Formoterol Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

What is this medication?

FORMOTEROL (for MOH te rol) treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is often called a controller inhaler. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack or COPD flare-up.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Foradil

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Pheochromocytoma
• Seizures
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to formoterol, milk, other medications, food, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

The capsules are only for inhalation through an inhaler device. Do NOT swallow the capsules. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use a spacer device. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask your care team if you have any questions.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Caffeine
• Cisapride
• Diuretics
• Furazolidone
• Medications for blood pressure
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Other medications for breathing problems
• Pimozide
• Procarbazine
• Risperidone
• Sertindole
• Some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid
• Some heart medications
• Steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Never use this medication for an acute asthma attack. You should use your short-acting rescue inhaler for an acute attack. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your care team right away.

This medication can worsen breathing or cause wheezing right after you use it. Be sure you have a short-acting inhaler for acute attacks (wheezing) nearby. If this happens, stop using this medication right away and call your care team.

This medication may increase the risk of serious asthma-related problems. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your care team for advice. Some nonprescription medications can affect this one.

You and your care team should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Tremors or shaking
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date. Protect from heat and moisture. Remove capsules from the blister pack immediately before using them.

Special rules describing how to store and how long you should keep your medication may apply. Be sure to read the MedGuide that came with your prescription carefully and follow the directions for storing and using your medication.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.