Formoterol (By Breathing)
Formoterol (for-MOH-te-rol)
Treats asthma and other lung problems such as chronic bronchitis.
Brand Name(s):Foradil Aerolizer
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to formoterol. How to Use This Medicine:
Powder Under Pressure, Capsule
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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.
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You will use this medicine with a special inhaler device called an Aerolizer. The medicine capsule is placed into the Aerolizer and this device opens the capsule and loads the powder medicine from the capsule into the air chamber. You then inhale the powder through the mouthpiece. Your caregiver will show you how to use your inhaler.
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This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use the inhaler.
If a dose is missed:
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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.
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Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
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Keep the capsules in the foil blister pack until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
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Throw away the inhaler and any unused medicine after the "Use by" date or expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine out of the reach of 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.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), or any blood pressure medicines or diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have used medicine for depression such as amitriptyline or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) within the past 2 weeks.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, epilepsy, thyroid problems, or diabetes.
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This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an acute asthma attack. If the other medicine does not work as well, tell your doctor right away.
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If you use any type of corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as ordered by your doctor. This includes corticosteroid medicines that are taken by mouth or inhaled (such as prednisone, Azmacort®, Deltasone®, Flovent®).
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If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
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Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
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Worsening of asthma symptoms
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Dizziness, shaking, nervousness, or headache
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Nausea, stomach pain, indigestion (especially in children)
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Stuffy or runny nose, hoarseness, sore throat, sneezing
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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