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Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

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.

Active substance: Iloprost trometamol

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

  • have liver problems or severe for kidney problems, tell your doctor. 2. What you need to know before you You may be prescribed a lower use Iloprost dose of Iloprost and your doctor 3. How to use Iloprost will monitor closely. 4. Possible side effects
  • have low blood pressure, care 5. How to store Iloprost should be taken so as not to 6. Contents of the pack and other further reduce blood pressure information (hypotension).
  • have severe heart disease, you 1. What Iloprost is and what it is will be monitored closely. used for After administration, when moving The name of this medicine is Iloprost from a lying to upright position, 100 micrograms / ml concentrate for your blood pressure may fall. This can solution for infusion called Iloprost make you feel dizzy for a while until throughout this leaflet. It contains your blood pressure returns to normal the active ingredient iloprost which values (this is called 'orthostatic imitates a natural substance in the hypotension'). Stand up slowly when body called prostacyclin. Iloprost you get out of bed. This will help and prostacyclin prevent unwanted your body get used to this change in blockages or narrowing of blood position and blood pressure. vessels and allow improved blood If undiluted Iloprost is infused in flow in the arteries. the veins, this may lead to local Iloprost promotes the healing of changes at the injection site due to wounds caused by insufficient blood extravasation. flow (ischemia) by providing better If Iloprost comes into contact with oxygenation, and relieving pain in your skin or eyes: severe, chronic disorders of the This medicine should not come into blood circulation. contact with your skin or eyes. On Iloprost is used in adults in the contact with the skin, iloprost may treatment of: cause long-lasting but painless
  • Severe chronic ischaemia of lower redness of the skin (erythema). In limbs (decreased blood supply) in the event of such contact, wash patients at risk of amputation, in immediately the skin or the eyes with whom surgical revascularisation water or saline. or angioplasty (repair of the blood Children and adolescents vessel) has failed or is not indicated, The safety and efficacy of iloprost in following the meeting of physicians, children aged up to 18 years have surgeons and radiologists. not been established.
  • Severe Raynaud's phenomena Other medicines and Iloprost (reduced blood flow to fingers and Tell your doctor if you are taking, toes) in patients with progressive have recently taken or might take any trophic disorders. other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 2. What you need to know before Iloprost and some other medicines you use Iloprost may affect each other in the way they work in your body. Tell your doctor if Do not use Iloprost if you:
  • are allergic to iloprost or any of the you are taking:
  • Medicines used to treat high other ingredients of this medicine blood pressure or heart disease. (listed in section 6). Your blood pressure may drop
  • are at increased risk of bleeding much further. Tell your doctor if
  • for example if you have a gastric you are taking any of these. He/she (stomach) or duodenal ulcer, may change the dose of Iloprost bleeding from wounds or had you are given. bleeding inside the skull.
  • Medicines that thin the blood or
  • have suspected fluid build-up inhibit blood clotting (e.g. Aspirin in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) or Acetylsalicylic acid, ticlopidine, accompanied by difficulty in clopidogrel) The risk of bleeding breathing. -1Package leaflet: Information for the user

may be increased. If you suffer bleeding, treatment with Iloprost should be discontinued. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility Iloprost is not indicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before this medicine is given to you. This medicine must not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment. Driving and using machines Iloprost lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some people. Do not drive or operate any tools or machines if you feel these effects. Important information about some of the ingredients of Iloprost Ethanol This medicine contains 8.10 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each ml of the concentrate. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects. This medicine contains 7.08 mg sodium in 1 ml of the concentrate, that is to say essentially "sodium-free". 3. How to use Iloprost Iloprost should only be used under strict monitoring in hospitals or in outpatient clinics with adequate facilities. How Iloprost is prepared for administration Iloprost concentrate for solution for infusion is NOT ready to use and requires dilution before administration. Iloprost is a solution contained in a glass ampoule. The content of the ampoule is diluted with physiological saline solution or a 5% glucose solution. The infusion should be prepared just before it is administered to ensure sterility. The content of the ampoule and the diluent must be mixed thoroughly.

Iloprost 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 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 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 nanograms iloprost/kg body weight/min. iloprost/kg/min. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be measured at the start of the infusion and after every dose increase. How much Iloprost is given During the first 2 to 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 nanograms/kg/min for 30 minutes. The dose should then be increased at intervals of 30 minutes in steps of 0.5 nanograms/kg/min up to a maximum of 2.0 nanograms/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 nanograms/kg/min. 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 will be infused intravenously by an infusion pump or with an injector. If Iloprost is administered

-2The following information is intended for medical and healthcare professionals only Iloprost concentrate for solution for infusion is NOT ready to use and requires dilution before administration. The following sections provide more information to your doctor when using and infusion pump or a syringe driver for the administration of Iloprost. 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 nanograms/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 infused. Match the patient's actual weight on the table, then set the infusion rate based on the desired dose in nanograms/kg/min.

Table 1: Infusion rates [ml/h] for different doses when using an infusion pump. Body weight [kg] 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

Dose [nanograms/kg/min] 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 Infusion rate [ml/h] 6.0 12 18.0 24 7.5 15 22.5 30 9.0 18 27.0 36 10.5 21 31.5 42 12.0 24 36.0 48 13.5 27 40.5 54 15.0 30 45.0 60 16.5 33 49.5 66

Infusion rates (ml/hour) for different doses using an 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 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 nanograms/kg/min.

with an infusion pump, it will be diluted before infusion to a final concentration of 0.2 micrograms/ml. If Iloprost is administered with an injector, it will be diluted before infusion to a final concentration of 2 micrograms/ml. Patients with kidney or liver problems If you have kidney problems 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.

How to take it

The duration of the treatment is up to 4 weeks. The safety and efficacy of Iloprost has not been studied for treatment for longer than 4 weeks or after repetitive 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 is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor. If you are given more Iloprost 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 the treatment with Iloprost If the infusion therapy with Iloprost is discontinued, your doctor will take care to restore the changes that might have been made to other medicines you take, due to Iloprost administration (e.g. dose reductions). If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 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 (fits),
  • 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 build-up in the lung).

The most common side effects observed in patients taking Iloprost 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.

Possible side effects

are listed below according to their frequency. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Decreased appetite.
  • Apathy
  • Confused state
  • Dizziness/vertigo (feeling of spinning)
  • Paraesthesia (numbness and tingling) / palpitations/ hyperaesthesia (increased sensitivity to pain or touch)
  • Agitation
  • Drowsiness
  • 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 pain/ trismus (jaw spasm, locking jaw)
  • Myalgia (muscle pain)/ arthralgia (joint pain)
  • Pain
  • Fever, body temperature increased
  • Burning sensation
  • Asthenia (weakness)/ malaise (feeling of major weakness)
  • Chills
  • Thirst
  • Infusion site reactions such as infusion of 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, hallucinations
  • 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
  • Dyspepsia (sense of taste disorder)
  • Liver disorder (hepatic impairment)
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of the and/or itching due to hepatic disorder)
  • Pruritus (itching)
  • Tetany (prolonged painful muscle spasm), muscle spasms
  • Hypertonia (increased muscle tension)
  • Kidney pain

-3• Vesical tenesmus (failed urinary urgency)

  • Abnormal urine
  • Dysuria (painful urination or difficult urinating) Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
  • Cough
  • Proctitis (rectal irritation) Iloprost may cause chest pain or discomfort due to angina pectoris, especially in patients with coronary 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 the Yellow Card Scheme at: 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.

The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

How to store it

Iloprost Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store in the original packaging. Do not freeze. After opening and dilution; chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 25°C. From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would not normally be longer than 24 hours at 2-8 °C, 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, after EXP.

What Iloprost contains

  • The active substance is iloprost. Each ampoule contains 0.5 ml concentrate for solution for infusion containing 50 micrograms Iloprost (as Iloprost trometamol). Each 1 ml of concentrate for solution for infusion contains 100 micrograms Iloprost (as Iloprost trometamol).
  • The other ingredients are, trometamol, ethanol 96%, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid dilute (as pH adjusting agent), water for injection. What Iloprost looks like and contents of the pack Clear and colourless solution free of visible particles. Clear Type I glass 1 ml ampoule, in a PVC blister and paper folding carton. Pack sizes: 1 ampoule and 5 ampoules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Zentiva Pharma UK Limited, 12 New Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1JP, UK Manufacturer Zentiva, k.s., U kabelovny 130, Dolní Měcholupy, 102 37, Prague 10, Czech Republic This leaflet was last revised in May 2022

ZV/693 37

-4The 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 weight on the table, then set the infusion rate based on the desired dose in nanograms/kg/min. Table 2: Infusion rates [ml/h] for different doses when using an syringe driver. Body Dose [nanograms/kg/min] weight 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 [kg] 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 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 readyto-use solution should be prepared every day.

Instructions on handling The ampoule contents and diluent must be thoroughly mixed. Dilution of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ ml with an infusion pump. Iloprost solution at concentration level 0.2 micrograms/ml in 5 % glucose should not be prepared into plastic bottles, it can be prepared into glass bottles or infusion bags. The iloprost infusion solution at concentration level 0.2 micrograms/ml in saline solution can be prepared in plastic and glass bottles or in infusion bags. The contents of an ampoule is 0.5 ml of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ ml (i.e. 50 micrograms) is diluted with 250 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride Infusion or a 5% Glucose Infusion respectively. Dilution of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ ml with an infusion syringe pump. The contents of an ampoule is 0.5 ml of Iloprost 100 micrograms/ ml (i.e. 50 micrograms) is diluted with 25 ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride Infusion or a 5% Glucose Infusion respectively.

Frequently asked questions about Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion

How do I take Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion?

Iloprost Zentiva 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.

What is the active substance in Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion?

The active substance in Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is iloprost trometamol.

Are there equivalent medicines to Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Iloprost 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, Iloprost Waymade 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Iloprost Zentiva 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.

Can I get Iloprost Zentiva 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion without a prescription?

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.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Iloprost trometamol (7 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Iloprost 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.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Iloprost concentrate for solution for infusion is NOT ready to use and requires dilution before administration.

Iloprost 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 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 nanograms iloprost /kg body weight/min.

The infusion solution should be made up just before the infusion to ensure sterility.

Iloprost 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 nanograms /kg/min for 30 minutes. The dose should then be increased at intervals of 30 minutes by 0.5 nanograms /kg/min to a maximum of 2.0 nanograms /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 nanograms /kg/min (see tables below for use with infusion pump or syringe driver).

Method of administration

Iloprost 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 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 nanograms /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 nanograms/kg/min.

Table 1:

Body weight [kg]

Dose [nanograms/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 nanograms/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 nanograms/kg/min.

Table 2:

Body weight [kg]

Dose [nanograms/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 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 2.0 nanograms/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 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 2.0 nanograms/kg/min depending on the patient's tolerance. Treatment should be started at 0.5 nanograms/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 concentrate for solution for infusion in children aged up to 18 years have not been established.

4.3. Contraindications

• 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.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

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).

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.

Excipients

Iloprost concentrate for solution for infusion contains 8.10 mg of ethanol per 1 ml. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects.

This medicine contains 7.08 mg sodium in 1 ml of the concentrate, that is to say essentially “sodium-free”.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Iloprost may increase the anti-hypertensive activity of β- blockers, calcium antagonists, vasodilators and ACE inhibitors. In case of significant hypotension, this can be corrected by dose reduction of iloprost.

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.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Iloprost 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 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 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.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

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.

4.8. Undesirable effects

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 3,325 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 thromboangitis 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.

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 3: 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

BradypsychiaConfusional state

Anxiety Depression Hallucination

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Dizziness/Vertigo Paraesthesia/ Palpitations/ Hyperaesthesia/ Burning sensation, Restlessness/ drowsiness

Convulsion* SyncopeTremor Migraine

Eye disorders

Vision blurred Eye irritation Eye pain

Cardiac disorders

Tachycardia* BradycardiaAngina 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

NauseaVomiting

Diarrhoea Abdominal discomfort/Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea haemorrhagic Rectal haemorrhageDyspepsia Rectal tenesmusConstipation 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 increasedFeeling hot, Asthenia, ChillsThirstInfusion 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.

4.9. Overdose

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.

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