Join Lung Foundation Australia, Dr John Feenstra (Thoracic Physician), Dr Michael Trotter (Thoracic Physician), Kerri-Lee Driver (Nurse Practitioner) and Tharuka (Patient Representative) for our webinar on Intravenous medication in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
This webinar draws from both a clinical and patient perspective on the following topics: Why it is intravenous medication used?
Who should have this type of medication?
Information and support available for intravenous medication.
Patient perspective of using this medication.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious condition that requires careful management. Group 1 PAH includes idiopathic, hereditary, drug-induced, and connective tissue disease-related cases. Patients are referred to PAH-specific centres for comprehensive evaluations, including right heart catheterisation to assess pressures and cardiac output. This data helps determine the patient’s risk level and appropriate treatment, which may include oral or intravenous (IV) therapies.
IV epoprostenol is a critical treatment for high-risk patients with severe symptoms, such as extreme shortness of breath and fainting. It is the only drug shown to reduce mortality in PAH patients, with studies indicating a 70% reduction in relative risk. Despite the availability of oral therapies, IV epoprostenol remains essential for patients who do not respond adequately to oral medications or who deteriorate rapidly.
The administration of IV epoprostenol requires a continuous infusion via a pump, as the drug has a very short half-life of about six minutes. While effective, this treatment comes with challenges, including potential side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing, and jaw pain. There is also a risk of infections and complications if the infusion is interrupted.
Patients on IV epoprostenol need regular follow-ups to adjust dosages and manage side effects. The goal is to maintain an optimal dose that balances efficacy and tolerability. This treatment requires significant lifestyle adjustments, including learning to manage the infusion pump and dealing with the psychosocial impacts of living with a chronic condition.
Support from healthcare providers, including education on managing the pump and infusion, is crucial. Peer support programs can also provide valuable assistance, helping patients navigate the challenges of living with PAH and improving their quality of life. Regular communication with healthcare teams ensures that patients receive the necessary support and adjustments to their treatment plans.
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