Iloprost (EYE-loe-prost)

Treats a condition where your blood pressure is too high in the blood vessels between your heart and your lungs.

Brand Name(s):

Ventavis

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• This medicine is for use only in your lungs. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Do not take this medicine orally.
• The drug shouldONLY be inhaled using Prodose® AAD® system, a special lung drug delivery device.
• Do not change your doses or stop using your medicine without asking your doctor.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood pressure medicine such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol (Inderal®, Lopressor®, Toprol®, or Tenormin®), furosemide (Lasix®), or hydrochlorothiazide.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, low blood pressure, or severe asthma.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a lung infection, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. You should stand up slowly when you get out of a chair or bed. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bloody vomit.
• Chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Increased cough.
• Mild headache and nausea.
• Muscle cramps.
• Pain in your tongue.
• Runny nose.
• Trouble sleeping.