Arformoterol nebulizer solution

What is this medicine?

ARFORMOTEROL (AR for MOE ter ol) is a slow-acting bronchodilator. It helps to open up the airways of your lungs. This medicine is used to treat COPD. It should not be used alone for asthma. Do NOT use for an acute asthma attack. Do NOT use for a COPD attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is used in a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol so that you can breathe it in through your mouth and nose into your lungs. You will be taught how to use your nebulizer. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing or wheezing that increases or does not go away

• dizziness or fainting

• fever

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• nervousness

• tremors

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• sore throat

• stuffy nose

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine

• diuretics

• formoterol

• medicines for colds

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for weight loss including some herbal products

• methadone

• salmeterol

• some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid

• some heart medicines

• steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone

• theophylline

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Ideally, store in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) before use. Keep this medicine in the foil pouches until you are ready to use. The medicine should be clear. Do not use any discolored solution. You may store this medicine at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) for up to 6 weeks. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes

• have asthma and are not taking any other asthma medicine

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• pheochromocytoma

• seizures

• thyroid disease

• worsening asthma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to arformoterol, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better. This medicine may increase the possibility of dying from breathing problems. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away. Do not use this medicine more than every 12 hours. NEVER use this medicine for an acute bronchospasm.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using this medicine.