Arformoterol (By breathing)

Introduction:

Arformoterol (ar-for-MOE-ter-ol)

Treats breathing problems caused by COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Brand Name(s):

Brovana

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use the medicine immediately after opening the foil pouch.
• This medicine is inhaled and must not be swallowed or injected.
• You will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. You can keep the medicine for up to six weeks if stored at room temperature.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• This medicine should not be used together with similar inhaled medicines such as salmeterol/fluticasone (Advair®) or formoterol (Foradil®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines to treat asthma (such as theophylline, aminophylline, Theo-Dur®, Slo-Bid®, Singulair®), steroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone), or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using arsenic trioxide (Trisenox®), cisapride (Propulsid®), dofetilide (Tikosyn®), medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Prozac®, Sarafem®, Vivactil®), certain antibiotics (such as erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin, Avelox®, Levaquin®, Zagam®), or medicine to treat mental illness (such as haloperidol, mesoridazine, pimozide, prochlorperazine, quetiapine, thioridazine, ziprasidone, Compazine®, Geodon®, Haldol®, Mellaril®, Orap®, Serentil®, Seroquel®).
• Also tell your doctor if you are using beta-blocker medicines (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, Toprol®) or diuretics ("water pills") such as furosemide, torsemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Demadex®, or Lasix®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, seizure disorder, thyroid problem, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium in the blood).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using other medicines for your COPD. Your doctor may want you to stop using the medicine and use it only during a severe COPD attack. Follow your doctor's instructions on how you should take your medicine.
• This medicine should not be used if you are having a severe COPD attack, or if symptoms of COPD attack has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an acute COPD attack. If the other medicine does not work as well, tell your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you have asthma. Some people with asthma have had more severe asthma attacks when they used this medicine. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
• Do not give this medicine to your child unless your doctor tells you to.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain.
• Confusion, drowsiness, restlessness, or fast, deep breathing.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst or hunger, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Eye pain, changes in vision.
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Red or black stools.
• Red or dark brown urine.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Stomach pain, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Tremors or nervousness.
• Trouble breathing.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones, stuffy or runny nose.
• Skin rash.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: