Ventavis (Iloprost) Inhalation: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Brand: Ventavis

Generic: Iloprost

Ventavis is a synthetic prostacyclin and it works by opening blood vessels in the lungs and used to treat pulmonary hypertension.

This helps reduce blood pressure in the lungs, so you can breathe easier and improves your ability to exercise. Ventavis may also be prescribed by the doctor to treat other conditions.

Before using Ventavis, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Before you use Iloprost inhalation, say to your doctor if you have conditions like heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure, COPD, asthma or colds with a cough.

Iloprost inhalation is given six to nine times per day during waking hours. It is very important to take a dose in two hours or more after the last dose, even if you feel that the effect of the drug has worn off in less than 2 hours.

Iloprost inhalation must be used only with the I-neb ADD system or Prodose ADD System. Never use Iloprost inhalation with other nebulizers. The doctor will teach you how to use the nebulizer at home.

Iloprost inhalation may impair your thinking and reaction times so it may affect things like driving or doing tasks requiring coordination and alertness. Due to its effects on lowering blood pressure, Iloprost inhalation may also cause dizziness or feelings of fainting when you suddenly get up from lying or sitting position. Make sure you rise up slowly and steady yourself to avoid falls.

Iloprost inhalation is an FDA category C drug, which means that it is not proven safe for unborn babies. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, tell it to your doctor before using Iloprost.

The effects of Iloprost to babies nursing from women using the drug are not yet known. Do not breastfeed if you are prescribed with Iloprost.

To use Ventavis properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Make sure to follow the prescribed dose – do not take more or less than the prescribed amount.

For best results, visit your doctor on scheduled visits so the doctor may change your dose or dosing schedule. Always space Iloprost inhalation doses at least two hours apart.

The doctor will teach you to use Iloprost inhalation with I-neb ADD System, or the Prodose AAD System. The nebulizer systems also come with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and can for maintenance.

Follow these instructions in using the nebulizers. Never use other nebulizers in administering Iloprost Inhalation.

Iloprost Inhalation is packaged in single-use ampules and is for one use only. Use the ampule only once and throw it away, even if there is some medicine left after putting the contents into the nebulizer.

Before using Ventavis, there are some precautions you must take. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Do not take more that the prescribed amount to make up for the missed dose. Taking an overdose can cause side effects, which can be serious. If you overdose, call Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 and seek immediate medical help.

Iloprost inhalation may cause changes in alertness and reaction times. You might have to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when using Iloprost inhalation.

Take care not to get the nebulized contents of Iloprost inhalation get into your eyes, mouth or on your skin. If it does, flush the part with plenty of water.

Iloprost inhalation may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can make you faint or lightheaded when rising up suddenly. Avoid this by rising up slowly and steady yourself to prevent falls.

Do not allow anyone else, especially children and pregnant women, to breathe vapors of Iloprost inhalation.

Iloprost inhalation may cause significant interaction to medicines used to control blood pressure. If you are taking medicines for hypertension or hypotension, mention it to your doctor.

Iloprost inhalation may also interact with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin), and medications for preventing 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).

There are other medications that may cause interactions with Iloprost inhalation. Be on the safe side by mentioning all your medications, including supplements and multivitamins, to your doctor before taking Iloprost inhalation.

If you notice any side effects of Ventavis, immediately make an appointment with your doctor.

Call for medical help if you experience the following:

Feeling of about to faint
Coughing up blood
Too fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeats
Unusual bleeding, like having nosebleeds and bleeding gums
Coughing up blood
Infection symptoms including fever, chills, and coughing yellow or green mucus
Feeling short of breath
Tightness or stabbing sensation in the chest, and wheezing
Profuse sweating and anxiety
Shortness or gasping for breath, wheezing, pale skin, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, and very fast heart rate