NAME                                    Trade Name                                        Generic Name

                                                Ventavis                                              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)

-  Usually breathed (inhaled) into your lungs with the help

    of a Prodose device 6 to 9 times a day during waking

-  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 4 to 10

    minutes.

            -  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 .