Iloprost inhalation

Generic name: iloprost inhalation [ ill-O-prost ]
Brand name: Ventavis
Dosage form: inhalation solution (10 mcg/mL; 20 mcg/mL)
Drug class: Agents for pulmonary hypertension

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 27, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is iloprost inhalation?

Iloprost inhalation is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. iloprost inhalation can temporarily improve your symptoms and may improve your ability to exercise.

Iloprost inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Iloprost inhalation side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Iloprost inhalation may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• pain or tightness in your jaw;

• unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);

• pneumonia--fever, chills, cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath; or

• fluid build-up in or around the lungs--pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats.

Common side effects of iloprost inhalation may include:

• pneumonia, increased cough, coughing up blood;

• pounding heartbeats;

• low blood pressure, feeling light-headed;

• flu symptoms;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• headache;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• nausea, vomiting;

• muscle cramps, back pain;

• tongue pain, jaw tightness or pain, trouble chewing or speaking; 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.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• low blood pressure;

• asthma; or

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Do not start or stop taking iloprost inhalation during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having PAH during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother such as heart failure, stroke, or death. Having PAH during pregnancy can also cause complications in the baby such as premature birth, low birthweight, miscarriage, or stillbirth. The benefit of treating PAH may outweigh any risks to the mother or baby.

You should not breastfeed while using iloprost.

How should I use iloprost inhalation?

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 iloprost inhalation solution. It is to be used only with a nebulizer device.

Iloprost is an inhaled medicine that should be used only with the I-neb ADD System. Do not use iloprost inhalation with any other type of nebulizers.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Iloprost inhalation is usually given 6 to 9 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Your doses should not be spaced less than 2 hours apart, even if you feel like the effects of the medicine have worn off in less than 2 hours.

Each ampule (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Iloprost inhalation dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pulmonary Hypertension:

Initial dose: 2.5 mcg inhaled orally once; if tolerated, increase to 5 mcg and maintain this dose
Maintenance dose: 2.5 or 5 mcg inhaled orally 6 to 9 times per day, no more than once every 2 hours while awake, based on individual need and tolerability
Maximum dose: 45 mcg/day (5 mcg/dose 9 times per day)

Comment: Avoid initiation of therapy in patients with systolic blood pressure below 85 mmHg.

Use: For the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1) to improve a composite endpoint consisting of exercise tolerance, symptoms (New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class), and lack of deterioration. Studies establishing effectiveness included predominately patients with NYHA Functional Class III-IV symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (65%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (23%)

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or redness in your face.

What should I avoid while using iloprost inhalation?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how iloprost inhalation will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid allowing anyone else to breathe in this medication while you are inhaling your dose, especially a baby.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or on your skin. If this does happen, rinse with water.

What other drugs will affect iloprost inhalation?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• blood pressure medication;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or

• medication used to prevent blood clots, such as clopidogrel, rivaroxaban, Plavix, Xarelto, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect iloprost inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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