levalbuterol pre-mixed solution - inhalation, Xopenex

BRAND NAME(S): Xopenex

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Levalbuterol is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath that commonly occur with lung problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school. Levalbuterol is a bronchodilator (beta-2 receptor agonist) that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. This product is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you breathe in. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist on how to inhale this medication properly with this equipment. If a child is using this equipment, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise the child.This product should be clear and colorless. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.This product does not require any mixing before use unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. Each treatment usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Use this medication only through a nebulizer. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Do not mix with other medications in the nebulizer. To prevent infections, clean the nebulizer and mouthpiece/face mask according to the manufacturer's directions.Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than prescribed without your doctor's approval.Learn which of your inhalers/medications you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, or worsening peak flow meter readings. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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.Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: anxiety, leg/muscle cramps, swollen glands.Get medical help right away if you have any unlikely but very serious side effect, including: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, rapid breathing, confusion.Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, get medical help right away.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely. 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.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using levalbuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (such as albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (such as epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); 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: heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, heart attack), high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, headache, shaking (tremors), nervousness, weakness, severe dizziness, seizures.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Avoid allergens, irritants, smoking and other factors that make asthma worse.Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate, EKG) may be performed from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow/red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

MISSED DOSE: 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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store vials in the foil pouch at room temperature away from light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. After the foil pouch is opened, use the vials within 2 weeks. Once vials are removed from the foil pouch, use immediately, or protect from light and use within 1 week. 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.MEDICAL ALERT: 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).

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

QUESTION

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. See Answer