Ventavis

Generic name:iloprost inhalation [ ill-O-prost ]
Drug class:Agents for pulmonary hypertension

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 3, 2022.

What is Ventavis?

Ventavis is an synthetic prostacyclin. It works by opening blood vessels in the lungs.

Ventavis is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with certain kinds of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a condition in which blood pressure is too high in the blood vessels between the heart and the lungs.

Ventavis can temporarily improve your symptoms and may improve your ability to exercise.

Ventavis has not been studied in children younger than 18 years old.

Warnings

Before using Ventavis, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, low blood pressure, asthma or COPD, or a chest cold with cough.

Ventavis inhalation is usually given 6 to 9 times per day. Your doses should not be spaced less than 2 hours apart, even if you feel like the effects of the medicine have worn off in less than 2 hours.

Ventavis should be used only with the I-neb ADD System, or the Prodose AAD System. Do not use Ventavis with any other type of nebulizers. You will be shown how to use your nebulizer at home.

Ventavis may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Ventavis is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• low blood pressure;

• asthma; or

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Do not start or stop taking this medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having PAH during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother such as heart failure, stroke, or death. Having PAH during pregnancy can also cause complications in the baby such as premature birth, low birthweight, miscarriage, or stillbirth. The benefit of treating PAH may outweigh any risks to the mother or baby.

You should not breastfeed while using Ventavis.

How should I use Ventavis?

Use Ventavis exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Do not swallow Ventavis inhalation solution. It is to be used only with a nebulizer device.

Ventavis is an inhaled medicine that should be used only with the I-neb ADD System. Do not use Ventavis with any other type of nebulize...