Do you have high blood pressure in the lungs, or what doctors call `Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)`? If so, you may be experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue even when walking, and chest pain. In this article, we will talk about a specific drug called `Iloprost` that is used to treat this condition. Let's talk about it simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Iloprost?
`Iloprost` is a drug used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Now let's see what it does to the body.
Imagine that the blood vessels that carry blood to your lungs are a little clogged and narrowed. Then it is very difficult for the heart to pump blood through these narrowed vessels and send it to the lungs. Due to this, the heart feels a lot of strain, and the blood pressure in the lungs also increases. That is what we call `Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension`.
So, what this `Iloprost` medicine does is relax those constricted and narrowed blood vessels. What happens then? The heart can pump blood more easily without having to work so hard. The pressure inside the lungs decreases. As a result, you can breathe easier and have the energy to work a little more actively than before.
The most important thing is that this medicine should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor. Using a medicine prescribed for someone else can have serious consequences.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is important for your doctor to be aware of your complete health status before deciding to prescribe this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
- Liver disease: If there is any weakness or disease in the functioning of the liver.
- Low blood pressure: If your blood pressure is usually low.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to `Iloprost` or any other medicine, food, dyes or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or planning to have a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby.
This information is very important for your safety, because it is based on this information that the doctor will decide on the most suitable treatment for you.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a medicine that needs to be used in a slightly special way. It's not something you swallow like a pill.
`Iloprost` is a medicine that comes in the form of a liquid. It needs to be inhaled into the lungs . This is done using a special device called a nebulizer . This medicine is usually used only with a special device called the `I-neb AAD nebulizer` .
A nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a fine mist (aerosol/mist). You can then breathe in the mist deeply through your mouth and into your lungs.
A few things to remember:
- The right device: Always use only the nebulizer recommended by your doctor.
- Do not mix medications: Do not mix any other medications with `Iloprost` in the medication chamber of the nebulizer.
- Follow the instructions: Take the medicine only as often and at the times your doctor tells you. Do not use more than the prescribed amount.
- Instructions for use: Read the INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE that comes with this medicine carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
What if you give it to children?
Children may require special care when giving this medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor carefully about how to give this medicine to your child.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with `Iloprost`. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal products, and over-the-counter medicines). This is especially true if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting or thin the blood: Medicines like `Warfarin`, `Aspirin`, `Clopidogrel`, `Apixaban`, `Rivaroxaban`.
- High blood pressure medication: Other types of medications that lower blood pressure.
- Medicines for heart disease.
- Other medications such as `Cilostazol`, `Dipyridamole`, `Pentoxifylline`.
Tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs, as these things can affect the way this medicine works.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Medical check-ups: Go to the clinic regularly on the days your doctor tells you to check your condition. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor .
- Dizziness and drowsiness: You may feel a little drowsy and dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Changing positions: Do not get up from a sitting position or get out of bed suddenly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Be very careful with this, especially if you are older.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol may change the effects of this medicine.
- Bleeding: This medicine may slightly increase the risk of bleeding. If you experience any unusual bruising or bleeding, tell your doctor.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, `Iloprost` can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these clearly.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, urine that is red or dark brown, small red/purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Coughing up blood | Coughing up blood with mucus. |
| Heart palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, loud, or irregularly. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blue eyes. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you experience increased difficulty breathing or wheezing after taking the medicine. |
| 🩺 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Various difficulties | Back pain, cough, flushing, headache, muscle aches or pain, nausea, tongue pain, insomnia, and jaw muscle tightness and difficulty opening the mouth. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, seek medical advice about that as well.
How to store medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Temperature: Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius).
- After expiration: Throw away any medications that have passed their expiration date. Do not use them.
Take-Home Message
- Iloprost is a medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that is inhaled through a nebulizer.
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Always take the medicine in the amount prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time, and only with the recommended nebulizer.
- Be careful when performing tasks that require attention, such as driving, as dizziness and fainting may occur.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as bleeding, allergic reactions, or increased difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න