indacaterol Inhl

Indacaterol is used to treat trouble breathing and wheezing due to a certain ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema). It is used if your breathing problems are not controlled with other medication (such as a quick-relief inhaler). It works in the airways by relaxing muscles and opening air passages to improve breathing.
This medication should not be used for severe/sudden breathing problems. Other medications, such as a quick-relief inhaler should be used instead of indacaterol for sudden breathing problems. This medication is not a substitute for corticosteroids (such as beclomethasone, fluticasone, prednisone).

How to use indacaterol Inhl
Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using indacaterol and each time you get a refill. Learn and follow the directions for proper use and care of the inhaler device and this medication. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Indacaterol comes in a capsule. Do not swallow these capsules. Inhale the contents of the capsule by mouth using the inhaler device as directed by your doctor, usually one capsule once daily. Indacaterol must always be used with its own special inhaler device. Always discard your old inhaler device and use the new inhaler device that you get each time you refill your indacaterol prescription. Do not use a \"spacer\" device with the inhaler.
Leave the capsule sealed in the blister card until just before use. Wash and completely dry hands before touching the capsules. Inhale the capsule contents as directed to make sure you inhale all of the drug. Be sure to inhale rapidly and deeply through the mouthpiece when using this drug. Do not exhale into the inhaler.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor ahead of time what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, or increased sputum. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.
Using too much indacaterol or using it too often may make the drug work less well and increase the risk of serious side effects. Do not use more than the recommended dose or use this drug more often than prescribed. If you are using a quick-relief inhaler on a regular schedule (such as 4 times a day), you should stop the regular schedule and continue using your quick-relief inhaler only as needed for severe/sudden breathing problems. Do not stop or decrease the dose of your other prescribed medications (including inhaled corticosteroids such as beclomethasone) without your doctor\'s approval.
Tell your doctor right away if this medication stops working well, or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often than usual, or if your quick-relief inhaler no longer helps relieve your severe/sudden breathing problems.

Shakiness (tremor), nausea, headache, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle weakness/cramping, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, increased thirst/urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Rarely, indacaterol can cause a worsening of breathing problems (paradoxical bronchospasm) that may be life-threatening. If this occurs, get medical help right away.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using indacaterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, angina), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if indacaterol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.

If swallowed, indacaterol capsules will not work and may be harmful. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe nervousness, severe muscle cramps.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Avoid substances that can worsen breathing problems by causing irritation or allergic reaction, such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold.
Talk with your doctor about getting a yearly flu shot.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate, lung function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2011. Copyright(c) 2011 First Databank, Inc.