What is Foradil Inhaler?

Foradil Inhaler (Formoterol) is a long-acting bronchodilator used as a long-term (maintenance) treatment to prevent or decrease wheezing and trouble breathing caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It should only be used long-term if your asthma symptoms are not controlled by your other asthma medications (such as inhaled corticosteroids). Formoterol must not be used alone to treat asthma. (See also Warning section.) It works in the airways by relaxing muscles and opening air passages to improve breathing. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. This drug is also used to prevent breathing difficulties brought on by exercise (exercise-induced bronchospasm-EIB). This medication should not be used for a severe/sudden asthma attack. For sudden attacks of asthma, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. This medication is not a substitute for inhaled or oral corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone, fluticasone, prednisone). This medication should be used along with another controller-type asthma medication (such as inhaled corticosteroids). However, it should not be used with other long-acting beta-agonist inhalers (such as arformoterol, salmeterol) because doing so may increase your risk for side effects. It is recommended that children and teenagers, who need to use formoterol to treat their asthma, should use a combination formoterol/budesonide product. Check with your child's doctor to see if this product is the right product for your child.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Inhaled formoterol is used to prevent asthma or COPD attacks. It is not used to relieve an attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma or COPD attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use, or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• Foradil is usually given 2 times a day, about 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
• Any child using Foradil should be supervised by an adult while using this medicine. The Foradil Aerolizer inhalation device is not to be used with a spacer.
• Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
• Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep all capsules in their original packaging until you are ready to use a dose.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, angina), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures, diabetes, metabolism problems (e.g., ketoacidosis), swelling of an artery (aneurysm), a certain tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma).

Also be aware that:

• Formoterol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
• The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using formoterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using formoterol safely.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Shakiness (tremor), nausea, headache, dizziness, nervousness, dry mouth, stomach upset, tiredness, trouble sleeping, or hoarseness.
• To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips; chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
• Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast breathing, muscle weakness/cramping, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, increased thirst/urination.
• Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting.
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: dizziness, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing.
• Rarely, formoterol can cause a worsening of breathing problems (paradoxical bronchospasm) that may be life-threatening. If this occurs, immediately seek medical attention.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Q: What should I avoid while using Foradil?

A: Do not use a second form of formoterol (Bevespi, Dulera, Symbicort) or other long-acting inhaled bronchodilator unless your doctor tells you to. This includes arformoterol (Brovana), indacaterol (Arcapta), olodaterol (Striverdi, Stiolto Respimat), salmeterol (Advair, Serevent), or vilanterol (Breo Ellipta, Anoro Ellipta).