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Overview: Ventavis is an inhaled medicine used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. It works by widening blood vessels in the lungs to make it easier for blood to flow. Common side effects include flushing, trouble sleeping, nausea, coughing more than usual, jaw pain or stiffness, and flu-like symptoms. Tell your health care provider right away if you have severe dizziness, unusual swelling, or breathing problems. Note that the nebulizer device used with Ventavis is no longer being sold. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about your medicine.

Uses

What is Ventavis used for?

Ventavis is commonly used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition where you have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs.

Ventavis may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Ventavis work (mechanism of action)?

Ventavis works by widening the blood vessels in the lungs and the rest of the body, making it easier for blood to flow. This reduces strain on the heart and helps improve blood flow.

How is Ventavis supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ventavis

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mcg/mL, 20 mcg/mL nebulizer solution

How should I store Ventavis?

Ventavis should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ventavis?

The most common side effects of Ventavis are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Flushing
  • Coughing more than usual or coughing up blood
  • Headache
  • Pain or stiffness in your jaw or tongue
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Changes in liver function tests
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Back pain or muscle cramping
  • Feeling like your heart is pounding or skipping (palpitations)
  • Low blood pressure or fainting (see below)
  • Pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs

There may be other side effects of Ventavis that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ventavis?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ventavis are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ventavis may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ventavis and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Fluid Buildup in the Lungs. Ventavis may cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) in certain people. Stop using Ventavis and tell your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

  • Any breathing problems that feel more severe or different than usual
  • Coughing, especially when lying down
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Feeling nervous or restless
  • Fast heartbeat

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) and Fainting. Ventavis may cause low blood pressure. This can cause dizziness or fainting. Stand up slowly when you get up from sitting or lying down. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Sudden Breathing Problems. Ventavis may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm), which can be serious. The risk of this side effect may be higher if you also have breathing problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Stop using Ventavis and get help right away if you have trouble breathing that feels worse than usual.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ventavis?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ventavis.

  • Iloprost
  • Ventavis
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ventavis.

What should I know about Ventavis before using it?

Do not use Ventavis unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Do not use Ventavis more often than every two hours. Your health care provider may tell you it is OK to adjust the times you use it to fit your plans, as the effects of the medicine may not last the full two hours.

Do not share Ventavis with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Ventavis out of the reach of children.

Ventavis is a medicine that you inhale using a nebulizer, which is a device that turns a liquid into a mist. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Ventavis. Do not swallow it. Do not put other medicines in the Ventavis I-neb AAD System. It is recommended to keep backup equipment on hand, in case it does not work the way it should. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Avoid getting the medicine on your skin or in your eyes. If eye or skin contact occurs, rinse the area with water right away. 

To protect others from breathing in your medicine, use Ventavis in an area that is away from other people, especially babies. It will take about four to 10 minutes to inhale a dose.

Ventavis can cause dizziness and fainting. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Ventavis affects you. Tell your health care provider if dizziness or fainting gets worse. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Ventavis?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ventavis is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ventavis may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Ventavis, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Other breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Bleeding problems

​​Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ventavis could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Ventavis while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ventavis passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should breastfeed while using Ventavis.

How can I get more information about Ventavis?

For more information about Ventavis, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.4ventavis.com or call them at 800-526-7736.

Interactions

Does Ventavis interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ventavis and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ventavis. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Ventavis.

Does Ventavis interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Ventavis.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure or a heart condition
  • A blood thinner, such as warfarin, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ventavis. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ventavis?

If you or someone else has used too much Ventavis, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ventavis?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Then wait at least two hours before using your next dose. Doses of Ventavis should be used at least two hours apart unless your health care provider gives you different instructions. Do not use double or extra doses.