Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Indacaterol inhalation is prescribed to manage symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness arising from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD encompasses a range of lung and airway conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Indacaterol falls under the category of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). Its mechanism of action involves relaxing and expanding the air passages in the lungs, facilitating easier breathing for individuals with COPD.
Uses and Dosage
Indacaterol inhalation is administered as a powder-filled capsule to be inhaled through the mouth using a specialized inhaler. Typically, it is inhaled once a day, and it’s advisable to use it at the same time each day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label meticulously, and seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist on any aspect that is unclear. Use indacaterol inhalation precisely as directed, avoiding any deviation in dosage or frequency without your doctor’s approval.
Ensure you do not swallow the indacaterol capsules.
Do not rely on indacaterol inhalation for sudden COPD attacks. Your doctor will likely prescribe a short-acting beta agonist, such as albuterol, for such instances. If you were using this medication regularly before starting indacaterol, your doctor may instruct you to discontinue regular use but continue for treating sudden attacks.
Should your COPD symptoms worsen, if indacaterol inhalation loses efficacy, if you require more doses than usual for sudden attacks, or if the prescribed medication does not relieve your symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. Do not increase indacaterol doses independently.
While indacaterol controls COPD symptoms, it does not cure the condition. Keep using it even if you feel well and do not cease usage without consulting your doctor. Abruptly discontinuing indacaterol may worsen your symptoms.
Before your first use of the indacaterol inhaler, seek guidance from your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist on proper usage. Practice using the inhaler under supervision.
Use indacaterol capsules only with the provided inhaler; do not use the inhaler for any other capsules. Avoid placing indacaterol capsules directly into the inhaler’s mouthpiece, and do not blow into the mouthpiece.
The inhaler is designed to pierce the capsule for powder release, and though the capsule may break into small pieces, a screen in the inhaler should prevent them from reaching your mouth. If the capsule breaks, it’s crucial to handle the inhaler carefully. While tiny capsule pieces reaching your mouth or throat are not harmful, you can minimize the likelihood of capsule breakage by storing them properly, keeping them in the foil package until use, and piercing each capsule only once.
Store capsules in the original package, removing them just before use. Discard any capsules taken out of the packaging that aren’t used immediately. Do not store capsules inside the inhaler, protect them from moisture, and handle them with dry hands.
Keep the inhaler dry; refrain from washing it. Always use a new inhaler with each medication refill.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- cough
- sore throat
- runny nose
- headache
- nausea
- shaking of a part of the body that you cannot control
- nervousness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- muscle cramps
- muscle or bone pain
- swelling of the arms or legs
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, hives, rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
Caution
- Indacaterol inhaler is specifically designed for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and should not be utilized for asthma treatment.
- Indacaterol is not a rescue medication and is not intended to act quickly in response to a bronchospasm attack.
- There is an increased risk of death associated with indacaterol in people with asthma; however, the risk in individuals with COPD is not well-established. Only use the prescribed dose of this medication, and adhere to your doctor’s recommended duration.
- Before initiating this medication, inform your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, seizures, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or lactose intolerance.
- Do not ingest an indacaterol capsule orally; it is exclusively for use with the Neohaler device. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen while using indacaterol, contact your doctor promptly. Inform your doctor if any of your medications appear to be less effective in preventing attacks.
- Do not discontinue indacaterol without consulting your doctor, as stopping the medication abruptly may exacerbate asthma symptoms.
- If your breathing problems escalate rapidly or if you perceive that your medications are not providing effective relief, seek medical attention promptly.
Form and Strength
Arcapta Neohaler is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Arcapta Neohaler capsule:
- 150 mcg
FAQ
How do you use Arcapta Neohaler?
Breathe in as steadily and deeply as you can. As you breathe in through the inhaler, the capsule spins around and you will hear a whirring noise.
Resources:
- https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/COPD/Inhalers/ArcaptaNeohaler.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/indacaterol-inhalation-route/description/drg-20075006
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612014.html
- https://reference.medscape.com/drug/arcapta-neohaler-indacaterol-inhaled-999669
- https://www.drugs.com/arcapta.html#warnings
