uses
What is arformoterol used for?Arformoterol is commonly used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a long-term lung problem that causes you to have difficulty breathing and is an illness that gradually worsens over time. Arformoterol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does arformoterol work (mechanism of action)?Arformoterol helps relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier for you to breathe. Once the muscles can relax, air can flow more easily throughout the lungs. Arformoterol is long-acting, which means the medicine continues to work over a long period of time. How is arformoterol supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesBrovanaDosage forms and strengths15 mcg/2 mL vial of inhalation solutionHow should I store arformoterol?Arformoterol can be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) in its foil pouch, until it is ready to be used. Sealed arformoterol foil pouches can also be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C) for no more than 6 weeks, or when it has expired, whichever is sooner. Keep in a cool, dry location away from heat and light. Once the unit dose vial has been opened, use the arformoterol solution right away and throw out any unused solution when done.Â
how to use
liquid that is inhaled
drug interactions
Does arformoterol interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between arformoterol and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect arformoterol.Does arformoterol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using arformoterol.A medicine that may activate the nervous system, such as theophylline A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditionsA diuretic, also called a water pill, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, that is used to remove extra fluid in the body or for high blood pressure A medicine that may cause a heart rhythm problem called QTc prolongationA beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Toprol XL, Lopressor, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressureA long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), such as olodaterol (Striverdi), formoterol (Perforomist), or salmeterol (Serevent), which is an inhaled medicine like arformoterol that is used to treat asthma and COPDA monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used to treat depression or Parkinson’s disease  A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with arformoterol. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of arformoterol?The most common side effects of arformoterol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.PainChest painBack pain Diarrhea Inflammation in the sinuses Leg crampsShortness of breathRashFlu symptomsLeg swellingLung problems, such as chest congestionThere may be other side effects of arformoterol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of arformoterol?While less common, the most serious side effects of arformoterol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Arformoterol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using arformoterol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painSudden Breathing Problems. Arformoterol may cause the airways to tighten instead of relax, which can make it harder for you to breathe. Stop using arformoterol and call your healthcare provider right away if you are having a hard time breathing, or seek medical attention if symptoms are severe. Heart Problems. Arformoterol may increase your risk of experiencing certain effects on the heart, such as fast heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure (hypertension), or chest pain (angina). Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms after using arformoterol.Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Arformoterol can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level. WeaknessUnusual tirednessMuscle cramps or twitchingConstipationHigh Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia). Arformoterol may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.Â
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much arformoterol?If you or someone else has used too much arformoterol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of arformoterol?If you miss a dose of arformoterol, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use arformoterol?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use arformoterol.Brovana ArformoterolRacemic formoterolAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in arformoterol. Single Medicine Treatment in Asthma. Arformoterol is an inhaled medicine used for COPD. In people with asthma, arformoterol should be used with another type of inhaled medicine, called an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Using arformoterol alone for asthma without an ICS may increase the risk of asthma-related death. If you have asthma, discuss with your healthcare provider which inhaled medicines are necessary to help manage your symptoms.Worsening of Breathing. Arformoterol should not be used for COPD that is getting worse quickly. If you are using your rescue inhaler (such as an albuterol inhaler) more often than usual, contact your healthcare provider to review your current COPD regimen. Sudden Worsening of Illness. Arformoterol should not be used to treat sudden symptoms of COPD. These symptoms should be treated with a rescue inhaler (such as an albuterol inhaler). What should I know about arformoterol before using it?Do not use arformoterol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Using arformoterol more often than prescribed may increase the risk of serious side effects.Do not stop arformoterol without talking to your healthcare provider first. Stopping arformoterol may cause your symptoms to come back. Do not share arformoterol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep arformoterol out of the reach of children.Arformoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). Do not use arformoterol with other inhaled medicines that contain a LABA. Make sure that you understand how to use a nebulizer machine before you start using arformoterol. If you have any questions about how to use the nebulizer machine, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using arformoterol?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if arformoterol is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.High blood pressureHeart problemsSeizuresThyroid problems  DiabetesLiver problemsPregnancy. It is not known if or how arformoterol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding. It is not known if arformoterol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use arformoterol while breastfeeding.