Indacaterol for COPD

About indacaterol

Indacaterol is called a bronchodilator, as it widens (dilates) your airways. It is intended to be used regularly to relieve airways-related problems in people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening up the air passages in your lungs so that air can flow into your lungs more freely. This helps to ease symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless.

Use indacaterol every day. It is a long-acting bronchodilator, which means that it works throughout the day. It is prescribed to reduce your symptoms over the long term - it is not a rescue treatment for sudden breathlessness.

One brand of indacaterol inhaler (called Ultibro®) also contains another bronchodilator medicine called glycopyrronium. Indacaterol is also available with a corticosteroid called mometasone in the brand Atectura®. You could be prescribed one of these combination brands to help reduce the number of inhalers you need to use.

Before using indacaterol

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using indacaterol it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have heart or blood vessel problems, or if you have an irregular heartbeat.

• If you have high blood pressure.

• If you have an overactive thyroid gland.

• If you have diabetes (diabetes mellitus).

• If you have been told by a doctor that you have low levels of potassium in your blood.

• If you have fits, or epilepsy.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because it is particularly important that your breathing is well controlled if you are pregnant.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to use indacaterol

• Before using the inhaler device, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about indacaterol, a diagram to remind you how to use and clean your inhaler device and a full list of side-effects which you could experience from using it.

• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and make sure that you know how to use your inhaler properly. If you are not sure, ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to show you.

• Use the inhaler regularly, once every day. There are two strengths of Onbrez® capsules - 150 mg and 300 mg. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you. Just as a reminder - the capsules must not be swallowed. They are to be used with the inhaler device only.

• Try to use your inhaler at the same time each day, as this will help you to remember to use it regularly. If you ever forget to use the inhaler at your usual time, use it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until the following day, do not 'double up' your next dose to make up for the forgotten one.

Instructions for using the inhaler device

1. Remove the cap. Hold the base of the inhaler device and tilt the mouthpiece. This opens the inhaler.

2. Take a capsule from the blister packaging and put it into the capsule chamber of the inhaler. Close the inhaler - you will hear it click.

3. Hold the inhaler upright and press both side buttons at the same time. You should hear a click as the capsule is pierced. Then release the side buttons.

4. Breathe out and then put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips firmly around it.

5. Breathe in deeply and hold your breath for around 5-10 seconds. Then breathe out.

6. Remove the empty capsule, close the inhaler and then replace the cap.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can review your condition on a regular basis.

• Do not smoke. Smoking causes irritation and damage to the lungs and will make your condition worse. Speak with your doctor or practice nurse for further advice if you are having difficulty in stopping smoking.

• If you find that your symptoms are getting worse, continue to use your inhaler but also contact your doctor or nurse for further advice.

• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently, as the inhaler could affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.

Can indacaterol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with indacaterol. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your inhaler device. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the inhaler, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store indacaterol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines