Developed by United Therapeutics Corporation (“United”) and DEKA Research and Development Corporation (“DEKA”), the Remunity Pump is now commercially available for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). On February 10, 2021, United announced that the subcutaneous pump, which directly delivers Remodulin, is now available.
Remunity Pump for Remodulin
The Remunity Pump for Remodulin is designed for adult patients with PAH who are 22 years or older. The subcutaneous delivery system uses pre-filled cassettes of Remodulin, which is described as:
the brand name of treprostinil infusion developed and launched by United Therapeutics in 2002. Remodulin is the #1 prescribed parenteral prostacyclin in the US and has been used for more than 18 years in thousands of PAH patients.
Each cassette contains 3 days worth of treatment, making treatment easier and more accessible. In addition, the Remunity pump uses a wireless remote, also making it a safe and effective treatment option. Have any questions on using a Remodulin pump? Find the answers here.
Although the Remunity Pump, and the Remodulin it administers, are relatively safe, some side effects of Remodulin have been observed. These include:
- Headache
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Rash
- Jaw pain
- Dilated blood vessels
- Abnormally low blood pressure
- Edema (swelling caused by fluid)
- “Pins and needles” sensation
- Hematomas
- Blood infections
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
In many cases, a BMPR2 gene mutation causes pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic and progressive high blood pressure in the lungs which causes the thickening and hardening of pulmonary arteries. In around 15-20% of diagnoses, this gene is passed down through the family. However, drug use, HIV, sickle cell disease, and other conditions also cause PAH.
PAH causes blood pressure of about 25 mm HG at rest, causing the pulmonary arteries to narrow or become blocked. As the heart forces blood through, less oxygen-rich blood is spread to the brain and body. At the same time, the heart begins to weaken. An estimated 500-1000 Americans are diagnosed with PAH yearly. Overall, more females are affected than males. PAH typically appears between ages 30 and 60. Symptoms include:
- Dizziness and fainting
- Chest pain and pressure
- Shortness of breath which worsens during exertion
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the lower extremities
- Enlarged heart and liver
- Cough that might expel blood
