Inbrija

What is Inbrija?

Inbrija, an inhaled medication prescribed by a doctor, is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (OFF episodes), which return while you take another medicine called levodopa and carbidopa.

Inbrija should not be taken in place of the Parkinson's medication that you normally take.Inbrija may be safe and effective for children, but this is unknown.

Warnings

Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions and allergies. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.

Before you take this drug

If you've used MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, Inbrija could cause a dangerous drug interaction. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Inbrija will be safe for you:

• Asthma (a chronic respiratory disease) or another breathing disorder.
• Glaucoma;
• Involuntary muscular movements
• A sleep disorder that results in daytime sleepiness
• Dizziness or nausea when you stand up from a seated or lying position.
• Mental illness or psychosis
• An intense urge or compulsive behavior (such as sexual urges or binge-eating, gambling, or spending money)

Inbrija is not known to harm unborn babies. Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.

Similar/related drugs

Ropinirole, pramipexole, benztropine, carbidopa/levodopa , Exelon, and Gocovri

How to take Inbrija?

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Please read all instructions provided on your prescription label.Inbrija should only be used by people who already take carbidopa or levodopa. You should not change the dosage of your Parkinson's medication or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

Inbrija is best used when you experience an "off-episode" (when Parkinson's symptoms begin to return). Inbrija should not be used more than five times per day.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you do not understand.

Inbrija comes in powder form with an inhaler and blister packs that contain capsules. Each time you use this medicine, you will need to load two capsules into the device (one at a time). The capsule will be pierced by pushing the handle onto the mouthpiece.Never swallow an Inbrija capsule. This capsule is only for use with the Inbrija device.Inbrija can interfere with certain medical tests. Inbrija can affect the results of certain medical tests.

If you suddenly stop taking Inbrija after long-term use, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These include fever, confusion, muscle stiffness, and changes in heart rate or breathing. Your doctor can tell you how to stop taking this medication safely.

Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store each capsule in its blister pack until the time comes to load your inhaler. Do not store capsules in the device.When your capsules are empty, throw away the device. Use the inhaler that comes with every new prescription.

Details on dosage

Adult dosage for Parkinson's disease:

As needed, 84 mg of oral inhalation can be taken as soon as the OFF period returns. You may take this dose up to five times per day.
Maximum dose per OFF period: 84 mg
Maximum daily dose: 420 mg
Comments:
When symptoms of an OFF period begin to return, it is important to seek treatment.
This drug is only effective when combined with levodopa or carbidopa.
The capsules are only to be used in conjunction with the Inbrija (R) inhaler. They should not be swallowed in their entirety, as this will prevent the desired effect.
Use: To treat intermittently OFF episodes among patients with Parkinson's treated with levodopa or carbidopa.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Inbrija can be used as needed, and you don't need to follow a schedule. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you do not understand. Never take two doses in one go.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

Overdose symptoms include muscle pain, weakness, a fever, dark urine, no or little urination, or fainting.

What should be avoided?

Inbrija can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.

Side effects of Inbrija

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Inbrija, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

If you experience wheezing or chest tightness after using Inbrija, call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room.

If you experience:

• Extreme drowsiness or falling asleep quickly (even when feeling alert);
• You may feel nauseated, sweaty, or light-headed (like you could pass out).
• Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
• Hallucinations, confusion, and paranoia (seeing or listening to things that aren't real)
• Unusual thoughts or behaviors
• Sleeping problems or an increase in dreams
• Aggression;
• Intense sexual or gambling urges.

During normal activities like driving, working, eating, or talking, some people who use this medication have fallen asleep. This side effect can occur up to a year after starting treatment with Inbrija. If you experience daytime sleepiness, tell your doctor.

Inbrija can cause a variety of side effects.

• Cough;
• Sore or stuffy throat symptoms of a cold include sneezing and a stuffy nose.
• Nausea;
• Dark-coloured urine, saliva, or sweat.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

Inbrija can make you more drowsy. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, medicine for anxiety, or seizures, consult your doctor.

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

• Isoniazid;
• Metoclopramide;
• Risperidone, or any other antipsychotic medication
• Iron medication such as iron fumarate or ferrous glucose.
• A mineral or multivitamin that contains iron.
• Other medicines for treating Parkinson's disease

This list is incomplete. Levodopa may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.