M Toronto Myositis Centreat St. Michael's Hospital
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Iloprost

a prostacyclin infusion · say “EYE-lo-prost”
For severe finger ulcers (infusion)
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Given by a drip for severe cases.

Iloprost is given into a vein over several hours, usually for a few days in a row, when a finger has very poor blood flow or a severe ulcer.

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What it is

A strong rescue for a threatened finger.

Iloprost is a strong blood-vessel-opening medicine given into a vein. It is used in hospital for severe Raynaud's that threatens a finger, or for a severe or slow-healing finger ulcer, to restore blood flow. It is used based on specialist experience.

How to take it
  • Given as a drip into a vein over several hours, usually on a few days in a row (for example 3 to 5 days), by a nurse.
  • The rate is started slowly and increased as you tolerate it.
  • It is given as a course, and can be repeated later if needed.
What to expect
  • Better blood flow and less pain, sometimes quite quickly.
  • It can help a severe ulcer heal.
  • It is given as a short course, not as a daily medicine.
Benefits

How it helps you.

Strong blood-flow boost

Opens blood vessels powerfully.

Can rescue a threatened finger

Useful when a fingertip is at risk.

Helps severe ulcers

Supports healing of bad ulcers.

For when tablets fall short

Used when pills are not enough.

Risks & side effects

What you should know.

Your doctor chose this because the likely benefits outweigh the risks for you. Here is the honest, full picture.

Common side effects
Headache
Common during the infusion.
Flushing
A warm, red face.
Jaw ache
A brief ache in the jaw.
Nausea
Feeling queasy during the drip.
Low blood pressure
During the infusion, so the rate is adjusted.
Serious but uncommon
Low blood pressure or faintness
During the drip. You are watched closely and the rate is changed if needed.
Bleeding tendency
Rarely, easier bleeding.
Staying safe

Monitoring and precautions.

Regular monitoring
  • Blood pressure and heart rate during the infusion.
  • How the finger or ulcer responds.
Everyday precautions
  • It is given and watched by a nurse, so tell them how you feel during the drip.
  • Tell the team about any blood-pressure or bleeding problems.
  • Keep warm.
When to call your doctor

Contact the clinic if you notice:

During the drip
Tell the nurse about chest pain, faintness, or feeling very unwell.
A worsening finger ulcer
A sore that looks red, swollen, or infected.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning, and your team will decide whether it is right for you.

!

This guide is for learning, not medical advice. Myositis care is different for everyone, and many of these medicines are used based on specialist experience rather than a formal Canadian myositis approval. Never start, stop, or change a medicine without your own doctor. Your doses are decided with your care team at the Centre.

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