LEVALBUTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

LEVALBUTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LEV-al-BUE-ter-ol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xopenex HFA

GENERIC NAME(S): levalbuterol tartrate

Uses

USES: Levalbuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is a quick-relief drug. Levalbuterol 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 drug is not approved for use in children younger than 4 years due to increased risk of side effects (such as unusual fast breathing, worsening asthma). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details.


How to use LEVALBUTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication and proper cleaning of the mouthpiece. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the canister well before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a canister for the first time or if you have not used it for 3 days or more. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is working properly. Avoid spraying the medication in your eyes. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least 1 minute between them. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed without your doctor's approval. Using too much of this medication will increase your risk of serious (possibly fatal) side effects. Using a spacer device with the inhaler may help you use this medication properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. If a child is using this medication, a parent or other responsible adult may need to help the child use the inhaler properly. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication. Always have this quick-relief inhaler with you. Keep track of the number of inhalations you use, and discard the inhaler after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the product package. Also count test sprays used to prime the inhaler. Do not float the metal canister in water to test if any more drug is left in the canister. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) 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), trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, dry mouth, cough, sore throat, or runny nose 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 heartbeat. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion. Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, 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 taking levalbuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); 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: heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, previous heart attack), high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizure. 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). 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: 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. Levalbuterol is very similar to albuterol. Do not use inhaled medications containing albuterol while using levalbuterol.

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/pounding/irregular heartbeat, headache, shaking (tremors), nervousness, weakness, severe dizziness, seizures.

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Faq for LEVALBUTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

Levalbuterol HFA inhaler is a medication used for the treatment of asthma and other breathing difficulties. It contains a medication called Levalbuterol, which belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators.

Levalbuterol HFA inhaler works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which helps to open them up and improve breathing. It also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways.

You should follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the packaging. Generally, you'll need to shake the inhaler, remove the cap, exhale deeply, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and then press down on the canister to release a dose of the medication. Breathe in deeply and hold your breath for a few seconds before exhaling slowly.

Common side effects of Levalbuterol HFA inhaler may include headache, nervousness, tremor, rapid heart rate, throat irritation, and cough. If you experience any severe side effects or allergic reactions, seek medical attention immediately.

It's important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, as Levalbuterol HFA inhaler may interact with certain drugs. This includes beta-blockers, diuretics, and other bronchodilators. Your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to use multiple medications together.

Levalbuterol HFA inhaler typically starts working within a few minutes of using it. However, the full effects may not be felt until 1-2 hours after use. It is important to use the inhaler regularly as prescribed by your healthcare provider for optimal results.

It is important to discuss the use of Levalbuterol HFA inhaler with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They will weigh the potential benefits against any potential risks and provide guidance on its use.



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.