formoterol-oral inhalation powder (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: Trembling, nervousness, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, may occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, fast breathing, muscle weakness or cramping. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat. In the unlikely event that you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: swelling, dizziness, rash, itching, trouble breathing. Rarely, Formoterol can cause a worsening of breathing problems (e.g. paradoxical bronchospasm) that may be life threatening. If this occurs, immediately seek medical attention. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips; chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, seizure disorders (e.g. epilepsy), diabetes, metabolic abnormalities (e.g. ketoacidosis, hypokalemia), any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: beta- blockers (e.g. propranolol, labetalol, timolol), adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., sympathomimetics such as pseudoephedrine), other drugs used for asthma (e.g. corticosteroids, theophylline), "water pills" (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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