Before taking Xopenex (levalbuterol), 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 (levalbuterol), 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 (levalbuterol) 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 (levalbuterol).
Xopenex (levalbuterol) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Xopenex (levalbuterol) passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Xopenex (levalbuterol) 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 vials in the foil pouch at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Once the foil pouch is opened, use the vials within 2 weeks. Once vials are removed from the foil pouch, use immediately, or protect from light and use within 1 week. Do not store in the bathroom. 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 available from your pharmacist. This product is used with special breathing equipment (nebulizer). Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist on how to inhale Xopenex (levalbuterol) properly with this equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the machine and how to properly clean it to prevent infections. If a child is using this equipment, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise the child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix Xopenex (levalbuterol) with other solutions or products in the nebulizer. This product does not require any mixing before use unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Xopenex (levalbuterol) is inhaled into the lungs using a nebulizer, usually 3 times a day. Dosage of Xopenex (levalbuterol) is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy.
Use Xopenex (levalbuterol) as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed or the medication may not work as well over time, and you will be at greater risk of side effects. Do not stop using Xopenex (levalbuterol) without first consulting your doctor.
If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or with inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly use Xopenex (levalbuterol) with your other asthma medicines.
If you notice less effect than usual from Xopenex (levalbuterol), 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.
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, nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, 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 (levalbuterol) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Xopenex (levalbuterol) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: anxiety, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, leg/muscle cramps, weakness.
Seek immediate medical attention if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: chest pain.
Rarely, Xopenex (levalbuterol) 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 (levalbuterol) 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 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 (levalbuterol), 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 (levalbuterol). In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur.
Before using Xopenex (levalbuterol), 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.