Who Takes Ventavis?

Life with Ventavis: Actual patient profiles†

Ventavis has been used in over 16,000 patients worldwide, so you can be confident regarding its use for treatment of NYHA Class III & IV pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)*. Your doctor may prescribe Ventavis. Appropriate patients who may receive Ventavis include:

  • Stable NYHA Class III patients whom physicians believe they can help improve more.
  • Patients taking an oral endothelin antagonist. It's proven safe in combination.†
  • Patients who desire an alternative to pumps and needles required with other prostacyclin therapies.

I.V. therapy not an option

“The shorter treatment times have given me more time [in my day].”

Christopher A., Missouri

  • Diagnosed with Heritable PAH* (HPAH) NYHA Class III in 2007
  • Sings in the church choir
  • Enjoys walking, photography, and spending time with friends

View Christopher's story and learn about his journey with Ventavis.

PAH* associated with scleroderma (PAH-SSc)

Grace F., North Carolina

  • Diagnosed with PAH-SSc NYHA Class III in 2002
  • Integrates her Ventavis therapy into her work schedule
  • Partner has active role as caregiver, helping with all aspects of therapy

See how Grace treats PAH* associated with scleroderma.

“I appreciate the portability of Ventavis [therapy]. I never had to stop work.”

Proven safety in combination‡1

“My doctor said I'd be a good candidate. I feel like I'm getting better.”

Debbie B., California

  • Diagnosed with Idiopathic PAH* (IPAH) NYHA Class III in 2000
  • Very involved with patient support group for PAH

See how Debbie is feeling better with her Ventavis treatment.

Stable NYHA Class III

Howard S., Florida

  • Diagnosed with Idiopathic PAH* (IPAH) NYHA Class III in 2009
  • Enjoys hobbies with his wife Lynn

See how Howard has regained time to pursue his hobbies.

“[With Ventavis 20 mcg/mL], the time element was reduced.”

The 20 mcg/mL concentration is intended for patients who are maintained at the 5-mcg dose and who have repeatedly experienced extended treatment times which could result in incomplete dosing. Ventavis 10 mcg/mL ampules are still available. Ventavis should be taken 6 to 9 times daily, at least 2 hours apart.1

Read about:

†In the pivotal clinical study for Ventavis, patients were studied for 12 weeks.1 Individual results may vary.

‡In a small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (the STEP trial), 34 patients treated with an endothelin receptor antagonist (125 mg BID for at least 16 weeks) tolerated the addition of inhaled iloprost (up to 5 mcg 6 to 9 times per day during waking hours).1

*Patient Indication and Important Safety Information

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*What is Ventavis?

Ventavis is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with certain kinds of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition in which blood pressure is too high in the blood vessels between the heart and the lungs. Ventavis may improve your ability to exercise and your symptoms for a short time by lowering your blood pressure and opening up the blood vessels in your lungs.

  • In the key clinical study, Ventavis showed clinical improvement as defined by 3 specific measurements: ability to exercise as measured by the 6-minute walk test, symptoms (NYHA Functional Class), and decrease in the worsening of PAH symptoms.
  • Ventavis is a medication you breathe in through a special device called the I-neb Adaptive Aerosol Delivery (AAD) System.

The study showing Ventavis is effective included mainly patients with NYHA Functional Class III-IV PAH. In these patients, PAH was caused by unidentified or hereditary factors (65%) or connective tissue diseases (23%).

Ventavis has not been studied in children younger than 18 years old.

What is the most important information I should know about Ventavis?

Ventavis may not be right for you. Before taking Ventavis, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have liver or kidney problems; are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant; or are breast-feeding. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems or medicines that lessen blood clotting (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven). Ventavis and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Ventavis?

  • Ventavis may cause side effects, including feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and faint. If you have any of these side effects, you should stand up slowly when you get out of chairs or bed. Tell your doctor if your fainting gets worse during treatment with Ventavis. Your doctor may need to change your dose or treatment.
  • Do not drive a car or operate any tools or machines if dizziness or fainting from low blood pressure is a problem for you.
  • You may have trouble breathing after taking Ventavis, because it may cause the muscles around your airway to tighten (bronchospasm). Get emergency help right away if you have trouble breathing.
  • The most common side effects of Ventavis include red face (flushing), increased cough, low blood pressure, headaches, nausea, spasm of your jaw muscles that makes it hard to open your mouth, and fainting.

Talk to your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Ventavis. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information

For more information about Ventavis, please call 1-866-ACTELION (1-866-228-3546).