Inhaler/capsules

Novartis

Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) is used, alone and in combination with other medicines, to treat asthma and prevent tightness in the lungs in patients 5 years of age and older who need regular treatment for asthma and to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It is also used for the long-term, twice daily (morning and evening) treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) should not be used to treat sudden or severely worsening asthma. It is not a substitute for steroid medications.

Do not take Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate). Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) should not be used if you have allergy to lactose, milk or cardiac arrhythmias.

Before using Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements if you are allergic to Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate), or any other inhaled bronchodilator if you have heart disorders if you suffer from convulsions or thyroid problems if you are unusually responsive to similar medications if you have any other medical condition. Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) should not be used more often or at higher doses than recommended. Special care and supervision is needed while using Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) in patients having other medical conditions like ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, especially third degree AV block, severe cardiac decompensation, idiopathic subvalvular aortic stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, thyrotoxicosis, known or suspected prolongation of the QT-interval.

Do not use Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) to treat acute symptoms. Treatment with Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) should not be used in patients with acutely deteriorating asthma. Use of corticosteroids should not be stopped when starting treatment with Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate).

Other:  Muscle cramps and pain; fatigue; dizziness; irritation of the mouth or throat; tonsillitis; rash; difficulty speaking.

How much medicine you take and how often it is taken depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) should be taken only by oral inhalation. Capsules should never be swallowed. Avoid exposing the capsules or inhaler to moisture and handle them with dry hands. Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) should be taken twice daily (morning and evening) or as directed by your health care provider. If asthma symptoms worsen after use, seek medical attention. You should always use the new inhaler that comes with each refill. Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) is only to be used with the inhaler provided. Do not use your inhaler for other capsule medication. Do not use a spacer device with your inhaler. Do not wash the inhaler. Keep it dry. Do not remove the capsules from the blister until you are ready to use them. Follow the directions provided with your medication carefully before use. In rare cases, the gelatin capsule might break into small pieces. These pieces should be retained by the screen built into the inhaler. Gelatin is not harmful if accidentally swallowed or inhaled. It is important that you use Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) regularly. Do not stop treatment even if you are feeling better, unless told to do so by your health care provider. Tell your health care provider immediately if your asthma gets worse, or if your medication seems less effective, since your doctor may need to change your treatment. Contact your doctor at once if you experience nausea, vomiting, shakiness, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, or sleeplessness. Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) is not for relief of acute asthma symptoms, sudden, severe onset or worsening of wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Use other inhaled medicines only as directed by your health care provider. Do not change the dose or stop taking Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) without talking with your health care provider. Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up unless advised to by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider.

Store Foradil Inhaler (formoterol fumarate) at 68 to 77 degrees F. Protect from heat and moisture.