iloprost (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Ventavis

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

single-use ampule

  • 10mcg/mL (1mL)
  • 20mcg/mL (1mL)

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Initial: 2.5 mcg inhaled, if well-tolerated, THEN

5 mcg subsequent doses

6-9 times/day PRN; >q2hr while awake

Maintenance: 2.5-5 mcg/dose; not to exceed 45 mcg/day

Systemic Sclerosis (Orphan)

Orphan designation for treatment of systemic sclerosis

Orphan sponsor

  • Eicos Sciences, Inc., a CiVi Biopharma, Inc. affiliated company; 200 Four Falls Corporate Center, Suite 107; West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19528

Safety and efficacy not established

Next:

Interactions

Interaction Checker

and iloprost

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

            All Interactions Sort By:
             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (1)

              • lofexidine

                lofexidine, iloprost. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration with other drugs that decrease pulse or blood pressure to mitigate risk of excessive bradycardia and hypotension.

              Monitor Closely (17)

              • aldesleukin

                aldesleukin increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of hypotension.

              • amifostine

                amifostine, iloprost. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with blood pressure lowering agents may increase the risk and severity of hypotension associated with amifostine. When amifostine is used at chemotherapeutic doses, withhold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hr prior to amifostine; if blood pressure lowering medication cannot be withheld, do not administer amifostine.

              • benazepril

                iloprost, benazepril. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Enhanced hypotensive effects.

              • captopril

                iloprost, captopril. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Both drugs lower blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure.

              • carbidopa

                carbidopa increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Therapy with carbidopa, given with or without levodopa or carbidopa-levodopa combination products, is started, dosage adjustment of the antihypertensive drug may be required.

              • dabigatran

                dabigatran and iloprost both increase anticoagulation. Use Caution/Monitor. Both drugs have the potential to cause bleeding. Concomitant use may increase risk of bleeding.

              • eluxadoline

                eluxadoline increases levels of iloprost by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Eluxadoline may increase the systemic exposure of coadministered OATP1B1 substrates.

              • epoprostenol

                epoprostenol, iloprost. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • fenoldopam

                fenoldopam, iloprost. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • fish oil triglycerides

                fish oil triglycerides will increase the level or effect of iloprost by anticoagulation. Use Caution/Monitor. Prolonged bleeding reported in patients taking antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants and oral omega-3 fatty acids. Periodically monitor bleeding time in patients receiving fish oil triglycerides and concomitant antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants.

              • hydralazine

                hydralazine, iloprost. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • ibrutinib

                ibrutinib will increase the level or effect of iloprost by anticoagulation. Use Caution/Monitor. Ibrutinib may increase the risk of hemorrhage in patients receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapies and monitor for signs of bleeding.

              • levodopa

                levodopa increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider decreasing dosage of antihypertensive agent.

              • minoxidil

                iloprost, minoxidil. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • treprostinil

                iloprost, treprostinil. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • warfarin

                iloprost, warfarin. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Drugs with antiplatelet properties may increase anticoagulation effect of warfarin.

              • xipamide

                xipamide increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              Minor (10)

              • agrimony

                agrimony increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • brimonidine

                brimonidine increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • cornsilk

                cornsilk increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • forskolin

                forskolin increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • maitake

                maitake increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Maitake mushroom has anti-tumor effects (animal/in vitro research).

              • octacosanol

                octacosanol increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • reishi

                reishi increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              • shepherd's purse

                shepherd's purse, iloprost. Other (see comment). Minor/Significance Unknown. Comment: Theoretically, shepherd's purse may interfere with BP control.

              • tizanidine

                tizanidine increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of hypotension.

              • treprostinil

                treprostinil increases effects of iloprost by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

              Previous
              Next:

              Adverse Effects

              >10%

              Flushing (18%)

              Cough (39%)

              Hypotension (11%)

              Nausea (13%)

              Headache (30%)

              Jaw pain (12%)

              Trismus (12%)

              1-10%

              Palpitations (7%)

              Syncope (8%)

              Insomnia (8%)

              Vomiting (7%)

              Tongue pain (4%)

              Back pain (7%)

              Muscle cramps (6%)

              GGT elevated (6%)

              Hemoptysis (5%)

              Pneumonia (4%)

              <1%

              Kidney failure

              Bronchospasm

              Hypersensitivity

              Supraventricular tachycardia

              Previous
              Next:

              Warnings

              Contraindications

              None well documented

              Cautions

              Iloprost has been listed by the FDA as one of the drugs to monitor after having identified potential signs of serious risks or new safety information in the agency's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database during the last 3 months of 2011. Hemoptysis has been reported with iloprost use. The FDA said that it is not suggesting that clinicians should stop prescribing any drugs on the watch list, or that patients should stop taking them. It advises patients with questions about watch-list drugs to discuss them with their clinician.

              Use caution in patients experiencing other types of pulmonary diseases (i.e. COPD)

              Syncope may occur with pulmonary arterial hypertension, particularly with physical exertion (adjust dose and reassess efficacy)

              Risk of syncope - monitor vital signs when initiating

              Use cautioin in patients with bleeding disorders

              Rebound hypertension may occur with dose reductions or withdrawals

              Administered only via the Prodose® AAD® System

              Not for use in patients with hypotension (systolic BP <85 mm Hg)

              Discontinue immediately if signs of pulmonary edema

              Bleeding events are most commonly reported as epistaxis or hemoptysis

              Previous
              Next:

              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy

              Limited published data from case series and case reports in pregnant women have not identified drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; there are risks to mother and fetus associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension

              Pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy increases risk for maternal heart failure, stroke and death, miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birthweight infants, and stillbirth

              Animal data

              • In animal reproductive studies, administration of continuous intravenous therapy to pregnant Han-Wistar rats during organogenesis at doses 2-times recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis resulted in adverse developmental outcomes
              • However, there were no adverse developmental outcomes with intravenous administration of iloprost to pregnant Sprague- Dawley rats, rabbits and monkeys at doses 1200-, 180-, and 14-times, respectively, the recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis

              Lactation

              There are no data on presence of iloprost in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; drug is present in rat milk; when drug present in animal milk, it is likely drug will be present in human milk

              Because of potential for serious adverse reactions, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

              Previous
              Next:

              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Synthetic analog of prostagladin PGI2, dilates systemic & pulmonary arterial beds; suppresses vascular smooth muscle proliferation and alters pulmonary vascular resistance when used long term

              Pharmacokinetics

              Vd: 0.7-0.8 L/kg

              Protein Bound: 60%

              Duration: 30-60 min

              Metabolism: Principally via beta-oxidation of carboxyl side-chain

              Metabolite: Tetranor-iloprost (inactive)

              Half-life: 20-30 min

              Peak serum time: Within 5 min (following inhalation)

              Excretion: Urine (68%); feces (12%)

              Previous
              Next:

              Images

              No images available for this drug.
              Previous
              Next:

              Patient Handout

              Patient Education
              iloprost inhalation

              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.

              SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, jaw pain, muscle spasms of the jaw, flushing, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: wheezing, sudden weight gain, worsening breathing, chest pain, fainting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

              PRECAUTIONS: Before using iloprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, bleeding problems, other breathing problems (such as asthma).This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

              DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

              OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

              NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, liver function) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

              MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

              STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

              Information last revised December 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

              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.

              Previous
              Next:

              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

              Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

              To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

              Adding plans allows you to:

              • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
              • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
              • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
              • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
              ST Step Therapy
              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
              OR Other Restrictions
              Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
              Additional Offers
              Email to Patient

              From:

              To:

              The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

              By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

              Email Forms to Patient

              From:

              To:

              The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

              By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

              Previous
              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.