Why is this medicine prescribed?
Iloprost injection is used to treat severe frostbite. Iloprost is in a class of medications called vasodilating agents. It works by relaxing blood vessels.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Iloprost injection comes as a solution (liquid) to give intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare professional. It is given as an infusion over 6 hours daily for up to 8 days in a row.
Iloprost injection can cause adverse reactions while you are receiving the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the following symptoms during the infusion: headache, flushing (feeling suddenly warm), jaw pain, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving iloprost injection,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while receiving iloprost, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while receiving iloprost.
- you should know that iloprost may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Iloprost may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- flushing
- nausea, vomiting
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- changes in heartbeat
Iloprost may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.