Dulera

The active ingredients in Dulera are mometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate.

Mometasone furoate is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that is believed to reduce swelling and inflammation in your airways by acting directly on your lungs. Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that acts as a bronchodilator. It works by causing your lungs' muscles to relax. This combination helps control and prevent the symptoms of asthma and lets you breathe easier.

Dulera does not treat an asthma attack that is already occurring. You should keep a rescue inhaler with you to treat any sudden breathing problems.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Dulera. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Dulera:

• Directions for priming the inhaler device and patient instructions for safe and efficient use are included with Dulera inhalers. Pay close attention to these instructions. Take the medication as prescribed. Overuse of this medication may result in potentially fatal side effects. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
• Dulera is not a treatment for asthma attacks. For an attack, only use a fast-acting rescue inhaler. If your breathing issues worsen quickly or you believe your asthma medicine is not doing its job, you should see a doctor.
• After using your Dulera inhaler, rinse your mouth with water without swallowing.
• A small child should never take this medication without an adult's assistance.
• Inform your physician if your peak flow meter readings are below normal if you use one at home.
• Regular examinations may be necessary to assess your bone mineral density and vision.

The most common side effects of Dulera seen in clinical trials include:

• Headaches.
• Common cold symptoms such as a sore throat and stuffy nose.
• Sinus infections.
• Decrease in blood potassium and increase in blood sugar levels.
• Thrush (yeast infection) in the mouth and throat.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Dulera. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reaction - hives, rash, itchy skin, flushed skin, facial, lip, or tongue swelling, and shortness of breath.
• Sudden breathing problems, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, and coughing after taking Dulera.
• Altered stress hormone levels - weight increase around the abdomen, facial puffiness, arm or leg weakness, bruising easily, stretch marks around the abdomen, fatigue, mood swings, nausea, and vomiting.
• Heart issues - weakness, exhaustion, lightheadedness, and an irregular heartbeat.
• Increased risk of infection. Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles.
• Eye and vision problems.
• Slowed growth in children.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Dulera. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Dulera, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Seizures.
• Weak immune system.
• Liver disease.
• Osteoporosis.
• Glaucoma, cataracts, or other vision problems.
• Diabetes.
• Pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
• A thyroid disorder.
• An aneurysm (a weakened or damaged blood vessel that could tear and cause severe bleeding).

Because Dulera (mometasone/formoterol) is not safe for you to consume, let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you.

• Sudden asthma attacks or bronchospasm attack.
• Formoterol or mometasone allergies.

Although Dulera begins to act after your first dose, it could take 1-2 weeks for the full effects of the medication to become noticeable.

When Dulera is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Ketoconazole and other anti-fungal medications.
• HIV treatment medication (particularly if it contains lopinavir, ritonavir, or cobicistat).

Based on your age, the severity of your asthma symptoms, and the previous asthma drugs you were on, your doctor will determine a starting dosage.

Inhaling two puffs of Dulera 100 mcg/5 mcg (mometasone/formoterol) or Dulera 200 mcg/5 mcg (mometasone/formoterol) orally twice a day is the usual dosage for those 12 and up years of age. Depending on how effectively the medicine is managing your asthma symptoms and whether you are experiencing any adverse effects, your dosage may need to be adjusted.

The usual dosage for children aged 5 to under 12 is to take two puffs of Dulera 50 mcg/5 mcg (mometasone/formoterol) orally twice a day.

If a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Keep out of direct sunlight and moisture and store at room temperature. If the canister becomes too heated, it can blow up. An empty inhaler canister should never be burned or punctured.

It is said that the pharmaceutical manufacturers for Dulera Inhalers are Organon & Co.

There is no generic version of Dulera available.

Unless instructed to do so by your healthcare professional, do not alter or discontinue using Dulera or any other asthma medications used to manage or treat your breathing issues. Your doctor will adjust your medication as necessary.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. However, difficulties including low birth weight, early delivery, or eclampsia (dangerous high blood pressure that can cause medical problems in both mother and baby) can result from untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy. Treating asthma may have more advantages than disadvantages for the unborn child.

It is not known if Dulera is found in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.