What is Foradil?
Foradil has a long-acting bronchodilator. It improves breathing by relaxing the muscles of the airways. Foradil prevents attacks of asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children older than 5 years. Foradil can also be used to treat adults with chronic respiratory diseases, including emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Warnings
Do not use Foradil for a sudden attack of bronchospasm. It won't work fast enough. Only use a rapid-acting inhalation medication. Formoterol can increase the risk of death and hospitalization for people with asthma. However, the risk to people with COPD has not been determined. If you notice that your breathing problems are getting worse or you believe that your medication is not working well, seek medical attention.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to formoterol, then foradil should be avoided. Foradil can increase the risk of hospitalization or death in asthmatics; however, the risk for people with COPD has not been determined. Speak to your doctor about the risks that you face.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Foradil will be safe for you:
- A food or drug allergen
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes;
- A thyroid disorder
- Pheochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumor.
- An aneurysm is the result of arterial walls enlarging, or "aneurysms", becoming stretched.
Foradil is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Formoterol is not known to pass into breast milk. It's also unknown if the inhalation could harm a baby who was nursing. You should tell your doctor if your baby is breastfed.
How to take Foradil?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use this medication for longer than prescribed by your doctor. Foradil should be taken twice a day, at intervals of about 12 hours. Do not fail to follow your physician's orders and instructions. Foradil does not work as a rescue medication. Foradil will not treat bronchospasm fast enough. Only use a rapid-acting inhalation medication for an attack. If your COPD symptoms seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor. Your doctor and pharmacist may provide more detailed instructions or guides; should any doubt arise, consult them as soon as possible. If any queries arise, make an appointment to meet them directly and get answers.
A child who uses Foradil must be under the supervision of an adult. The capsules must be used only with the Foradil Aerolizer provided. The capsule should not be taken by mouth. Foradil capsules should not be swallowed. Handle the capsule with dry hands. Never put a capsule into the mouthpiece of an inhaler. Foradil Aerolizer should not be used in conjunction with a spacer. For optimal results, use this medicine on a consistent basis. In order to achieve maximum effectiveness, take it every day as prescribed. For optimum outcomes, continue this regimen despite adverse symptoms. Refill your prescription before you run out. If you feel that your asthma medication is not working well, seek medical attention. A sudden increase in the need for medications could be a sign of an asthma attack.
This medicine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Store all capsules in the original packaging until ready to take a dose. Aerolizers should not be cleaned or disassembled. When your capsules are empty, throw them away. Use the new device that comes with your medication whenever you refill your prescription.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember, take the missed dose immediately.If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include tremors or nervousness, feeling light-headed or weak, fainting, or convulsions.
What should be avoided?
This includes arformoterol (Brovana), indacaterol (Arcapta), olodaterol, Striverdi, Stiolto Respimat, salmeterol, Advair, Serevent, and vilanterol. Arformoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, Striverdi (Stiolto Respimat), and salmeterol are all included.
Side effects of Foradil
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, or if you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- After using this medication, you may experience wheezing or other breathing difficulties.
- Chest pain can be caused by a pounding heartbeat or fluttering of the chest.
- Nervousness, trouble sleeping;
- Symptoms of worsening respiratory problems
- High sugar: increased thirst, urination or hunger, dry mouth and fruity breath smell, drowsiness dry skin, blurred vision, weight gain
- Low potassium Leg cramps, constipation Numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling
Side effects of foradil include:
- Dizziness, nervousness, and tremors;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Muscle cramps
- Headache.
There may be other side effects.For medical advice related to side effects, call your physician. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report potential issues.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you begin taking any new medicines, or decide to discontinue any existing ones.
- Theophylline;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- A beta-blocker, such as atenolol or carvedilol.
- MAO inhibitors: isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), tranylcypromine, and others.
This list is incomplete. Formoterol may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
