Medication
Medication adherence rates are approximately 50% in this population; deviations from prescribed therapy include skipping doses, not filling prescriptions, taking medications at wrong times of the day, or interrupting therapy.16 It is important to educate both patient and caregiver on medication mechanism of action and the importance of filling prescriptions and adhering to the scheduled doses, particularly epoprostenol and treprostinil, which have short half lives and should not be stopped abruptly. Education should be provided on signs and symptoms of infection, especially in patients who are receiving epoprostenol and treprostinil intravenously via a Hickman, Groshong, or Broviac catheter. These patients
also need assistance to manage the complex medication regimens. A demonstration of sterile technique when caring for intravenous lines and pumps should be provided. The patient and caregiver should perform a return demonstration.