Ventavis (Iloprost) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Ventavis

Pulmonary Hypertension »

What are pulmonary arteries?

The human body has two major sets of blood vessels that distribute blood from the heart to the body. One set pumps blood from the right heart to the lungs and the other from the left heart to the rest of the body.

The portion of the circulation that distributes oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart, throughout the body, is referred to as the systemic circulation.
The blood then returns from the body to the right side of the heart and passes through the lungs to replenish oxygen.
It then returns to the left side of the heart for another round through the systemic circulation.
The portion of the circulation that distributes the blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs is referred to as the pulmonary (lung) circulation.
The pulmonary arteries are the major blood vessels that carry blood from the rig...

Read the Pulmonary Hypertension article »

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Ventavis Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ILOPROST SOLUTION - INHALATION

(EYE-loe-prost)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ventavis

USES: This medication is used to treat a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Iloprost helps to increase your ability to exercise and improves symptoms such as shortness of breath and tiredness. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels (arteries) in the lungs and other parts of the body so that blood can flow more easily. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. This medication comes in a glass bottle (ampule). Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to open the ampule and how to prepare each dose. This product is used with a special breathing device (nebulizer). Ask your doctor, pharmacist or respiratory therapist how to inhale this medication properly with this equipment. Make sure you understand how to properly clean the nebulizer to prevent infections.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix with other medications in the nebulizer.

Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 6 to 9 times daily, at least 2 hours apart. Do not drink the solution. Do not get this medication on the skin or in your eyes. If this happens, rinse the area with water. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

To avoid not being able to use your medication, be sure to have access to a back-up nebulizer in case your regular device stops working properly.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.