Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Epoprostenol sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Epoprostenol sodium

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

VELETRI contains the active substance epoprostenol, which belongs to a group of medicines called prostaglandin, which stops blood from clotting and widens the blood vessels. VELETRI is used to treat a lung condition called 'pulmonary arterial hypertension'. This is where the pressure is high in the blood vessels in the lungs. VELETRI widens the blood vessels to lower the blood pressure in the lungs. VELETRI is used to prevent blood clotting during kidney dialysis when heparin cannot be used. 2.

What you need to know before you take it

e VELETRI

Do not use VELETRI  if you are allergic to VELETRI or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).  if you have heart failure.  if you start to develop a build-up of fluid in your lungs causing breathlessness after starting this treatment. If you think any of these apply to you, don't take VELETRI until you have checked with your doctor. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before using VELETRI. Before you are given VELETRI your doctor needs to know:  if you have any problems with bleeding.

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Skin damage at the injection site VELETRI is injected into a vein. It is important that the medicine does not leak out of the vein into the surrounding tissue. If it does, the skin could be damaged. The symptoms of this are:  tenderness  burning  stinging  swelling  redness. This may be followed by blistering and shedding of the skin. While you are being treated with VELETRI, it is important that you check the injection area. Contact the hospital immediately for advice if the area becomes sore, painful or swollen or you notice any blistering or shedding. Effect of VELETRI on blood pressure and heart rate VELETRI can cause your heart to beat faster or slower. Also your blood pressure can become too low. While you are being treated with VELETRI, your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked. The symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness and fainting. Tell your doctor if you get these symptoms. Your dose may need to be reduced or your infusion stopped. Children and adolescents The safety and efficacy of VELETRI in children have not yet been established. Other medicines and VELETRI Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Some medicines may affect how VELETRI works, or make it more likely that you'll have side effects. VELETRI can also affect how some other medicines work if taken at the same time. These include:  medicines used to treat high blood pressure  medicines used to prevent blood clots  medicines used to dissolve blood clots  medicines to treat inflammation or pain (also called 'NSAIDs')  digoxin (used to treat heart disease). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these. Pregnancy and breastfeeding If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine as your symptoms could worsen during pregnancy. It is not known whether the ingredients of VELETRI can pass into breast-milk. You should stop breastfeeding your child during treatment with VELETRI. Driving and using machines Your treatment may have an effect on the ability to drive or use machinery. Don't drive or use machines unless you're feeling well. 2

VELETRI contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per vial, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'. 3.

How to take it

VELETRI

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. VELETRI comes as a powder in a small glass vial. The powder needs to be dissolved before use. VELETRI should not be given as a quick injection into your vein. It should always be given as an intravenous infusion. Your doctor will decide how much VELETRI is right for you. The amount you are given is based on your body weight, and your type of illness. Your dose may be increased or decreased depending on how well you respond to treatment. VELETRI is given by slow infusion (drip) into a vein. Pulmonary arterial hypertension Your first treatment will be given to you in a hospital. This is because your doctor needs to monitor you and find the best dose for you. You will start with an infusion of VELETRI. The dose will be increased, until your symptoms are relieved, and any side effects are manageable. Once the best dose has been found, a permanent tube (line) will be fitted into one of your veins. You can then be treated using an infusion pump. Kidney dialysis You will be given an infusion of VELETRI for the duration of your dialysis. Using VELETRI at home (only for treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) If you are treating yourself at home, your doctor or nurse will show you how to prepare and use VELETRI. They will also advise you how to stop treatment if necessary. Stopping VELETRI must be done gradually. It is very important that you follow all their instructions carefully. VELETRI comes as a powder in a glass vial. Before use, the powder needs to be dissolved in a liquid. The liquid does not contain a preservative. If you have any of the liquid left over, it must be thrown away. Looking after the injection line If you have been fitted with a 'line' into a vein, it is very important to keep this area clean, otherwise you could get an infection. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to clean your 'line' and the area around it. It is very important that you follow all of their instructions carefully. It is also very important that you carefully follow all instructions regarding the change of the pump drug delivery reservoir (cassette) and that you always use an extension set with an in-line filter, as instructed by your doctor to reduce the risk of an infection. When reconnecting your extension set, always ensure that any excess drops are wiped off so that there is no liquid in the exterior space between the extension set and the injection line connectors, as it may damage the materials. If you take more VELETRI than you should Seek urgent medical attention if you think you have used or been given too much VELETRI. Symptoms of overdose may include headache, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, warmth or tingling, or feeling like you might pass out (feeling faint/dizziness).

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If you forget to take VELETRI Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking VELETRI Stopping VELETRI must be done gradually. If the treatment is stopped too quickly you may get serious side effects, including dizziness, feeling weak and breathing difficulties. If you have problems with the infusion pump or an injection line that stops or prevents treatment with VELETRI, contact your doctor, nurse or hospital immediately. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Very common side effects These may affect more than 1 in 10 people:  headache  jaw pain  pain  being sick (vomiting)  feeling sick (nausea)  diarrhoea  redness of your face (flushing) Common side effects These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:  infection of the blood (septicaemia)  heart beating faster  slow heart beat  low blood pressure  bleeding at various sites and bruising more easily than normal, for example from the nose or gums  stomach discomfort or pain  chest pain  joint pain  feeling anxious, feeling nervous  rash  pain at the injection site Common side effects that may show up in blood tests  decrease in the number of blood platelets (cells that help the blood to clot) Uncommon side effects These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:  sweating  dry mouth Rare side effects These may affect up to 1 in 1 000 people:  infection at the injection site Very rare side effects These may affect up to 1 in 10 000 people:  feeling of tightness around the chest  feeling tired, weak 4

    

feeling agitated pale skin redness at the injection site overactive thyroid gland blockage of the injection catheter

Other side effects It is not known how many people are affected by:  enlarged or overactive spleen  build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema)  increase in sugar (glucose) in the blood  ascites (build-up of fluid in the belly)  too much pumping of blood from the heart leading to shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs and abdomen due to fluid build-up, persistent cough  hives (urticaria) Reporting of side effects Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, as these may be signs of infection of the blood or low blood pressure or serious bleeding:  You feel that your heart is beating faster, or you have chest pain or shortness of breath.  You feel dizzy or feel faint, especially on standing.  You have fevers or chills.  You have more frequent or longer periods of bleeding. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.

How to store it

VELETRI

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not freeze. The reconstituted solution should be immediately further diluted to the final concentration (see Information for Healthcare Professionals). For storage conditions after reconstitution and dilution of the medicinal product see Information for Healthcare Professionals. Do not use this medicine if you notice any particles in the reconstituted solution. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

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6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What VELETRI contains VELETRI 0.5 mg, Powder for Solution for Infusion  The active substance is epoprostenol (as epoprostenol sodium). Each vial contains 0.531 mg epoprostenol sodium equivalent to 0.5 mg epoprostenol One mL of reconstituted solution contains 0.1 mg epoprostenol (as epoprostenol sodium). VELETRI 1.5 mg, Powder for Solution for Infusion  The active substance is epoprostenol (as epoprostenol sodium). Each vial contains 1.593 mg epoprostenol sodium equivalent to 1.5 mg epoprostenol. One mL of reconstituted solution contains 0.3 mg epoprostenol (as epoprostenol sodium). 

The other ingredients are Sucrose, Arginine and Sodium Hydroxide (for pH adjustment).

What VELETRI looks like and contents of the pack White to off-white powder in a clear glass vial with a rubber stopper and an aluminium flip-off cap. Each pack contains one vial 0.5 mg powder. Each pack contains one vial 1.5 mg powder. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder: Janssen-Cilag Limited 50-100 Holmers Farm Way High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP12 4EG UK Manufacturer: Janssen Pharmaceutica NV Turnhoutseweg 30 B-2340 Beerse Belgium This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom (Northern Ireland): VELETRI Italy: CARIPUL This leaflet was last revised in July 2025.

—————————————————————————————————————————-The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

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Renal Dialysis There is 1 pack available for use in the treatment of renal dialysis:  One vial containing sterile, freeze-dried VELETRI equivalent to 0.5 mg VELETRI supplied alone. Reconstitution: Withdraw 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection diluent into a sterile syringe, inject the contents of the syringe into the vial containing VELETRI and shake gently until the powder has dissolved. The reconstituted solution should be examined prior to further dilution. Its use is forbidden in the presence of discolouration or particles. Any unused reconstituted solution should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Dilution: The reconstituted solution should be immediately further diluted to the final concentration. Further dilution should be performed with the same diluent as used for reconstitution of the sterile, lyophilised powder. Calculation of infusion rate: Infusion rates may be calculated using the following formula: Infusion rate (mL/min) =

Dosage (ng/kg/min) × bodyweight (kg) Concentration of solution (ng/mL)

Infusion rate (mL/h) = Infusion rate (mL/min) × 60 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension There are 2 packs available for use in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, as follows:  One vial containing sterile, freeze-dried VELETRI equivalent to 0.5 mg VELETRI supplied alone. 

One vial containing sterile, freeze-dried VELETRI equivalent to 1.5 mg VELETRI supplied alone.

Reconstitution: Withdraw 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection diluent into a sterile syringe, inject the contents of the syringe into the vial containing VELETRI and shake gently until the powder has dissolved. The reconstituted solution should be examined prior to further dilution. Its use is forbidden in the presence of discolouration or particles. Any unused reconstituted solution should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Dilution: The reconstituted solution should be immediately further diluted to the final concentration. Further dilution should be performed with the same diluent as used for reconstitution of the sterile, lyophilised powder. VELETRI when administered chronically, should be prepared in a drug delivery reservoir appropriate for the infusion pump. Suitable ambulatory pumps to be used for the administration of VELETRI include:   

CADD-Legacy 1 CADD-Legacy PLUS CADD-Solis VIP (variable infusion profile)

Manufactured by Smiths Medical. Pump accessories found to be compatible with the administration of VELETRI include: 

CADD disposable Medication Cassette Reservoir 50 mL; 100 mL from Smiths Medical. 7

CADD extension set with in-line 0.2 micron filter (CADD extension set with male luer, 0.2- micron air-eliminating filter, clamp, and integral anti-siphon valve with male luer) from Smiths Medical.

Based on available data from inhouse testing and manufacturer accessories instructions for use, preparation and administration materials likely to be compatible include:  Acrylic  Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)  Polycarbonate  Polyethersulfone  Polypropylene  Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)  Polyurethane  Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (plasticised with DEHP)  Silicone It is unknown if polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) are compatible with VELETRI since these materials have not been tested with VELETRI, therefore the use of these materials is not recommended. Only extension sets with an in-line 0.22 micron filter placed between the infusion pump and the catheter must be used. It is recommended to use filters with a hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane. The extension set and the in-line filter must be changed at least every 48 hours. The vial containing 0.5 mg epoprostenol must be used for the preparation of solutions with final concentrations below 15 000 ng/mL. Table 1 provides examples for preparing frequently used concentrations of VELETRI solutions. Each vial is for single use only. Table 1: Frequently Used Concentrations – Examples of Reconstitution and Dilution Final Concentration (ng/mL) Directions: 3 000 ng/mL Dissolve contents of one 0.5 mg vial with 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection. Withdraw 3 mL of the vial contents and add to a sufficient volume of the identical diluent to make a total of 100 mL. 5 000 ng/mL Dissolve contents of one 0.5 mg vial with 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection, or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection. Withdraw entire vial contents and add to a sufficient volume of the identical diluent to make a total of 100 mL. 10 000 ng/mL Dissolve contents of two 0.5 mg vials, each with 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection. Withdraw entire vial contents and add to a sufficient volume of the identical diluent to make a total of 100 mL. 15 000 ng/mL* Dissolve contents of one 1.5 mg vial with 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection. Withdraw entire vial contents and add to a sufficient volume of the identical diluent to make a total of 100 mL. 30 000 ng/mL* Dissolve contents of two 1.5 mg vials, each with 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection. Withdraw entire vial contents and add to a sufficient volume 8

30 000 ng/mL*

of the identical diluent to make a total of 100 mL. Dissolve contents of one 1.5 mg vial, with 5 mL of either Sterile Water for Injection or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection. Withdraw entire vial contents and add to a sufficient volume of the identical diluent to make a total of 50 mL.

  • Solutions with higher final concentrations may be necessary for patients who receive long-term administration of VELETRI.

VELETRI diluted to the final concentration in the drug delivery reservoir as directed can be administered immediately at room temperature (25°C) or, if stored, for up to 8 days at 2 to 8°C as per the conditions of use outlined in Table 2. Table 2:

Maximum Duration of Administration (hours) at Room Temperature (25°C) of Fully Diluted Solutions Stored in the Drug Delivery Reservoir Final concentration range Immediate If stored for up to administration 8 days at 2 to 8°C ≧3 000 ng/mL and <15 000 ng/mL 48 hours 24 hours ≧15 000 ng/mL 48 hours 48 hours Do not expose the fully diluted solution to direct sunlight. Special precautions for storage Do not freeze. The reconstituted solution should be immediately further diluted to the final concentration. Reconstitution and dilution should be carried out immediately prior to use. Freshly prepared epoprostenol diluted solutions for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension can be administered immediately at 25°C, or stored in the drug delivery reservoir in order to protect from light for up to 8 days at between 2 to 8°C as per the conditions of use outlined in Table 2.

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Frequently asked questions about Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion

How do I take Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion?

Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion comes as infusion containing 1.5mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion?

The active substance in Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion is epoprostenol sodium.

Are there equivalent medicines to Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Flolan 1.5 mg Powder and Solvent for Solution for Infusion (with pH 12 solvent & Vented Vial Adaptor), Epoprostenol 1.5 mg powder for solution for infusion. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Epoprostenol sodium (6 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

VELETRI is indicated for:

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

VELETRI is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (idiopathic or heritable PAH and PAH associated with connective tissue diseases) in patients with WHO Functional Class III–IV symptoms to improve exercise capacity (see section 5.1).

Renal Dialysis

VELETRI is indicated for use in haemodialysis in emergency situations when use of heparin carries a high risk of causing or exacerbating bleeding or when heparin is otherwise contraindicated (see section 5.1).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

VELETRI is only indicated for continuous infusion by intravenous route.

Treatment should only be initiated and monitored by a physician experienced in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Short-term (acute) dose ranging:

This procedure should be conducted in a hospital with adequate resuscitation equipment.

A short-term dose-ranging procedure administered via either a peripheral or central venous line is required to determine the long-term infusion rate. The infusion is initiated at 2 ng/kg/min and increased by increments of 2 ng/kg/min every 15 min or longer until maximum haemodynamic benefit or dose‑limiting pharmacological effects are elicited.

If the initial infusion rate of 2 ng/kg/min is not tolerated, a lower dose that is tolerated by the patient should be identified.

Long-term continuous infusion:

Long-term continuous infusion of VELETRI should be administered through a central venous catheter. Temporary peripheral i.v. infusions may be used until central access is established. Long-term infusions should be initiated at 4 ng/kg/min less than the maximum tolerated infusion rate determined during short‑term dose-ranging. If the maximum tolerated infusion rate is 5 ng/kg/min or less, the long‑term infusion should be started at 1 ng/kg/min.

Dosage adjustments:

Changes in the long-term infusion rate should be based on persistence, recurrence or worsening of the patient's symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension or the occurrence of adverse reactions due to excessive doses of VELETRI.

In general, the need for increases in dose from the initial long-term dose should be expected over time. Increases in dose should be considered if symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension persist, or recur after improving. The infusion rate should be increased by 1 to 2 ng/kg/min increments at intervals sufficient to allow assessment of clinical response; these intervals should be at least 15 min. Following establishment of a new infusion rate, the patient should be observed, and erect and supine blood pressure and heart rate monitored for several hours to ensure that the new dose is tolerated.

During long-term infusion, the occurrence of dose-related pharmacological events similar to those observed during the dose-ranging period may necessitate a decrease in infusion rate, but the adverse reactions may occasionally resolve without dosage adjustment. Dosage decreases should be made gradually in 2 ng/kg/min decrements every 15 min or longer until the dose-limiting effects resolve. Abrupt withdrawal of VELETRI or sudden large reductions in infusion rates should be avoided due to the risk of potentially fatal rebound effect (see section 4.4). Except in life-threatening situations (e.g. unconsciousness, collapse, etc.), infusion rates of VELETRI should be adjusted only under the direction of a physician.

Renal Dialysis

VELETRI is suitable for continuous infusion only, either intravascularly or into the blood supplying the dialyser.

The following schedule of infusion has been found effective in adults:

• Prior to dialysis: 4 ng/kg/min intravenously for 15 mins

• During dialysis: 4 ng/kg/min into the arterial inlet of the dialyser

The infusion should be stopped at the end of dialysis.

The recommended dose for renal dialysis should be exceeded only with careful monitoring of patient blood pressure.

Elderly

There is no specific information on the use of VELETRI in patients over 65 years for renal dialysis or pulmonary arterial hypertension. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be made carefully, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal (in the case of pulmonary arterial hypertension) or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other medicine therapy.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of VELETRI in children have not yet been established.

Method of administration

VELETRI long-term administration is administered via intravenous route through central venous catheter using an ambulatory infusion pump. The patient must be adequately trained in all aspects of care of the central venous catheter, in the aseptic preparation of the VELETRI intravenous injectable solution, and in the preparation and change of the drug delivery reservoir of the infusion pump, and the extension set.

Additional information regarding the potential suitable materials, ambulatory pumps and instructions on connecting the i.v. access systems, to be used for the administration of VELETRI is provided in section 6.6.

Reduction of the risk of catheter-related blood-stream infection

Particular attention should be given to the recommendations in section 4.4 and the following as this should help to reduce the risk of catheter-related blood-stream infections.

The care of the central venous catheter and the catheter exit site should follow established medical principles.

Only extension sets with an in-line 0.22 micron filter placed between the infusion pump and the central venous catheter must be used. It is recommended to use filters with a hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane. The extension set and the in-line filter must be changed at least every 48 hours (see section 6.6).

Preparation of VELETRI intravenous injectable solution:

The reconstituted solution should be examined prior to further dilution. Its use is forbidden in the presence of discolouration or particles. Reconstituted solutions should be immediately further diluted to the final concentration.

For further instructions on reconstitution and dilution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

VELETRI must not be administered as a bolus injection.

4.3. Contraindications

VELETRI is contraindicated in patients:

• with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• with congestive heart failure arising from severe left ventricular dysfunction.

• VELETRI must not be used chronically in patients who develop pulmonary oedema during dose‑ranging.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

The pH of the diluted “ready-to-use solution” decreases with dilution, and ranges from 12.0 for a concentration of 90 000 ng/mL, 11.7 for a concentration of 45000 ng/mL to 11.0 for a concentration of 3 000 ng/mL. Therefore, peripheral intravenous use should be restricted to short duration only, using low concentrations.

Because of the high pH of the final infusion solutions, care should be taken to avoid extravasation during their administration and consequent risk of tissue damage.

VELETRI is a potent pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. The cardiovascular effects during infusion disappear within 30 min of the end of administration.

VELETRI is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, therefore an increased risk for haemorrhagic complications should be considered, particularly for patients with other risk factors for bleeding (see section 4.5).

If excessive hypotension occurs during administration of VELETRI, the dose should be reduced or the infusion discontinued. Hypotension may be profound in overdose and may result in loss of consciousness (see section 4.9).

Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored during administration of VELETRI.

VELETRI may either decrease or increase heart rate. The change is thought to depend on both the basal heart rate and the infusion rate of VELETRI administered.

The effects of VELETRI on heart rate may be masked by concomitant use of drugs which affect cardiovascular reflexes.

Extreme caution is advised in patients with coronary artery disease.

Elevated serum glucose levels have been reported (see section 4.8).

The solvent contains no preservative; consequently a vial should be used once only and then discarded.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Some patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have developed pulmonary oedema during dose-ranging, which may be associated with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. VELETRI must not be used chronically in patients who develop pulmonary oedema during dose initiation (see section 4.3).

Abrupt withdrawal or interruption of infusion must be avoided, except in life-threatening situations. An abrupt interruption of therapy can induce a rebound of pulmonary arterial hypertension, resulting in dizziness, asthenia, increased dyspnoea, and may lead to death (see section 4.2).

VELETRI is infused continuously through a permanent indwelling central venous catheter via a small, portable infusion pump. Thus, therapy with VELETRI requires commitment by the patient to sterile drug reconstitution, drug administration, care of the permanent central venous catheter, and access to intense and ongoing patient education.

Aseptic conditions must be adhered to in preparing the drug and in the care of the catheter. Even brief interruptions in the delivery of VELETRI may result in rapid symptomatic deterioration. The decision to administer VELETRI for pulmonary arterial hypertension should be based upon the patient's understanding that there is a high likelihood that therapy with VELETRI will be needed for prolonged periods, possibly years, and the patient's ability to accept and care for a permanent i.v. catheter and infusion pump should be carefully considered.

Renal Dialysis

The hypotensive effect of VELETRI may be enhanced by the use of acetate buffer in the dialysis bath during renal dialysis.

During renal dialysis with VELETRI, it should be ensured that the cardiac output increases more than minimally so that delivery of oxygen to peripheral tissue is not diminished.

VELETRI is not a conventional anticoagulant. Epoprostenol has been successfully used instead of heparin in renal dialysis, but in a small proportion of dialyses clotting has developed in the dialysis circuit, requiring termination of dialysis. When epoprostenol is used alone, measurements such as activated whole blood clotting time may not be reliable.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per vial, that is to say essentially 'sodium‑‑free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

When VELETRI is administered to patients receiving concomitant anticoagulants, standard anticoagulant monitoring is advisable.

The vasodilator effects of VELETRI may augment or be augmented by concomitant use of other vasodilators.

As reported with other prostaglandin analogues, VELETRI may reduce the thrombolytic efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) by increasing hepatic clearance of t-PA.

When NSAIDs or other drugs affecting platelet aggregation are used concomitantly, there is the potential for VELETRI to increase the risk of bleeding.

Patients on digoxin may show elevations of digoxin concentrations after initiation of therapy with VELETRI, which – although transient – may be clinically significant in patients prone to digoxin toxicity.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There is limited data from the use of epoprostenol in pregnant women.

Animal studies did not indicate harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Given the absence of alternative medicines, epoprostenol can be used in women who choose to continue their pregnancy, despite the known risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown if epoprostenol or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the breastfeeding child cannot be excluded. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with VELETRI.

Fertility

There are no data on the effects of epoprostenol on fertility in humans. Reproductive studies in animals have shown no effects on fertility (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Pulmonary arterial hypertension and its therapeutic management may affect the ability to drive and operate machinery.

There are no data regarding the effect of VELETRI used in renal dialysis on the ability to drive or operate machinery.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Adverse events are listed below by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as follows: very common ≥1/10 (≥10%); common ≥1/100 and <1/10 (≥1% and <10%); uncommon ≥1/1 000 and <1/100 (≥0.1% and <1%); rare ≥1/10 000 and <1/1 000 ( ≥0.01% and <0.1%); very rare <1/10 000 (<0.01%) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Infections and Infestations

Common

Sepsis, septicaemia (mostly related to delivery system for VELETRI)1

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

Common

Decreased platelet count, bleeding at various sites (e.g. pulmonary, gastrointestinal, epistaxis, intracranial, post-procedural, retroperitoneal)

Unknown

Splenomegaly, Hypersplenism

Endocrine Disorders

Very rare

Hyperthyroidism

Psychiatric Disorders

Common

Anxiety, nervousness

Very rare

Agitation

Nervous System Disorders

Very common

Headache

Cardiac Disorders

Common

Tachycardia2, bradycardia3

Not known

High output cardiac failure

Vascular Disorders

Very common

Facial flushing (seen even in the anaesthetised patient)

Common

Hypotension

Very rare

Pallor

Not known

Ascites

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders

Unknown

Pulmonary oedema

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Very common

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

Common

Abdominal colic, sometimes reported as abdominal discomfort

Uncommon

Dry mouth

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Common

Rash

Uncommon

Sweating

Not known

Urticaria

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

Very common

Jaw pain

Common

Arthralgia

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions

Very common

Pain (unspecified)

Common

Pain at the injection site*, chest pain

Rare

Local infection*

Very rare

Erythema over the infusion site*, occlusion of the long i.v. catheter*, lassitude, chest tightness

Investigations

Unknown

Blood glucose increased

* Associated with the delivery system for epoprostenol

1 Catheter-related infections caused by organisms not always considered pathogenic (including micrococcus) have been reported.

2 Tachycardia has been reported as a response to epoprostenol at doses of 5 ng/kg/min and below.

3 Bradycardia, sometimes accompanied by orthostatic hypotension, has occurred in healthy volunteers at doses of epoprostenol greater than 5 ng/kg/min. Bradycardia associated with a considerable fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure has followed i.v. administration of a dose of epoprostenol equivalent to 30 ng/kg/min in healthy conscious volunteers.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

The main feature of overdose is likely to be hypotension.

In general, events seen after overdose of VELETRI represent exaggerated pharmacological effects of the drug (e.g. hypotension and complications of hypotension).

If overdose occurs, reduce the dose or discontinue the infusion and initiate appropriate supportive measures as necessary; for example, plasma volume expansion and/or adjustment to pump flow.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Veletri 1.5mg; Powder for Solution for Infusion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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