Ventavis Side Effects

Generic name: iloprost

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 20, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Ventavis Side Effects associated with iloprost. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Ventavis.

Applies to iloprost: inhalation solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to go down. Your doctor will check your blood pressure before you start the medicine and may check it during your regular office visits. You may also need to monitor your blood pressure at home. If you notice any changes to your recommended blood pressure, call your doctor right away.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur after you use this medicine, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help, but if the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or lightheaded.

Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain, difficult, fast, or noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing, blue lips and fingernails, pale skin, increased sweating, coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs and ankles. These may be signs of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Ventavis

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:

Serious side effects of Ventavis

Along with its needed effects, iloprost (the active ingredient contained in Ventavis) 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to iloprost: inhalation solution, intravenous solution.

General adverse events

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]

See also:

Further information

Ventavis side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer