VENTAVIS

Trade Name: Ventavis

Generic Name: Iloprost

Use:  

 For the treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension

Action: Helps lower the pressure in the pulmonary arteries (the blood vessels within the lungs) by dilating those vessels.

Administration:  A liquid which is inserted into a device to be inhaled into your lungs several times per day as directed by your doctor.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects.

Possible side effects include:

-low blood pressure      (hypotension)

-facial flushing (reddening of  face)

-increased cough

-headaches

-nausea

-jaw pain

-fainting (syncope)

GUIDELINES FOR TAKING THIS MEDICATION

          -Take Ventavis when you wake up and also before any   physical activity, but not more frequently than every 2  hours.  One treatment session usually lasts about <:time w:st="on" hour="9" minute="56"><:time>4 to 10 minutes.

-  Usually breathed (inhaled) into your lungs with the help of a Prodose device 6 to 9 times a day during waking hours (ampules of medication should not be swallowed by mouth).       

-Do not change your dose without talking with your doctor.

-Women who are of child-bearing age should use effective birth control while receiving treatment.   

-Ventavis should not be allowed to come into contact with the skin or eyes. 

-Ventavis has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding especially if taken with medications that “thin” the blood such as Coumadin.  Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking . 

 Ver 12.