This product is used to treat and prevent symptoms
(wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes bronchitis and
emphysema). This product contains 2 medications: ipratropium and albuterol
(also known as salbutamol). Both drugs work by relaxing the muscles around
the airways so that the airways open up and you can breathe more easily.
Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work
or school.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a
refill. Learn how to use this inhaler properly. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you
are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 3
days or for more than 21 days. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray
away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your
eyes.
Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually 4 times daily. Your doctor may also direct you to use this
medication as needed for wheezing and shortness of breath. Follow your
doctor's instructions carefully. However, the manufacturer recommends that
you do not use more than 6 inhalations in a 24-hour period. Doing so may
increase the risk of serious side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. It may
cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision
changes. When using the inhaler, put your lips tightly around the
mouthpiece.
Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to prevent dry
mouth and throat irritation.
If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait
at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To
help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your
dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first
consulting your doctor.
Clean the mouthpiece of the inhaler at least once a week
as directed.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day
and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief
drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or
worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking
up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler
more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working
well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and
when you must get medical help right away.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or
if they get worse.
See also How to Use section.
Headache, dizziness, cough, nausea, dry mouth, shaking
(tremors), nervousness, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Rarely, this medication may cause severe sudden
worsening of breathing problems right after use. If you have sudden
worsening of breathing, get medical help right away.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- difficult/painful urination
- muscle cramps
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
- rapid breathing
- confusion
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night, blurred vision)
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to ipratropium or albuterol (salbutamol); or
to tiotropium; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or to
levalbuterol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular
heartbeat)
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged
prostate)
- seizure
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- diabetes
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision or
cause vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more
dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or
clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to
your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially problems urinating or
constipation.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Albuterol is very similar to levalbuterol. Do not use
medications containing levalbuterol while using albuterol.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest
pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as lung function, blood
pressure) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical
and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Do not store
in the bathroom. The inhaler should be discarded when it becomes locked
(which means that all the medication is used up) or 3 months after putting
the cartridge in the inhaler, even if there is medication left in the
cartridge. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).