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Glycopyrrolate-FormoterolPronounced"GLYE-koe-PIR-oh-late/for-MOE-ter-ol" UsesThis product is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Controlling symptoms of breathing problems helps you maintain your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. This inhaler contains 2 medications: glycopyrrolate and formoterol. Both drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Glycopyrrolate belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Formoterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). Both drugs are also known as bronchodilators. This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. If sudden shortness of breath occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Glycopyrrolate/formoterol is not approved to treat asthma. People with asthma using long-acting inhaled beta agonists (such as formoterol) without also using an inhaled corticosteroid may have an increased risk of serious (sometimes fatal) breathing problems. How to Use This MedicationRead the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the canister well before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a canister for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or more. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is working properly. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from your face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and in the evening). Wait at least 1 minute between inhalations. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication. If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath. Consult your doctor for details. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse. |