10% Starting Epoprostenol Dose |
| 2 | 80% Starting Epoprostenol Dose | 30% Starting Epoprostenol Dose |
| 3 | 60% Starting Epoprostenol Dose | 50% Starting Epoprostenol Dose |
| 4 | 40% Starting Epoprostenol Dose | 70% Starting Epoprostenol Dose |
| 5 | 20% Starting Epoprostenol Dose | 90% Starting Epoprostenol Dose |
| 6 | 5% Starting Epoprostenol Dose | 110% Starting Epoprostenol Dose |
| 7 | 0 | 110% Starting Epoprostenol Dose + additional 5-10% increments as needed |
20-mL vial containing 20 mg treprostinil (1 mg per mL).
20-mL vial containing 50 mg treprostinil (2.5 mg per mL).
20-mL vial containing 100 mg treprostinil (5 mg per mL).
20-mL vial containing 200 mg treprostinil (10 mg per mL).
Remodulin is supplied in 20-mL multidose vials as sterile solutions in water for injection, individually packaged in cartons. Unopened vials of Remodulin are stable until the date indicated when stored at 25°C (77°F), with excursions permitted to 2-30°C (36-86°F). A single vial of Remodulin should be used for no more than 30 days after the initial introduction into the vial.
Remodulin Injection is supplied as:
| Remodulin | Concentration | NDC |
| 20 mg / 20 mL | 1 mg/mL | 66302-101-01 |
| 50 mg / 20 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 66302-102-01 |
| 100 mg / 20 mL | 5 mg/mL | 66302-105-01 |
| 200 mg / 20 mL | 10 mg/mL | 66302-110-01 |
Sterile Diluent for Remodulin is supplied separately as: 50 mL vial, carton of 1 (NDC 66302-150-50).
REMODULIN manufactured for: United Therapeutics Corp. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Revised: Jul 2018
The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in labeling: Infections associated with intravenous administration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
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 3: Percentages of Subjects Reporting
Subcutaneous Infusion Site Adverse Events
| Reaction | Pain | |||
| Placebo | Remodulin | Placebo | Remodulin | |
| Severe | 1 | 38 | 2 | 39 |
| Requiring narcoticsa | NAb | NAb | 1 | 32 |
| Leading to discontinuation | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| a based on prescriptions for narcotics, not
actual use b 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 4 lists adverse reactions that occurred at a rate of at least 3% more frequent in patients treated with subcutaneous Remodulin than with placebo in controlled trials in PAH.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions in Controlled 12-Week
Studies of Subcutaneous Remodulin and at least 3% more frequent than on Placebo
| Adverse Reaction | 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 |
| Edema | 9 | 3 |
Reported adverse reactions (at least 3% more frequent on drug than on placebo) are included with the exception of 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.
While hypotension occurred in both groups, the event was experienced twice as frequently in the Remodulin group as compared to the placebo group (4% in Remodulin treatment group versus 2% in placebo-controlled group). As a potent vasodilator, hypotension is possible with the administration of Remodulin.
The safety of Remodulin was also studied in a long-term, open-label extension study in which 860 patients were dosed for a mean duration of 1.6 years, with a maximum exposure of 4.6 years. Twenty-nine (29%) percent achieved a dose of at least 40 ng/kg/min (max: 290 ng/kg/min). The safety profile during this chronic dosing study was similar to that observed in the 12-week placebo controlled study except for the following suspected adverse drug reactions (occurring in at least 3% of patients): anorexia, vomiting, infusion site infection, asthenia, and abdominal pain.
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 AND PRECAUTIONS].
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 because of a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, and potential connection to Remodulin. These events are thrombophlebitis associated with peripheral intravenous infusion, thrombocytopenia, bone pain, pruritus, dizziness, arthralgia, myalgia/muscle spasm, and pain in extremity. In addition, generalized rashes, sometimes macular or papular in nature, and cellulitis have been infrequently reported.
Dose adjustment of treprostinil may be necessary when co-administered with CYP2C8 inducers or inhibitors. Human pharmacokinetic studies with an oral formulation of treprostinil (treprostinil diolamine) indicated that co-administration of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 enzyme inhibitor gemfibrozil increases exposure (both Cmax and AUC) to treprostinil. Co-administration of the CYP2C8 enzyme inducer rifampin decreases exposure to treprostinil. It has not been determined if the changes in exposure of treprostinil with inhibitors or inducers of CYP2C8 observed for the oral administration of treprostinil would be similar for treprostinil administered via the parenteral route [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Chronic intravenous infusions of Remodulin delivered using an external infusion pump with an indwelling central venous catheter are associated with the risk of blood stream infections (BSIs) and sepsis, which may be fatal. Therefore, continuous subcutaneous infusion is the preferred mode of administration.
In an open-label study of IV treprostinil (n=47) using an external infusion pump, 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.
Administration of IV Remodulin with a high pH glycine diluent has been associated with a lower incidence of BSIs when compared to neutral diluents (sterile water, 0.9% sodium chloride) when used along with catheter care guidelines.
In an open-label study of an implantable pump (n=60), there were two blood stream infections (BSIs) related to the implant procedure during approximately 265 patient years.
Avoid abrupt withdrawal or sudden large reductions in dosage of Remodulin, which may result in worsening of PAH symptoms.
Titrate Remodulin slowly in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency, because such patients will likely be exposed to greater systemic concentrations relative to patients with normal hepatic or renal function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Use In Specific Populations, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Treprostinil is a pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. In patients with low systemic arterial pressure, treatment with Remodulin may produce symptomatic hypotension.
Remodulin inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the risk of bleeding.
A two-year rat carcinogenicity study was performed with treprostinil inhalation at target doses of 5.26, 10.6, and 34.1 mcg/kg/day. There was no evidence for carcinogenic potential associated with treprostinil inhalation in rats at systemic exposure levels up to about 34 and 1 times the human exposure, when based on Cmax and AUC of the average subcutaneous infusion rate achieved in clinical trials, respectively. 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 (sc) infusions at rates of up to 450 ng treprostinil/kg/min [about 59 times the recommended starting human sc infusion rate (1.25 ng/kg/min) and 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.
Treprostinil diolamine did not demonstrate any carcinogenic effects in mouse or rat carcinogenicity studies. Oral administration of treprostinil diolamine to Tg.rasH2 mice at 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day in males and 0, 3, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg/day in females daily for 26 weeks did not significantly increase the incidence of tumors. The exposures, when based on AUC, obtained at the highest dose levels used in males and females are about 7-and 15-fold, respectively, the human exposure of the average subcutaneous infusion rate achieved in clinical trials. Oral administration of treprostinil diolamine to Sprague Dawley rats at 0, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/day daily for 104 weeks did not significantly increase the incidence of tumors. The exposures obtained at the highest dose levels used in males and females are about 18-and 26-fold, respectively, the human exposure of the average subcutaneous infusion rate achieved in clinical trials.
Treprostinil diolamine was tested in vivo in a rat micronucleus assay and did not induce an increased incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes.
Limited case reports of treprostinil use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. However, there are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (see Clinical Considerations). In animal studies, no adverse reproductive and developmental effects were seen in rats at about 123 and 48 times the human exposure based on Cmax and AUC, respectively. In rabbits, external fetal and soft tissue malformations and skeletal malformations were observed at about 7 and 5 times the human exposure based on Cmax and AUC, respectively (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Disease-Associated Maternal And Embryo-Fetal Risk
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality.
Animal reproduction studies have been conducted with treprostinil via continuous subcutaneous administration and with treprostinil diolamine administered orally. In pregnant rats, continuous subcutaneous infusions of treprostinil during organogenesis and late gestational development, at doses as high as 900 ng treprostinil/kg/min (about 117 times the starting human subcutaneous infusion rate, 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 a dose of 150 ng treprostinil/kg/min (about 41 times the starting human subcutaneous infusion rate, 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 doses of up to 450 ng treprostinil/kg/min, did not affect the growth and development of offspring. In studies with orally administered treprostinil diolamine, no adverse effect doses for fetal viability/growth, fetal development (teratogenicity), and postnatal development were determined in rats. In pregnant rats, no evidence of harm to the fetus was observed following oral administration of treprostinil diolamine at the highest dose tested (20 mg/kg/day), which represents about 123 and 48 times the human exposure, when based on Cmax and AUC of the average subcutaneous infusion rate achieved in clinical trials, respectively. In pregnant rabbits, external fetal and soft tissue malformations and fetal skeletal malformation occurred. The dose at which no adverse effects were seen (0.5 mg/kg/day) represents about 7 and 5 times the human exposure, when based on Cmax and AUC of the average subcutaneous infusion rate achieved in clinical trials, respectively. No treprostinil treatment-related effects on labor and delivery were seen in animal studies. Animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response.
There are no data on the presence of treprostinil in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
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.
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.
Remodulin clearance is reduced in patients with hepatic insufficiency. In patients with mild or moderate hepatic insufficiency, decrease the initial dose of Remodulin to 0.625 ng/kg/min ideal body weight, and monitor closely. Remodulin has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No dose adjustments are required in patients with renal impairment. Treprostinil is not cleared by dialysis [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
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 using an external infusion pump, 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.
None
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.
Treprostinil produces vasodilation and tachycardia. Single doses of treprostinil up to 84 mcg by inhalation produce modest and short-lasting effects on QTc, but this is apt to be an artifact of the rapidly changing heart rate. Treprostinil administered by the subcutaneous or intravenous routes has the potential to generate concentrations many-fold greater than those generated via the inhaled route; the effect on the QTc interval when treprostinil is administered parenterally has not been established.
The pharmacokinetics of continuous subcutaneous Remodulin are linear over the dose range of 2.5 to 125 ng/kg/min (corresponding to plasma concentrations of about 260 pg/mL to 18,250 pg/mL) 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.
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 2,000 ng/L.
The volume of distribution of the drug in the central compartment is approximately 14 L/70 kg ideal body weight. Remodulin at in vitro concentrations well above what is clinically relevant was 91% bound to human plasma protein.
Treprostinil is substantially metabolized by the liver, primarily by CYP2C8. In a study conducted in healthy volunteers using [14C] treprostinil, 79% and 13% of the subcutaneous dose was recovered in the urine and feces, respectively, over 10 days. Only 4% was excreted as unchanged treprostinil in the urine. Five metabolites were detected in the urine, ranging from 10% to 16% and representing 64% of the dose administered. Four of the metabolites are products of oxidation of the 3-hydroxyloctyl side chain and one is a glucuroconjugated derivative (treprostinil glucuronide). The identified metabolites do not appear to have activity.
The elimination of treprostinil (following subcutaneous administration) is biphasic, with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 4 hours using a two-compartment model. Systemic clearance is approximately 30 L/hour for a 70 kg person.
Based on in vitro studies treprostinil does not inhibit or induce major CYP enzymes.
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 2-fold and 4-fold, respectively, and an AUC 0-∞ that was 3-fold and 5-fold, respectively, values observed in healthy subjects. Clearance in patients with hepatic insufficiency was reduced by up to 80% compared to healthy adults.
In patients with severe renal impairment requiring dialysis (n=8), administration of a single 1 mg dose of orally administered treprostinil pre-and post-dialysis resulted in an AUC0-inf that was not significantly altered compared to healthy subjects.
Co-administration of an oral formulation of treprostinil (treprostinil diolamine) with gemfibrozil (600 mg twice a day), a CYP2C8 enzyme inhibitor, doubles the AUC and Cmax of treprostinil in healthy adults. Co-administration of an oral formulation of treprostinil (treprostinil diolamine) with rifampin (600 mg/day), a CYP2C8 enzyme inducer, decreases AUC of treprostinil by 22%.
In vitro studies of human hepatic microsomes showed that treprostinil does not inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A. Additionally, treprostinil does not induce CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A isoenzymes.
Human pharmacokinetic studies with an oral formulation of treprostinil (treprostinil diolamine) indicated that co-administration of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 enzyme inhibitor gemfibrozil increases exposure (both Cmax and AUC) to treprostinil. Co-administration of the CYP2C8 enzyme inducer rifampin decreases exposure to treprostinil.
Drug interaction studies have been carried out with treprostinil (oral or subcutaneous) co-administered with acetaminophen (4 g/day), esomeprazole (40 mg/day), bosentan (250 mg/day), sildenafil (60 mg/day), warfarin (25 mg/day), and fluconazole (200 mg/day), respectively, in healthy volunteers. These studies did not show a clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of treprostinil. Treprostinil 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 infusion of treprostinil at an infusion rate of 10 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 (11%), III (81%), or IV (7%) PAH. PAH was idiopathic/heritable in 58% of patients, associated with connective tissue diseases in 19%, and the result of congenital systemic-to-pulmonary 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 Section 2, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and the dose averaged 9.3 ng/kg/min at Week 12. Few subjects received doses greater than 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 5, chronic therapy with Remodulin resulted in small hemodynamic changes consistent with pulmonary and systemic vasodilation.
Table 5: 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. |
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The effect of Remodulin on 6-minute walk, the primary endpoint 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
 |
Advise patients and caregivers to seek medical attention if they experience signs or symptoms of abrupt withdrawal of therapy or suspect a pump malfunction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients and their caregivers to seek medical attention if they experience signs or symptoms of Remodulin overdose [see OVERDOSAGE].
