Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation)
Iloprost is used to treat symptoms associated with certain types of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. This medicine improves your ability to exercise.
Iloprost inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation) used for?
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Pulmonary Impairment
- Pulmonary Heart or Vascular Disease
- Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation)?
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- low blood pressure; or
- any breathing problems or disorders.
It is not known if iloprost will harm an unborn baby. The benefit of treating PAH may outweigh any risks to the mother or baby. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Iloprost may narrow your airway muscles (bronchospasm). Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a bronchospasm: wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out, dizziness, headache;
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- pain or tightness in your jaw;
- unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); or
- flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Common side effects may include:
- pneumonia, increased cough, coughing up blood;
- low blood pressure, feeling light-headed;
- flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- headache, flu symptoms;
- abnormal liver function tests;
- nausea or vomiting;
- muscle cramps, back pain;
- tongue pain, pain or tightness in your jaw; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if iloprost will harm an unborn baby. The benefit of treating PAH may outweigh any risks to the mother or baby. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation)?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Also avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Avoid exposing others to iloprost while you are inhaling it, especially babies.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or skin.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation)?
Use Ventavis (Iloprost Inhalation) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not swallow this medicine. The medicine should only be inhaled using the inhalation system provided with the medication.
Do not mix other medicines with iloprost.
Iloprost is usually given 6 to 9 times per day while awake. Do not use it more than once every 2 hours.
The effects of iloprost may not last 2 hours. Talk with your doctor about how to time your doses around planned activities.
Read and carefully follow any instructions on how to use the medicine before preparing your first dose and later doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Each treatment should last about 4 to 10 minutes. Call your doctor if your treatment time starts taking longer as your dose may need to be changed.
Throw away each glass ampule after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Make sure you have a backup inhalation system available in case one of the systems stops working.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Follow all storage and cleaning instructions provided with iloprost. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.