ARFORMOTEROL SOLUTION - INHALATION

ARFORMOTEROL SOLUTION - INHALATION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (AR-for-MOE-ter-ol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Brovana

GENERIC NAME(S): arformoterol tartrate

Uses

USES: Arformoterol is used as a long-term (maintenance) treatment to prevent and decrease wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Arformoterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. This medication does not work right away and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor must prescribe a quick-relief medicine/inhaler (such as albuterol, also known as salbutamol) for sudden shortness of breath while you are using arformoterol. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. Arformoterol is usually used in combination with other medications (such as inhaled corticosteroids). However, it should not be used with similar long-acting inhaled beta agonists (such as formoterol, salmeterol) since this may increase your risk for side effects.


How to use ARFORMOTEROL SOLUTION - INHALATION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Learn how to prepare the solution and use the nebulizer properly. If a child is using this medication, a parent or other responsible adult may need to help the child use the nebulizer properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist. This product should be clear and colorless. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Using the nebulizer, inhale this medication into your lungs as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times a day (once in the morning and once in the evening). The 2 doses should be about 12 hours apart. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Use this medication only through a nebulizer. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Do not mix with other medicines in the nebulizer. To prevent infections, clean the nebulizer and mouthpiece/face mask according to the manufacturer's directions. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Do not use more of this medication or use it more often than prescribed since this may cause serious side effects. Do not use more than 30 micrograms of arformoterol a day. If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (albuterol, salbutamol) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), your doctor will direct you to stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath. Consult your doctor for details. Learn which of your inhalers/medications you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nervousness, dizziness, shaking (tremor), headache, nausea, dry mouth, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps/weakness, increased thirst/urination. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, rapid breathing, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting. Rarely, this medication has caused severe (possibly fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you have trouble breathing or sudden wheezing, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help right away. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using arformoterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to formoterol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver problems, seizures, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), swelling of an artery (aneurysm), a certain tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma). Arformoterol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using arformoterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using arformoterol safely. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Uses section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for ARFORMOTEROL SOLUTION - INHALATION

Arformoterol solution is a medication that is inhaled to treat symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including bronchospasm and shortness of breath.

Arformoterol solution is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing easier breathing.

The usual recommended dose of Arformoterol solution for adults is 15 mcg (contents of one single-dose vial) once daily, through a nebulizer.

Arformoterol solution is for inhalation use only and should be used with a nebulizer. Follow the instructions provided with the nebulizer device and ask your healthcare provider for any specific usage instructions.

No, Arformoterol solution is not indicated for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm, including asthma attacks. It is intended for long-term management of COPD symptoms.

Common side effects of Arformoterol solution may include chest pain, palpitations, tremors, headache, dizziness, and throat irritation. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

It is recommended to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Arformoterol solution during pregnancy with your healthcare provider. They will help determine if the medication is appropriate for your situation.

The safety and effectiveness of Arformoterol solution in pediatric patients have not been established. It is generally prescribed for adults with COPD.

If you miss a dose of Arformoterol solution, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.


Warning

WARNING: Rarely, asthma patients using long-acting inhaled beta agonists (such as salmeterol) have had serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems. Because arformoterol is similar to salmeterol, it may also cause these problems. Therefore, patients with asthma should only be prescribed this drug if one long-term medication (such as inhaled corticosteroids) does not control breathing problems or if more than one long-term medication is clearly needed to control breathing problems. Arformoterol must not be used alone to treat asthma. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with this medication with your doctor.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.