Brovana
Generic Name: Arformoterol
What is Brovana?
Brovana is used for long-term treatment of airway constriction that comes with having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema in adults.What is the most important information I should know about Brovana?
Brovana may increase the risk of an asthma-related death.Do not swallow or inject Brovana. Brovana is only for use with a nebulizer. It does not need to be diluted before use.
This drug is intended for long-term, daily use; it is not for use as a rescue medication or for asthma attacks.
Brovana does not relieve sudden symptoms of COPD; always have a short-acting medicine with you, such as an albuterol inhaler, to treat sudden symptoms.
Do not stop using Brovana unless your doctor tells you to, because your symptoms might get worse. Do not use Brovana more often than prescribed.
Who should not take Brovana?
Do not take Brovana if you are allergic to arformoterol or any of its other ingredients.Brovana should not be used if you have asthma but do not already use a long-term asthma control medication.
Brovana should not be used in children as the safety and efficacy of Brovana have not been established.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Brovana?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking, to prevent a possible interaction with Brovana. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, including if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, liver problems, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The usual dosage of Brovana is 15 micrograms (mcg) twice a day, given through a nebulizer. This is also the maximum amount of Brovana that should be taken each day.
How should I take Brovana?
Do not open a sealed pouch until you are ready to use a dose of Brovana. After opening the pouch, unused vials should be returned to, and stored in, the pouch. Use opened vials right away. Brovana may be used directly from the refrigerator.Use Brovana exactly as prescribed. One ready-to-use vial of Brovana is one dose. The usual dose of Brovana is one vial, twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening), breathed in through your nebulizer. The two doses should be about 12 hours apart. Do not use more than two vials of Brovana per day.
Do not mix other medicines with Brovana in your nebulizer.
Open the foil pouch by tearing on the rough edge along the seam of it. Carefully twist open the top of the ready-to-use vial and squeeze out all the medicine into the nebulizer medicine cup. Connect the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or mask and connect the nebulizer to the compressor. Sit in a comfortable, upright position. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and turn on the compressor. Breathe as calmly, deeply, and evenly as possible until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer reservoir. It takes about 5-10 minutes for each treatment. Clean the nebulizer after each use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What should I avoid while taking Brovana?
While taking Brovana, avoid treatment with tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers.Do not use other medications that contain the same ingredients as Brovana.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Brovana?
If Brovana is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Brovana with the following: monoamine oxidase inhibitors; tricyclic antidepressants; or drugs known to prolong the QTc interval, causing a potentially harmful reaction in the cardiovascular system.What are the possible side effects of Brovana?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: back pain, chest congestion and pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, fast and irregular heartbeat, fluctuations in blood pressure, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, flulike syndrome, general pain, headache, leg cramps, leg swelling, nervousness, rash, shortness of breath, sinus infection, tiredness, tremor, trouble sleeping, vomiting
Can I receive Brovana if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with Brovana. The effects of Brovana on pregnancy are unknown; also, this drug may pass into breast milk.What should I do if I miss a dose of Brovana?
If you miss a dose of Brovana, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip that dose and take your next one at your usual time. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Brovana?
Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Protect from light and excessive heat.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
