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Iloprost Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 17, 2023.

Applies to iloprost: inhalation solution.

Serious side effects of Iloprost

Along with its needed effects, iloprost may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking iloprost:

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Iloprost

Some side effects of iloprost may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to iloprost: inhalation solution, intravenous solution.

General

The most frequently reported side effects were vasodilation (flushing), cough increased, headache, trismus, insomnia, nausea, hypotension, vomiting, alkaline phosphatase increased, flu syndrome, back pain, tongue pain, palpitations, syncope, GGT increased, muscle cramps, hemoptysis, and pneumonia.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Vasodilation/flushing (up to 27%), hypotension (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia, palpitation

Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure, supraventricular tachycardia[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting, mouth/tongue irritation, mouth/tongue pain

Frequency not reported: Dysgeusia[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 30%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, syncope[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Cough increased (up to 39%), epistaxis, hemoptysis

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea, pharyngolaryngeal pain, throat irritation, pneumonia

Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, wheezing

Postmarketing reports: Nasal congestion[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Pain in jaw/trismus (up to 12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, muscle cramps[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Kidney failure[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Flu-like syndrome (14%), peripheral edema (up to 12.2%), chest discomfort/chest pain

Common (1% to 10%): Alkaline phosphatase increased, GGT increased[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Bleeding events

Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Ventavis (iloprost). Actelion Pharmaceuticals US Inc. 2005.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.