IMPORTANT WARNING:
In a large clinical study, more people who used an asthma medication similar to arformoterol died of asthma problems than patients who did not use the medication. Use of arformoterol inhalation may increase the risk of serious asthma problems or death in people who have asthma. There is not enough information to tell whether arformoterol increases the risk of death in people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with arformoterol and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/cder) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using arformoterol inhalation. |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Arformoterol inhalation is used to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Arformoterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
How should this medicine be used?
Arformoterol comes as a solution (liquid) to inhale by mouth using a nebulizer (machine that turns medication into a mist that can be inhaled). It is usually inhaled twice a day in the morning and the evening. Inhale arformoterol at around the same times every day, and space your doses about 12 hours apart. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use arformoterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not swallow or inject arformoterol inhalation.
Do not use arformoterol inhalation to treat sudden attacks of COPD. Your doctor will prescribe a short acting beta agonist inhaler such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) to use during attacks. If you were using this type of inhaler on a regular basis before you began treatment with arformoterol, your doctor will probably tell you to stop using it regularly, but to continue to use it to treat attacks.
If your COPD symptoms become worse, if arformoterol inhalation becomes less effective, if you need more doses than usual of the medication you use to treat sudden attacks, or if the medication you use to treat attacks does not relieve your symptoms, your condition may be getting worse. Do not use extra doses of arformoterol. Call your doctor right away.
Arformoterol controls the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but does not cure the condition. Continue to use arformoterol even if you feel well. Do not stop using arformoterol without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop using arformoterol, your symptoms may worsen.
To use arformoterol inhalation, follow these steps:
- Open the foil pouch by tearing through the rough edge along the edge of the pouch and remove the vial. Look at the solution in the vial to be sure it is colorless. If it is not colorless, call your doctor or pharmacist and do not use the solution.
- Twist off the top of the vial and squeeze all of the liquid into the reservoir of your nebulizer. Do not add any other medications to the nebulizer because it may not be safe to mix them with arformoterol. Use all nebulized medications separately unless your doctor specifically tells you to mix them.
- Connect the nebulizer reservoir to your mouthpiece or facemask.
- Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
- Sit upright and place the mouthpiece in your mouth or put on the facemask.
- Turn on the compressor.
- Breathe calmly, deeply, and evenly until mist stops forming in the nebulizer. This should take between 5 and 10 minutes.
- Clean the nebulizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the foil pouch it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Protect the medication from heat and light. You may store the medication in the refrigerator until the expiration date printed on the package has passed, or you may store the medication at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed, that has been stored at room temperature for longer than 6 weeks, or that has been removed from the foil pouch and not used immediately. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- chest pain
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- nervousness
- headache
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- dry mouth
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- dizziness
- excessive tiredness
- weakness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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