Before taking Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, coronary insufficiency), seizures, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, kidney disease, low blood potassium level (hypokalemia).
Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
The elderly may be at greater risk for the effects on the heart while using Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg.
Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from direct sunlight. It is best to store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Avoid freezing. Do not puncture the canister or expose it to high heat or open flame. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet for instructions on proper use of Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg and the proper cleaning of the mouthpiece. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Shake the canister well before each inhalation and test spray. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a new canister or if you have not used it for 3 days or more. Avoid spraying the medication in your eyes. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is properly working.
Take the cap off the mouthpiece. Place the mouthpiece near your mouth and exhale. Place the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and press the inhaler as you breathe in deeply. Hold your breath for 10 seconds if possible to allow the drug to be absorbed. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least one full minute between inhalations. If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or with inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly take Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg with your other asthma medicines.
Take Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg exactly as prescribed. Inhale by mouth usually every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by your doctor. Dosage of Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more of Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg or take it more often than recommended by your doctor. Use Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg at the same times each day.
If you find it difficult to correctly use this inhaler, it may help to use a spacer device with this inhaler. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
If you notice less effect than usual from Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg, if your symptoms get worse, or you feel you need to take any of your asthma medications more often than recommended, seek immediate medical attention.
Keep track of the number of inhalations used from each canister. Discard the canister after you have used the number of inhalations marked on the manufacturer's package. Sprays used to prime the inhaler should also be counted. Do not float the metal canister in water to test if any more drug is left in the canister.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Headache, nausea, nervousness, dizziness, shaking (tremor), trouble sleeping, dry mouth, cough, sore throat, or runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, weakness.
Seek immediate medical attention if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: chest pain.
Rarely, Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.
A very serious allergic reaction to Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Xopenex HFA side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg, 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur.
Before using Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol) 45mcg, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other asthma drugs (e.g., albuterol), beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol), digoxin, inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane), other sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., ephedrine, epinephrine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), certain "water pills" (diuretics that cause potassium loss such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.