Functional Class Improvement
Ventavis provides significant improvement in NYHA functional class1,2 ‡
‡ Ventavis is only indicated for NYHA functional class III & IV.
|
|
- Class I
- Patients with pulmonary hypertension but without resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or near syncope.
|
- Class II
- Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in slight limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or near syncope.
|
- Class III
- Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less-than-ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or near syncope.
|
- Class IV
- Patients with pulmonary hypertension with inability to carry out any physical activity without symptoms. These patients manifest signs of right heart failure. Dyspnea and/or fatigue may even be present at rest. Discomfort is increased by any physical activity.
|
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Hypotension leading to syncope has been observed; Ventavis should therefore not be initiated in patients with systolic blood pressure less than 85 mmHG. Stop Ventavis immediately if signs of pulmonary edema occur; this may be a sign of pulmonary venous hypertension. Ventavis inhalation may cause brochospasm and patients with a history of hyperreactive airway disease may be more sensitive. Serious adverse events reported at a rate of less than 3% included congestive heart failure, chest pain, supraventricular tachycardia, dyspnea, peripheral edema, and kidney failure. Vital signs should be monitored while initiating Ventavis. In clinical studies, common adverse reactions due to Ventavis included vasodilation (flushing), cough, headache, trismus, and insomnia. Ventavis has the potential to increase risk of bleeding, particularly in patients maintained on anticoagulants.
Please see full
|
 |