Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist

Generic Name: formoterol (Pronunciation: for MOE ter all)

• What is formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• What are the possible side effects of formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• What is the most important information I should know about formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• How should I use formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• What happens if I overdose (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• What should I avoid while using formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• What other drugs will affect formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?

Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Formoterol inhalation is used to prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airways disease, including symptoms of night-time asthma. It is also used in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Formoterol inhalation may also be used for other purposed not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, tremors, shaking, or restless feeling;
• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;
• increased thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual; or
• worsening asthma symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, anxiety, headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• back pain, muscle cramps;
• sore throat, dry mouth, cough, stuffy nose;
• skin rash, itching; or
• changes in your voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about formoterol inhalation (Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist)?

Formoterol capsules are for use only in the Foradil Aerolizer device. Use only one capsule at a time. Do not take the capsules by mouth. Never place a capsule in the mouthpiece of the inhaler.

Do not use formoterol inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, short-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Formoterol inhalation may increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits in using formoterol inhalation.