Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Inhaled aclidinium and formoterol combination is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not used to relieve a COPD attack that has already started. For relief of an COPD attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use for an attack or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine is used with a special inhaler that comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read the directions carefully before using the medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

Use this medicine at the same time each day.

Do not stop using this medicine or other breathing medicines that your doctor has prescribed for you unless you have discussed this with your doctor.

To use the inhaler:

  • This medicine comes in a sealed bag. Do not open the bag until you are ready to use the inhaler. Do not press the orange button until you are ready to take a dose.
  • Remove the cap by squeezing and pulling it off the mouthpiece. Check the mouthpiece to make sure it is clear.
  • Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece facing you and the orange button is on top. Press the orange button all the way down and release it. Do not tilt the inhaler.
  • Check the control window to make sure your dose is ready for inhalation. Look if the colored control window changed from red to green. If it is still red, repeat the steps to prepare your dose.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully and try to get as much air out of your lungs as possible. Put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in quickly and deeply until you hear a "click" sound. Keep breathing in, even after you hear the "click" sound to be sure you get the full dose. Do not hold the orange button while you are breathing in.
  • Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, and then breathe out slowly through your nose. You may have a grainy feeling or a slightly sweet or bitter taste in your mouth after inhalation. Do not take an extra dose if you do not taste or feel anything after inhaling.
  • Check the colored control window if it has turned to red. This means you have inhaled the full dose of this medicine. If it is still colored green, repeat the steps above. If you are unable to inhale correctly after several attempts, call your doctor.
  • Once the window has turned red, place the cap back by pressing it back into the mouthpiece.
  • To clean the inhaler, wipe the mouthpiece with a dry tissue or towel. Do not use water to clean it, as this may damage the medicine.
  • The inhaler has a window that shows the number of doses that are left. This tells you when you are getting low on medicine. A red band will appear in the window to remind you to refill your prescription.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation aerosol dosage form (powder):
    • For maintenance treatment of COPD:
      • Adults—One inhalation 2 times a day, in the morning and evening. Each inhalation contains 400 micrograms (mcg) of aclidinium bromide and 12 mcg of formoterol fumarate.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

Do not store this medicine on a vibrating surface.

Throw away the inhaler 2 months after opening the bag, after a "0" with a red background shows, or when the device is empty and locks out.