Iloprost is a medication that helps improve blood flow to the fingers and toes. It improves the circulation by opening up the small blood vessels allowing more blood to flow.
Iloprost is used to treat Raynaud’s phenomenon that hasn’t responded to other medications.
Raynaud’s occurs because the blood vessels supplying the area are very sensitive to changes in temperature and temporarily constrict (close down) too much in the cold. Constriction of blood vessels is a normal response to the cold by the nerves in the fingers and toes to conserve heat. However in Raynaud’s this response is exaggerated.
When the blood vessels close up for a long period of time, the skin can form ulcers. Opening back up the blood vessels to these areas can help healing and prevent any further ulcers from forming.
Lung specialists who treat patients who have high blood pressure in the lungs called pulmonary artery hypertension also use Iloprost.
Iloprost is usually given through a drip into a vein in the arm. This is called an infusion. The dose of the medication in the drip is calculated based on your weight.
The infusion is given slowly and the dose increased in steps to ensure that you don’t develop side effects. Your blood pressure and observations are monitored throughout. The drip is given for around 6 hours a day and for a period of 3 days. This is usually given in the Rheumatology day unit, but can also be given in certain circumstances as an inpatient on a ward.
The effects are usually felt starting from the first infusion and can take up to several weeks to have the full effect which can last months.
Before your first dose, your bloods will be checked to make sure your blood counts, liver and kidney function are within range.
There are a few side effects than can occur when receiving the infusions; these usually disappear once the infusion dose has been reduced. They include:
Interactions with other medications
Contraindications of other conditions
Operations
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Alcohol
Vaccinations
Versus Arthritis: http://www.versusarthritis.org