Arformoterol Nebulizer Solution

What is this medication?

ARFORMOTEROL (AR for MOE ter ol) treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Do not use it to treat a sudden 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): Brovana

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 arformoterol, other medications, food, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose and into your lungs. Do not mix this medication with other medications in the nebulizer. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed.

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.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. It is not approved for use in children.

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, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take 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
• Procarbazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Caffeine
• Diuretics
• Formoterol
• Medications for colds
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Medications for weight loss including some herbal products
• Methadone
• Salmeterol
• Some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid
• Some heart medications
• Steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
• Theophylline

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 your risk of dying from 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 medication can affect this medication.

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.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

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):

• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• 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 in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Keep unopened vials in the foil pouch. Do not open a vial until you are ready to use it. An opened vial must be used right away. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

Room Temperature: This medication may be stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Keep unopened vials in the foil pouch. Do not open a vial until you are ready to use it. An opened vial must be used right away. If it is stored at room temperature, throw away any unused medication after 6 weeks, or after it expires, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If your cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.