Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Iloprost trometamol may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml contains the active ingredient iloprost which imitates a natural substance in the body called prostacyclin. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml and prostacyclin prevent unwanted blockages or narrowing of blood vessels and allow improved blood flow in the arteries. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml promotes the healing of wounds caused by insufficient blood flow (ischemia) by providing better oxygenation, and relieving pain in severe, chronic disorders of the blood circulation. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is used in adults in the treatment of:
Severe chronic ischaemia of lower limbs (decreased blood supply) in patients at risk of amputation, in whom surgical revascularisation or angioplasty (repair of blood vessel) has failed or is not indicated, following the meeting of physicians, surgeons and radiologists. Severe Raynaud's phenomena (reduced blood flow to fingers and toes) in patients with progressive trophic disorders.
2.
e Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml
Do not use Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml if you:
have hypersensitivity (allergy) to iloprost or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6 "Contents of the pack and other information")
are at increased risk of bleeding – for example, if you have an active gastric (stomach) or duodenal ulcer, bleeding from wounds or had bleeding inside the skull
have suspected fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) accompanied by difficulty in breathing had a heart attack within the last six months have an irregular heart rate have poor blood flow to the heart muscle (severe coronary artery disease or unstable angina) are suffering with angina or chest pain had an acute or chronic congestive heart failure have congenital or acquired valvular defects with clinically relevant myocardial function disorders not related to pulmonary hypertension had a stroke in the past 3 months are pregnant or breast feeding
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before using Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml if you:
require urgent amputation. Surgery should not be delayed if you need urgent amputation (e.g. in case of infected gangrene). are a smoker. You should stop smoking. have liver problems or severe kidney problems, tell your doctor. You may be prescribed a lower dose of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml and your doctor will monitor you closely. have low blood pressure, care should be taken so as not to further reduce blood pressure (hypotension). have severe heart disease, you will be monitored closely.
After administration, when moving from a lying to upright position, your blood pressure may fall. This can make you feel dizzy for a while until your blood pressure returns to normal values (this is called "orthostatic hypotension"). Stand up slowly when you get out of bed. This will help your body get used to this change in position and blood pressure. If undiluted Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is infused in the veins this can lead to local changes at the injection site due to extravasation. If Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml comes into contact with your skin: Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml solution should not come into contact with your skin or eyes. On contact with the skin, iloprost may cause long-lasting but painless redness of the skin (erythema). In the event of such contact, wash immediately the skin or the eyes with water or saline. Other medicines and Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml and some other medicines may affect each other in the way they work in your body. Take special care to mention any of the following:
Medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease. Iloprost may interact with various other medicines, for example by increasing the hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effect of certain hypotensive medicines, such as beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, converting enzyme inhibitors, other anti-hypertensives and vasodilators. If
hypotension were to occur during infusion, the corrective measure to be taken will be to reduce the infusion rate or even to stop the infusion, or the associated treatment. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines. He/she may change the dose of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml you should take. Medicines that thin the blood or inhibit blood clotting (e.g Aspirin® or acetylsalicylic acid, ticlopidine, clopidogrel). The risk of bleeding may be increased. If you suffer from bleeding, treatment with Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml should be discontinued.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility: Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is not indicated for pregnant or breast-feeding women. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment. Driving and using machines: Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. Do not drive or operate any tools or machines if you feel these effects. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml contains alcohol and sodium This medicine contains 8.1 mg of alcohol (96% ethanol) in each 1 ml. The amount in 1 ml of this medicine is equivalent to less than 1 ml beer or 1 ml wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 1 ml, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'. 3.
How to use Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml should be used only under strict monitoring in hospitals or outpatient clinics with adequate facilities. How Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is prepared for administration Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is a solution contained in a glass ampoule. The content of the ampoule is diluted with 0.9% physiological sodium chloride solution or a 5% glucose solution. The infusion solution should be prepared just before the infusion daily, to ensure sterility. The content of the ampoule and the diluent must be mixed thoroughly. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml must be used only after dilution. For further information for physicians or healthcare professionals on the preparation of the dilution see section "The following information is intended for medical and healthcare professionals only" at the end of this leaflet. How Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is given The solution is infused intravenously with a venous catheter directly into one of the veins in your arm or into a central intravenous catheter inserted into a vein near your neck. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is administered as infusion over 6 hours daily. The dose is adjusted according to individual tolerability within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng iloprost/kg body weight/min. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be measured at the start of the infusion and after every dose increase.
How much Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is given During the first 2-3 days, the individually tolerated dose is established. For this purpose, your doctor will start the treatment at a low dose. Treatment should be started at an infusion rate of 0.5 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes. The dose should then be increased at intervals of 30 minutes in steps of 0.5 ng/kg/min up to 2.0 ng/kg/min. The exact infusion speed should be calculated on the basis of body weight to reach an infusion within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg/min (see tables below for use with infusion pump or syringe driver). If adverse effects occur, such as headache and nausea or an undesirable drop in blood pressure, tell your doctor immediately. The infusion rate should be reduced until the tolerable dose is found. If the adverse effects are severe, the infusion should be interrupted. For the remaining duration, the treatment should be continued with the dose found to be tolerated in the first 2 to 3 days. The doctor will determine whether Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml will be infused intravenously by an infusion pump or with a syringe driver. If Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is administered with an infusion pump, it will be diluted before infusion to a final concentration of 0.2 micrograms/ml. If Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is administered with a syringe driver, it will be diluted before infusion to a final concentration of 2 micrograms /ml. If you have renal failure requiring dialysis or liver cirrhosis, iloprost elimination is reduced and a dose reduction (e.g. half the recommended dose) is necessary. Tell your doctor if you have problems with your liver or kidneys.
: The duration of treatment is up to 4 weeks. The safety and efficacy of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml have not been studied for treatment longer than 4 weeks or after repetitive treatment cycles. Continuous infusion over several days is not recommended, because it can lead to reduced effect on platelets and increased platelet aggregation (platelet hyperaggregability) at the end of treatment. No clinical complications associated with these phenomena have been reported. If you feel that the effect of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any further questions about the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you use more Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml than you should: Drop in blood pressure (hypotensive reaction) can be expected, as well as headache, redness of the face (flushing), nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. An increase in blood pressure, reduced or increased heart rate and limb or back pain may also occur. No specific antidote is known. In case of overdose, your doctor is advised to discontinue infusion of iloprost, to monitor you and treat your symptoms.
If you stop using Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml: If the infusion therapy with Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is discontinued, your doctor will take care to restore the changes that might have been made to other medicines you take, due to Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml administration (e.g. dose reductions). 4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most severe side effects, which have been reported as having a fatal or life-threatening effect in patients taking iloprost are:
Cerebrovascular event (stroke) Myocardial infarction (heart attack) Pulmonary embolism (difficulties breathing or chest pain when breathing due to blood clot in the lung) Heart failure Convulsions Hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) Tachycardia (fast heart rate) Asthma Angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort due to insufficient blood flow to the heart) Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing) Pulmonary oedema (difficulty breathing or coughing blood due to fluid buildup in the lung)
The most common side effects observed in patients taking Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml include headache, flushing (redness of the face), hyperhidrosis (sweating) and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. These side effects are likely to occur during the dose titration at the start of treatment to identify the best tolerable dose for the individual patient. However, all these side effects usually disappear quickly with dose reduction.
are listed below according to their frequency: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Decreased appetite Apathy Confusional state Dizziness/vertigo (feeling of 'spinning') Paraesthesia (numbness and tingling)/palpitations/hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to pain or touch) Agitation Drowsiness Pulsatile sensation Nervousness Tachycardia (fast heart rate) Bradycardia (slow heart rate) Angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort due to insufficient blood flow to the heart) Hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure)
Blood pressure increased Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing) Diarrhoea Abdominal discomfort/abdominal pain Pain in jaw/trismus (jaw spasm, locking jaw) Myalgia (muscle pain)/arthralgia (joint pain)
Pain Fever/body temperature increased Generalised feeling of heat/discomfort Burning sensation Asthenia (weakness)/malaise (feeling of major weakness) Chills Fatigue Thirst Infusion site reactions such as infusion site erythema, infusion site pain or infusion site phlebitis (vein irritation)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Thrombocytopenia (blood disorder characterized by easy bruising or bleeding) Hypersensitivity (allergy) Anxiety, depression, hallucination Syncope (short loss of consciousness) Tremor (trembling or shaking) Migraine Blurred vision Eye irritation Eye pain Arrhythmia/extrasystoles (abnormal heart rate) Deep vein thrombosis (pain in the legs due to a blood clot in the blood vessels of the legs) Haemorrhagic diarrhoea (diarrhoea with blood in stools) Rectal haemorrhage Dyspepsia (heartburn or stomach pain) Rectal tenesmus (pain due to constipation) Constipation Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Dry mouth Dysgeusia (sense of taste disorder) Liver disorder (hepatic impairment) Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of the eye and/or itching due to hepatic disorder) Pruritus (itching) Tetany (prolonged painful muscle spasm), muscle spasms Hypertonia (increased muscle tension) Kidney pain Vesical tenesmus (failed urinary urgency) Abnormal urine Dysuria (painful urination or difficulty urinating)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
Cough Proctitis (rectal irritation)
Iloprost may cause chest pain or discomfort due to angina pectoris, especially in patients with coronary artery disease. The risk of bleeding is increased in patients when inhibitors of platelet aggregation, heparin or anticoagulants of the coumarin-type are given concomitantly. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. After opening and dilution: Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 25oC. From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2-8oC, unless the dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and ampoule label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6.
What Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml contains: –
The active substance is iloprost 1 ml of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml contains 100 micrograms of iloprost (equivalent to 134 micrograms iloprost trometamol).
–
The other ingredients are: trometamol, ethanol 96% (v/v), sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid (E507) for pH adjustment and water for injection.
What Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml looks like and contents of the pack –
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is a clear colourless solution, free of visible particles which is diluted prior to infusion via a vein. It is supplied in glass ampoules. Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml is available in the following pack sizes:
1 Box of 1 or 5 ampoules, each with 0.5 ml concentrate for solution for infusion or 1 box of 1 or 5 ampoules, each with 1 ml concentrate for solution for infusion.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Colonis Pharma Ltd. 25 Bedford Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3HH, United Kingdom Manufacturer Rafarm S.A. Thesi Pousi-Xatzi, Agiou Louka, 19002, Paiania Attiki, Greece This leaflet was last revised in August 2025. The latest approved patient information leaflet for this medicine is available via the following URL: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10034/pil#about-medicine The following information is intended for medical and healthcare professionals only: Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml should be used only after dilution. The following sections provide more information to your doctor when using an infusion pump or a syringe driver for the administration of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml. Infusion rates (ml/hour) for different doses using an infusion pump In general, the ready-to-use infusion solution is infused intravenously by means of an infusion pump (e.g. Infusomat®). In case of an Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentration of 0.2 micrograms/ml, the required infusion rate should be determined according to the below described scheme to reach a dose within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg/min. The following table can be used to calculate the infusion rate corresponding to the individual weight of the patient and the dose to be infused. Match the patient's actual body weight on the table, then set the infusion rate based on the desired dose in ng/kg/min.
0.5 Body weight [kg] 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
Dose [ng/kg/min] 1.0 1.5
2.0
Infusion rate [ml/h] 6.0 7.5 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.5
12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33
18.0 22.5 27.0 31.5 36.0 40.5 45.0 49.5
24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66
Infusion rates (ml/hour) for different doses using a syringe driver A syringe driver with a 50 ml injection syringe (e.g. Perfusor®) may also be used to infuse
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml. In case of an Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentration of 2 micrograms/ml, the required infusion rate must be determined according to the below described scheme, to reach a dose within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg/min. The following table can be used to calculate the infusion rate corresponding to the individual weight of the patient and the dose to be infused. Match the patient's actual body weight on the table, then set the infusion rate based on the desired dose in ng/kg/min.
0.5 Body weight [kg] 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
0.60 0.75 0.90 1.05 1.20 1.35 1.50 1.65
Dose [ng/kg/min] 1.0 1.5 Infusion rate [ml/h] 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.0 3.3
1.80 2.25 2.70 3.15 3.60 4.05 4.50 4.95
2.0
2.4 3.0 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4 6.0 6.6
Due to possible interactions, no other medicinal product should be added to the ready-to-use solution for infusion. In order to ensure sterility, the ready-to-use solution for infusion should be prepared every day. Instructions for handling: The ampoule contents and diluent must be thoroughly mixed. Dilution of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml with an infusion pump. The contents of 1 ml Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml (i.e. 100 micrograms) is diluted with 500 ml sterile physiological sodium chloride solution or a 5% glucose solution. The contents of 0.5 ml Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml (i.e. 50 micrograms) is diluted with 250 ml sterile physiological sodium chloride solution or a 5% glucose solution, respectively. Dilution of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml with an infusion syringe pump. The contents of 1 ml Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml (i.e. 100 micrograms) must be diluted with 50 ml sterile physiological sodium chloride solution or 5% glucose solution. The contents of 0.5 ml Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml (i.e. 50 micrograms) must be diluted with 25 ml sterile physiological sodium chloride solution or 5% glucose solution, respectively.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion comes as infusion containing 100micrograms/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is iloprost trometamol.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Iloprost Waymade 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is indicated in adults for:
• Treatment of severe chronic ischaemia of lower limbs in patients at risk of amputation, in whom surgical revascularisation or angioplasty has failed or is not indicated, following an interdisciplinary meeting of physicians, surgeons and radiologists.
• Treatment of severe Raynaud's phenomena in patients with progressive trophic disorders.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is NOT ready to use and requires dilution before administration.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion should be administered under strict monitoring in a hospital or out-patient clinic setting with adequate facilities.
Pregnancy should be excluded before the start of treatment in women.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is administered after dilution as described in section 6.6 as an intravenous infusion over 6 hours via a peripheral vein or a central venous catheter. The dose is adjusted according to individual tolerability within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng iloprost /kg body weight/min.
The infusion solution should be made up just before the infusion to ensure sterility.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion should only be used diluted. To avoid incompatibility, no other products should be added to the infusion prepared for injection.
The content of the ampoule and the diluent must be mixed thoroughly.
Posology
Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored at the start of the infusion and subsequently at every dose increase. During the first 2-3 days, the individually tolerated dose is established. For this reason, treatment should be started at an infusion rate of 0.5 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes. The dose should then be increased at intervals of 30 minutes by 0.5 ng/kg/min to a maximum of 2.0 ng/kg/min. The exact infusion rate should be calculated on the basis of body weight to reach an infusion within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg/min (see tables below for use with infusion pump or syringe driver).
Method of administration
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is NOT ready to use and requires dilution before administration. Depending on the occurrence of adverse effects such as headache and nausea or an undesired blood pressure drop, the infusion rate should be reduced until the optimal tolerated dose is found. If the adverse effects are severe, the infusion should be temporarily interrupted. The treatment course can then be continued –with the dose based on the optimal tolerated dose reached in the first 2 to 3 days of treatment.
Depending on the infusion technique used, there are two different methods to dilute the content of the ampoule. One of those two dilutions are 10-fold less concentrated than the other (0.2 micrograms/ml vs 2 micrograms/ml) and may only be administered with an infusion pump (e.g. Infusomat®). A more concentrated solution may be administered via a syringe driver. For instructions on the use/handling see section 6.6.
Infusion rates (ml/hour) for different doses using an automatic infusion pump
In general, the ready-to-use infusion solution is administered intravenously using an automatic infusion pump (For instructions on the dilution for use with an infusion pump see section 6.6).
In case of an Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion concentration of 0.2 micrograms/ml, the required infusion rate must be determined according to the below described scheme, to reach a dose within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg/min.
The following table (Table 1) can be used to calculate the infusion rate corresponding to the individual weight of the patient and the dose to be administered. Match the patient's actual body weight on the table, then set the infusion rate on the pump, based on the desired dose in ng/kg/min.
Table 1:
Body weight [kg]
Dose [ng/kg/min]
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
Infusion rate [ml/h]
40
6.0
12
18.0
24
50
7.5
15
22.5
30
60
9.0
18
27.0
36
70
10.5
21
31.5
42
80
12.0
24
36.0
48
90
13.5
27
40.5
54
100
15.0
30
45.0
60
110
16.5
33
49.5
66
Infusion rates (ml/hour) for different doses using a syringe driver
A syringe driver with a 50 ml injection syringe (e.g. Perfusor®) may also be used to infuse iloprost. For instructions on the dilution for use with a syringe driver see section 6.6.
In case of an Iloprost concentration of 2 micrograms/ml, the required infusion rate must be determined according to the below described scheme (Table 2), to reach a dose within the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg/min.
The following table (Table 2) can be used to calculate the infusion rate corresponding to the individual weight of the patient and the dose to be infused. Match the patient's actual body weight on the table, then set the infusion rate on the syringe driver based on the desired dose to be delivered in ng/kg/min.
Table 2:
Body weight [kg]
Dose [ng/kg/min]
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
Infusion rate [ml/h]
40
0.60
1.2
1.80
2.4
50
0.75
1.5
2.25
3.0
60
0.90
1.8
2.70
3.6
70
1.05
2.1
3.15
4.2
80
1.20
2.4
3.60
4.8
90
1.35
2.7
4.05
5.4
100
1.50
3.0
4.50
6.0
110
1.65
3.3
4.95
6.6
The duration of treatment is up to 4 weeks.
The safety and efficacy of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion have not been studied after treatment longer than 4 weeks or after repetitive treatment cycles.
Treatment of severe chronic ischemia of the lower limbs
The recommended dosage varies between 0.5 to 2 ng/kg/min for an infusion of 6h /per day depending on the patient's tolerance.
Continue the treatment in general for four weeks, using the tolerated dose determined during the first two or three days of treatment.
The duration of treatment is usually four weeks. It may be less in case of early efficacy. The efficacy and safety of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion has not been established for treatment times of more than four weeks or repeated courses of treatment in this indication. Continuous infusion over several days is not recommended. Although there were no clinical consequences, a tachyphylaxis of the effects on the platelets as well as a hyperaggregability at the stop of the treatment can occur.
Treatment of Severe Raynaud's Phenomenon
The recommended dosage varies between 1.5 to 2 ng/kg/min depending on the patient's tolerance. Treatment should be started at 0.5 ng/kg/min (i.e. 10 ml / h) and increased gradually every 30 minutes, according to the scheme proposed above, to reach the maximum tolerated dose by the patient. The duration of the infusion will be 6h/per day for 5 consecutive days, using the maximum tolerated dose determined during the first days of treatment.
Repeat cycles should preferably take place at intervals of 6 to 12 weeks (and never less than 4 weeks).
Special population
Renal or hepatic impairment
In patients with renal insufficiency requiring dialysis or severe hepatic impairment, caution initial titration with a reduced dose is required (e.g. half the normal dose see Section 4.4 and 5.2).
Paediatric population
Safety and efficacy of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion in children aged up to 18 years have not been established.
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Conditions where the effects of iloprost platelets might increase the risk of haemorrhage (e.g. active peptic ulcer, trauma, intracranial haemorrhage).
- Severe coronary heart disease or unstable angina
- Myocardial infarction within the last six months
- Decompensated cardiac failure if not under close medical supervision
- Acute or chronic congestive heart failure (NYHA II-IV)
- Severe arrhythmias
- Cerebrovascular events (e.g. transient ischemic attack, stroke) within the last 3 months
- Pulmonary oedema
- Congenital or acquired valvular defects with clinically relevant myocardial function disorders not related to pulmonary hypertension.
Special warnings
Surgery should not be delayed in patients requiring urgent amputation (e.g. in cases of infected gangrene).
Patients who are smokers should be strongly advised to stop smoking.
In patients with renal insufficiency requiring dialysis or severe hepatic impairment, it should be taken into account that iloprost plasma levels may be increased due to less elimination of the product (see section 5.2). In these patients, cautious initial titration with dose reduction (see section 4.2) and close clinical monitoring are required.
In patients with low blood pressure care should be taken to avoid further hypotension.
Also, patients with significant heart disease should be closely monitored.
The possibility of orthostatic hypotension should be considered in patients getting up from the lying to an upright position after the end of administration.
For patients with a cerebrovascular event, a careful benefit-risk assessment should be undertaken (see also section 4.3 risk of haemorrhage, intracranial haemorrhage).
This medicinal product contains small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), less than 100mg per dose.
Special precautions
Accidental infusion of undiluted iloprost may result in local changes at the injection site. Therefore a dedicated intravenous cannula should be placed for the infusion of iloprost and the patency of the line should be checked during infusion.
Oral ingestion and contact with the mucous membranes should be avoided. On contact with the skin, iloprost may cause long-lasting but painless erythema. Suitable precautions should therefore be taken to avoid iloprost contact with the skin. In the event of such contact, the affected area should be washed immediately with copious amounts of water or saline.
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion contains ethanol and sodium
This medicine contains 8.1 mg of alcohol (96% ethanol) in each 1 ml. The amount in 1 ml of this medicine is equivalent to less than 1 ml beer or 1 ml wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 1 ml, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'.
Iloprost may increase the anti-hypertensive activity of β- blockers, calcium antagonists, vasodilators and ACE inhibitors. In patients, iloprost may increase the effects of vasodilators and antihypertensive agents. If, in a patient treated with such a combination, hypotension occurs during the infusion, the corrective measure to be taken will be to reduce the infusion rate or even to stop the infusion or the associated treatment.
Because iloprost inhibits platelet aggregation, concomitant use with oral anticoagulants, and/ or heparin and related molecules (coumarin-type anticoagulants), and/ or thrombolytics and/or other inhibitors of platelet aggregation (such as acetylsalicylic acid, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and /or anti IIB/ IIIA) may increase the risk of bleeding. The possible increase in haemorrhagic risk should be taken into account by maintaining close clinical monitoring. If this occurs, iloprost administration should be stopped.
Iloprost infusions do not affect the pharmacokinetics of multiple oral doses of digoxin.
Pregnancy
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3).
Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment. There are no or limited amount of data from the use of iloprost in pregnant women.
Studies in animals have shown embryotoxicity in rats but not in rabbits and monkey (see section 5.3).
Breast-feeding
Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is contraindicated during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). It is unknown whether iloprost is excreted in human milk.
A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion therapy taking into account the benefit of breast feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
There are no fertility data available.
Iloprost has major influence on the ability to drive and use machines for patients experiencing hypotensive symptoms such as dizziness.
Care should be exercised during initiation of therapy until any effects on the individual have been determined.
a. Summary of safety profile
The overall safety profile of iloprost is based on data from post-marketing surveillance as well as on pooled clinical trial data. The raw incidence was based on the cumulative database of 3325 patients having received iloprost either in controlled or uncontrolled clinical trials or in a compassionate use program from generally elderly and multimorbid patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in advanced stages III and IV, and patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO); for details see Table 1.
The most common observed adverse events (≥ 10%) in patients receiving iloprost in clinical trials are headache, flushing, nausea, vomiting and hyperhidrosis. These undesirable effects are likely to occur during the dose titration at the start of treatment to identify the best tolerable dose for the individual patient. Usually these undesirable effects resolve with dose reduction.
Overall, the most severe undesirable effects (life-threatening or fatal) in patients receiving iloprost are cerebrovascular stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, cardiac failure, convulsion, hypotension, tachycardia, asthma, angina pectoris, dyspnoea, and pulmonary oedema.
Another group of side effects is related to the local infusion site reactions. For example, infusion site redness and infusion site pain may occur or a cutaneous vasodilation may give rise to a linear erythema above the infusion vein.
b. Tabular list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions observed after use of iloprost 100 micrograms/1 ml are listed in the table below. They are classified by system organ class (MedDRA version 19.0). The most appropriate MedDRA term has been selected to describe a certain reaction and its synonyms and associated conditions.
Adverse reactions from clinical studies are classified by their frequency.
The following categories are used for stating the frequency of adverse reactions:
Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 to <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); Very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
Table 1: Adverse reactions reported during clinical studies or observed in post-marketing experience in patients treated with iloprost 100micrograms/ml.
System Organ Class (MedDRA)
Very common
(≥1/10)
Common
(≥1/100 to 1/10)
Uncommon
(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)
Rare
(≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Thrombocytopenia
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Decreased appetite
Psychiatric disorders
Bradypsychia, Confusional state, Apathy
Anxiety, Depression, Hallucination
Nervous system disorders
Headache
Dizziness/Vertigo, Paraesthesia/Palpitations/ Hyperaesthesia/ Burning sensation, Restlessness/ drowsiness, Pulsatile sensation, Nervousness
Convulsion*, Syncope, Tremor, Migraine
Eye disorders
Vision blurred, Eye irritation, Eye pain
Cardiac disorders
Tachycardia*, Bradycardia, Angina pectoris*
Myocardial infarction*, Cardiac failure*, Arrhythmia/ Extrasystoles*,
Vascular disorders
Flushing
Hypotension*, Blood pressure increased
Cerebrovascular event*/Cerebral ischaemia, pulmonary embolism*, Deep vein thrombosis
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnoea*
Asthma*, Pulmonary oedema*
Cough
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea, Vomiting
Diarrhoea, Abdominal discomfort/ Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea haemorrhagic, Rectal haemorrhage, Dyspepsia, Rectal tenesmus, Constipation, Dysphagia, Dry mouth/Dysgeusia
Proctitis
Hepatobiliary disorders
Hepatic impairment
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Hyperhidrosis
Pruritus
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain in jaw/Trismus, Myalgia/Arthralgia
Tetany/Muscle spasms,
Renal and urinary disorders
Kidney pain, Dysuria
General disorders and administration site conditions
Pain, Pyrexia/Body temperature increased, Generalised feeling of heat/discomfort/ asthenia, Chills, Thirst, Infusion site reactions (infusion site erythema, infusion site pain, infusion site phlebitis)
*life threatening and/or fatal cases have been reported
Iloprost may cause angina pectoris, especially in patients with coronary artery disease.
The risk of bleeding is increased in patients when inhibitors of platelet aggregation, heparin or coumarin-type anticoagulants are given concomitantly.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Symptoms
The following symptoms might be possible: pronounced facial flush, severe headache, sometimes limb and back pain, vagal reaction with sudden pallor, sweating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhoea, decreased or increase of blood pressure, bradycardia or tachycardia.
Treatment
No specific antidote is known.
Interruption of iloprost administration, monitoring and symptomatic measures are recommended.
Ask anything about Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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