Drug Name

Foradil Aerolizer (Formoterol)

Drug Uses

Foradil Aerolizer is used for long-term treatment of asthma. It may be used to prevent breathing problems in certain patients, including patients with nighttime asthma, or breathing problems caused by exercise.

It may be used for long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Foradil Aerolizer as directed by your doctor.

• Foradil Aerolizer is for inhalation only. Do not swallow the capsule.
• Store Foradil Aerolizer in the original blister in a dry place. Do not remove from the blister or the foil until right before use. Be sure your hands are completely dry before you handle the capsules.
• Use the new inhaler that comes with each refill. Do not reuse an old inhaler. Do not use Foradil Aerolizer with a different kind of inhaler. Do not try to use a spacer device with Foradil Aerolizer.
• To prepare the device for use, remove the inhaler cover. Hold the base of the inhaler in one hand. Twist the mouthpiece toward the arrow. Then push in the buttons on each side to make sure that you can see 4 pins in the capsule chamber.
• Place a capsule in the capsule chamber in the base of the inhaler. Do not place a capsule in the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Twist the mouthpiece back to the closed position. Hold the mouthpiece of the inhaler upright and press both buttons at the same time. You should hear a click as the capsule is pierced. Do not press the buttons more than once. Release the buttons. If they stay stuck, pull them out using the wings on the buttons. Do not press the buttons again.
• To use a dose of Foradil Aerolizer , breathe out fully. Do not exhale into the device for any reason. Keep the inhaler level, with the buttons to the left and the right (not up and down). Tilt your head back slightly. place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Breathe in quickly and deeply though your mouth and hold your breath. You should hear a whirring noise and experience a sweet taste in your mouth.
• After breathing in your dose, remove the inhaler from your mouth. Continue to hold your breath for as long as possible. Then, breathe out slowly.
• Open the inhaler to see if any powder is still in the capsule. If any powder remains in the capsule, close the inhaler. Repeat the inhalation process. Most people are able to empty the capsule in 1 or 2 inhalations.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Foradil Aerolizer.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Foradil Aerolizer is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator. It widens the airways in the lungs, which helps you breathe more easily.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of FML Forte, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store FML Forte between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep FML Forte out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use FML Forte if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Foradil Aerolizer;
• you are using another medicine that has a long-acting beta-agonist (e.g., salmeterol) in it;
• you are having an asthma attack (e.g., sudden severe onset or worsening of asthma symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Foradil Aerolizer may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Foradil Aerolizer with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Foradil Aerolizer will not stop an asthma attack once it has already started. Be sure to carry a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler with you at all times to treat any breathing problems that may occur between doses of Foradil Aerolizer (e.g., severe or sudden onset of wheezing or shortness of breath). If you have any questions about which medicines stop asthma attacks, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have been regularly using a short-action bronchodilator inhaler (e.g., albuterol), talk with your doctor about how to use it with Foradil Aerolizer . Short-acting bronchodilators are normally used with Foradil Aerolizer to treat breathing problems that may occur between doses.
• The risk of serious heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat) may be greater if you use Foradil Aerolizer in high doses. Do not use more than recommended dose or use more often than prescribed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Foradil Aerolizer during pregnancy. It is not known if Foradil Aerolizer is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Foradil Aerolizer , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; dry mouth; headache; nausea; nervousness; stomach pain or upset; stuffy nose; throat irritation; tiredness; tremor; trouble sleeping.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, increased chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing); severe or persistent headache, dizziness, tremor, or nervousness; severe or persistent muscle pain or cramps; trouble speaking.

More Information

If you have any questions about Foradil Aerolizer, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Foradil Aerolizer is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.