VENTAVIS
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)
GUIDELINES FOR TAKING THIS MEDICATION
- 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).
- 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 .
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