Drugs & Vitamins

Iloprost Inhalation Solution Active Ingredients: Iloprost Inhalation Solution Representative Names: Ventavis What is Iloprost inhalation solution? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Iloprost? What side effects may I notice from receiving Iloprost? What should I watch for while taking Iloprost? Where can I keep my medicine? What is Iloprost inhalation solution? (Back to top) ILOPROST (Ventavis®) is used to treat a serious heart and lung disorder called pulmonary arterial hypertension. While iloprost inhalation solution will not cure this disorder, it is designed to improve symptoms and the quality of life. Generic iloprost inhalation solution is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bleeding problems •infection •low blood pressure •lung or breathing problem such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) •an unusual reaction to Iloprost, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) Iloprost inhalation solution is for use in the Prodose® AAD® or I-neb AAD® nebulizer only. Iloprost inhalation is breathed (inhaled) into your lungs with the help of a special nebulizer. Nebulizers convert a solution of iloprost into an aerosol for inhalation through the mouth and into the lungs. The amount of drug you receive will be determined by your doctor. You will be provided a special device that is to be used with the Prodose® AAD® or I-neb AAD® nebulizer. This device will deliver the correct dose to you. Follow the instructions provided with the product to prepare and inhale the iloprost inhalation solution. Follow the directions that come with the Prodose® AAD® or I-neb AAD® system for proper use of the nebulizer. Take precautions to avoid bacterial contamination of the iloprost inhalation solution dose or nebulizer system. Take your prescribed doses at regular intervals. Your doctor will tell you how to space out your doses. Do not use more often than directed. Do not let iloprost solution come into contact with your skin or eyes. If it does, rinse the skin or your eyes right away with water. Do not allow other people to be exposed to iloprost inhalation while you are breathing it, especially babies and pregnant women. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with Iloprost? (Back to top) •alcohol •aspirin and aspirin-like medicines •blood thinners such as warfarin (your prescriber or health care professional, however, is likely to want you to take blood thinners while you are using iloprost; this can be done safely) •cilostazol •clopidogrel •dipyridamole •ephedrine or pseudoephedrine •medicines for colds and breathing difficulties •herbal stimulants or weight loss products, like ephedra, ma huang •medicines for chest pain or heart disease •medicines for high blood pressure •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •ticlopidine •water pills (diuretics) Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may effect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Iloprost? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •chest pain •change in the amount of urine passed •dark yellow or brown urine •difficulty breathing •dizziness or faintness •fever •pain or difficulty passing urine •swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet •slow, fast, or irregular heart beat •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •chills or flu-like symptoms •cough •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •flushing •headache •jaw pain •muscle ache or pain •nausea/vomiting •stomach pain What should I watch for while taking Iloprost? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to be seen regularly. Report any unusual or severe side effects promptly. You may get dizzy. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how iloprost affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can make you more dizzy and increase flushing of the face. If you take too much of this medicine, you may get a severe headache, chest pain, reddening of the face, jaw pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this happens, stop taking iloprost inhalation and call your health care provider promptly. Despite receiving iloprost inhalation solution, your condition may worsen and you may need your dose adjusted. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you experience any worsening of your condition. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Ampules of unopened iloprost inhalation solution are good until the date printed on the package when stored between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) and protected from light in the package. An opened ampule should be used immediately and any solution remaining in the Prodose® AAD® or I-neb AAD® medication chamber should be discarded. Use of the remaining solution will result in unpredictable dosing. Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Last Updated:08/31/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.