Olodaterol inhaler for COPD

About olodaterol

Olodaterol 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 olodaterol 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 or wheezing.

One brand of olodaterol inhaler (called Spiolto®) also contains another bronchodilator medicine called tiotropium. You could be prescribed this combination brand to help reduce the number of inhalers you need to use.

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 the inhaler 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 high sugar levels in your blood (diabetes).

• 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. Also, please make sure that the doctor prescribing this inhaler for you knows about any other inhalers you are using.

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

• Before using the inhaler device, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about olodaterol, 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. Each time you receive a new supply, you will need to insert the cartridge containing the liquid into the inhaler device. The inhaler must then be 'primed' before you use it - to do this, open the cap, point the inhaler away from yourself and press the button near the mouthpiece until you see a fine mist of liquid being released.

• Use the inhaler regularly. Use two puffs once every day.

• Try to use the 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. If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the missed dose - do not 'double up' your next dose to make up for the forgotten one.

• If you are in any way unsure about how to use the inhaler, please ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you, or show you what to do.

Instructions for using the inhaler device

1. Read the manufacturer's instructions for preparing your inhaler for first use and using your inhaler correctly. Then:

2. Open the cap.

3. Breathe out slowly and then put the end of the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Point the inhaler towards the back of your throat.

4. While breathing in through your mouth, press the dose release button and continue to breathe in slowly for as long as you can. Hold your breath for around 5-10 seconds. Then breathe out.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 above (for the second puff).

• 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 inhalers 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.

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 olodaterol. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your inhaler and 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.

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

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

• Discard your inhaler three months after preparing it for first use, even if there are some doses left. It may be helpful to write the date you first used the inhaler on the pharmacy label.