Formoterol (Inhalation-Local)

Brand Names : Foradil, Oxeze

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing - Inhaled formoterol is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is not used to relieve an attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use for an attack or if you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor.

Inhaled formoterol is used with a special inhaler and usually comes with patient directions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your health care professional to show you what to do. Also, ask your health care professional to check regularly how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

Do not wash and reuse your inhaler. Use a new inhaler with each refill of your medicine.

Do not use a spacer with this medicine.

Do not exhale into your inhaler.

Do not use the inhaler for this medicine with any other medicine.

Dry your hands before handling this medicine.

The dose of formoterol will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of formoterol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of inhaled doses that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For inhalation:
  • Adults and children 5 years of age and older - 12 mcg by oral inhalation every 12 hours
  • Children younger than 6 years of age - use and dose must be determined by your doctor

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.