Ventavis (iloprost) is an synthetic prostacyclin. It works by opening blood vessels in the lungs.
Ventavis inhalation is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It decreases symptoms of this condition and improves your ability to exercise.
Ventavis may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Before using Ventavis, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, low blood pressure, asthma or COPD, or a chest cold with cough.
Ventavis inhalation is usually given 6 to 9 times per day. 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.
Ventavis should be used only with the I-neb ADD System, or the Prodose AAD System. Do not use Ventavis with any other type of nebulizers. You will be shown how to use your nebulizer at home.
Ventavis may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Before using Ventavis?
To make sure you can safely use Ventavis, tell your doctor if you have other medical conditions, especially:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ventavis will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether iloprost passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Ventavis.
How should I use Ventavis?
Use Ventavis inhalation exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Ventavis is usually given 6 to 9 times per day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose of Ventavis or daily dosing schedule to make sure you get the best results.
Ventavis is an inhaled medicine that should be used only with the I-neb ADD System, or the Prodose AAD System. Do not use Ventavis inhalation with any other type of nebulizers.
You will be shown how to use your nebulizer at home. Your nebulizer system comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and for cleaning and care. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Each single-use ampule (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after empyting the entire contents into your nebulizer.
Store Ventavis at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.
What should I avoid?
Ventavis may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth, or on your skin. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid allowing anyone else to breathe in this medication while you are inhaling your dose, especially children or pregnant women.
Ventavis side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Ventavis: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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feeling like you might pass out;
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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coughing up blood;
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unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
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fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;
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chest tightness, stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath; or
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anxiety, sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate.
Less serious Ventavis side effects may include:
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flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
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increased cough;
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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headache, dizziness;
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muscle cramps, back pain;
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sleep problems (insomnia);
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tongue pain, jaw tightness or pain, trouble chewing or speaking; or
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altered sense of taste.
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Ventavis?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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blood pressure medication;
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a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
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medication used to prevent blood clots, such as abciximab (ReoPro), anagrelide (Agrylin), cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantine, Aggrenox), eptifibatide (Integrilin), prasugrel (Effient), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or tirofiban (Aggrastat).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Ventavis. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
