Foradil for breathing problems / asthma

What is Foradil prescribed for?

Foradil Aerolizer is used for the treatment of breathing problems in people who have asthma. Foradil is a long-acting bronchodilator. It acts to help keep the airways open, which may make it easier to breathe, and may reduce asthma symptoms.

Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough.

General Precautions to take when on Foradil:

• Do not swallow the capsules. Powder in the capsules is inhaled, using the Aerosolizer Inhaler that is provided.
• Use the Foradil Aerolizer regularly. Do not stop treatment even if you are feeling better unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not use Foradil Aerolizer to relieve sudden asthma symptoms (sudden severe onset or worsening of wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and/or shortness of breath diagnosed by your doctor as being due to asthma). Sudden asthma symptoms should be treated with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator. If you do not have an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator, contact your doctor to have one prescribed for you.
• Use other inhaled medicines only as directed by your doctor.
• Do not use the Aerolizer Inhaler with a spacer device.

There are some things that you should tell your doctor when taking this medication:

Tell your doctor before starting to take this medicine:

• if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant
• if you are breastfeeding a baby
• if you are allergic to formoterol, or any other inhaled bronchodilator.

This medicine may not be right for you and your doctor may wish to give you a different medicine.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

It is important to inform your doctor immediately if your asthma is getting worse, as indicated by any of the following situations since you may need a re-evaluation of your treatment.

• The relief of your wheezing or chest tightness is not as good as usual or does not last for as long as usual.
• Your inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator becomes less effective.
• You need more inhalations than usual of your inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator.
• You have a significant decrease in your peak flow measurement as previously defined by your doctor.

What side effects can you expect when taking Foradil? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Foradil. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)

Paradoxical bronchospasm, a narrowing of the airways, occurs rarely, but can be serious. Report any increased problems in breathing after using Foradil Aerolizer to your doctor right away.

Foradil Aerolizer may also cause:

• tremor
• fast and irregular heart beat
• headache
• Muscle cramps and pain
• agitation
• dizziness
• nervousness
• tiredness
• problems with sleeping
• dryness of the mouth or throat.

Some of these effects may go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Check with your doctor if any of these unwanted effects continue to bother you.

For more detailed information about Foradil, ask your doctor or pharmacist.