Brovana (Arformoterol Tartrate Inhalation Solution) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 25, 2012

Brovana

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease »

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised primarily of three related conditions - chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. In each condition there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and may be progressive over time.

While asthma features obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, usually, the obstruction is reversible. Between "attacks" of asthma the flow of air through the airways typically is normal. These patients do not have COPD. However, if asthma is left untreated, the chronic inflammation associated with this disease can cause the airway obstruction to become fixed. That is, between attacks, the asthmatic patient may then have abnormal air flow. This process is referred to as lung remodeling. These asthma patients with a fixed component of airway obstruction are also considered to have COPD.

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Brovana Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Brovana

Generic Name: arformoterol inhalation (Pronunciation: ar for MOE ter ole)

What is arformoterol inhalation (Brovana)?

Arformoterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Arformoterol inhalation is used to prevent bronchoconstriction in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Arformoterol will not treat a bronchospasm attack that has already begun.

Arformoterol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of arformoterol inhalation (Brovana)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
chest pain, fast or pounding heart beats, restless feeling, tremor;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

weakness; headache, sleep problems (insomnia);
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
leg cramps;
fever;
stuffy nose, dry mouth; or
hoarseness or deepened voice.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about arformoterol inhalation (Brovana)?

Do not use this medication to treat a sudden bronchospasm attack. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat sudden attacks of bronchospasm.

Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if you think you need to use more than usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign that your condition is getting worse.

Salmeterol, a medicine similar to arformoterol, has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is not known whether arformoterol could cause this same effect in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits in using arformoterol.

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