Inhaled iloprost for therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract

Iloprost (Ventavis^®, Bayer Schering Pharma, Germany) is a synthetic prostacyclin that is used in its inhalative form for the therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Long-term therapy can increase exercise capacity and quality of life. The use of modern nebulizers especially designed for the administration of iloprost guarantees the pulmonary deposition of the required doses and systematically minimizes side effects. Regarding existing data, inhalative iloprost acts in effective and safe combination with other classes of medication; indeed, such combination therapy is frequently necessary in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Keywords::

• inhaled iloprost
• PAH
• prostanoids
• side effects of therapy
• therapy algorithm

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Ralf Ewert has received fees and travel grants from Bayer Schering and is involved in studies with Bayer Schering. Christob Schäper has received travel grants from Bayer Schering. Sven Gläser has received fees and travel grants and is involved in studies with Bayer Schering. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

Adapted from [1].