Brovana

Generic name: Arformoterol tartrate

What is Brovana?

Brovana is used for long-term maintenance treatment of airway constriction that comes with having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Medications such as Brovana help the muscles around the airways in your lungs stay relaxed to prevent symptoms, such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

What is the most important information I should know about Brovana?

Brovana may increase the risk of an asthma-related death.

This drug is intended for long-term, daily usage; it is not for use as a rescue medication or for acute spasms of the airway (asthma attacks).

Brovana does not relieve sudden symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); always have a short-acting medicine with you, such as an albuterol inhaler, to treat sudden symptoms.

Do not stop using Brovana unless told to do so by your healthcare provider, because your symptoms might get worse.

Brovana should not be used in children as the safety and efficacy of Brovana have not been established.

Who should not take Brovana?

Do not take Brovana if you are allergic to arformoterol or any of its other ingredients.

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. It is not known if Brovana can harm your unborn baby. It is also not known if Brovana passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby in that way.

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.

How should I take Brovana?

Brovana should be taken by nebulizer twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening.

Use Brovana exactly as prescribed. One ready-to-use vial of Brovana is one dose. The usual dose of Brovana is 1 ready-to-use vial, twice a day (morning and evening) breathed in through your nebulizer machine. The 2 doses should be about 12 hours apart. Do not use more than 2 ready-to-use vials of Brovana per day.

Do not mix other medicines with Brovana in your nebulizer machine.

If you miss a dose of Brovana, just skip that dose. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

What should I avoid while taking Brovana?

While taking Brovana, avoid treatment with tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers.

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 you're your doctor before combining Brovana with the following: monoamine oxidase inhibitors; tricyclic antidepressants; or a drug known to prolong QTc intervals, 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 pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, fast and irregular heart beat, fluctuations in blood pressure, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, flu-like syndrome, general pain, headache, leg cramps, nervousness, rash, sinus infection, tiredness, tremor, trouble sleeping

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, just skip that dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

How should I store Brovana?

Store Brovana in a refrigerator in the protective foil pouch. Protect from light and excessive heat. Do not open a sealed pouch until you are ready to use a dose of Brovana. After opening the pouch, unused ready-to-use vials should be returned to, and stored in, the pouch. Use opened ready-to use vials right away. Brovana may be used directly from the refrigerator.