Manufacturer
NOVARTIS PHARMA STEIN AG
Contents
Formoterol fumarate
Indication
Indicated in asthma (including nocturnal asthma and exercise-induced symptoms) for those treated with inhaled corticosteroids who also require a long-acting beta agonist in accordance with current treatment guidelines. Also indicated for the relief of reversible airways obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring long-term bronchodilatory therapy.
Instruction
1. Open the inhaler completely to show the capsule chamber.
2. With clean, DRY hands, peel the paper backing that cover the capsule and push one capsule through the foil wrapper. Place it in the capsule chamber. Only take a capsule out of the foil right before you use it.
3. Twist the mouthpiece back into place to lock the capsule in the chamber.
4. Holding the inhaler upright, press both of two blue buttons completely into the chamber and release This will poke holes in the capsule so medication can be released.
5. Breathe out releasing as much air from your lungs as you can. Never blow out into the inhaler.
6. Now bring the inhaler to your mouth, and hold the inhaler horizontally by the white part. The two blue buttons should be on the left and right sides of the inhaler. Do not hold it with the buttons on the top and the bottom.
7. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it.
8. Breathe in quickly and deeply, filling you lungs with as much as you can.
9. Take the inhaler out of your mouth.
10. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds.
11.Breathe out, away from the inhaler mouthpiece.
12. After a few seconds, put the mouthpiece back in your mouth and inhale again, repeating steps 5 through 11.
13. Now, check the chamber to make sure there is no powder left. If there is, inhale one more time, following steps 5 through 11.
14. You are now done taking your dose. Open the chamber and remove the broken capsule. Throw the capsule away.
Drug interaction
Drugs such as quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, phenothiazines, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants and erythromycin may be associated with QT-interval prolongation and an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Administration of Foradil to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, macrolides or tricyclic antidepressants should be performed with caution, since the action of ß2-adrenergic stimulants on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated. Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, or diuretics may potentiate a possible hypokalaemic effect of β2-agonists. Hypokalaemia may increase susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias (for example, in patients treated with digitalis).