Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Ratio-Salbutamol HFA
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Your doctor has prescribed a medicine called ratio-SALBUTA-MOL HFA for you. It is used to help breathing problems in: C Asthma
C Other chest illnesses.
What it does:
Salbutamol is one of a group of medicines called bronchodilators. Salbutamol relaxes the muscles in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs. This helps to open up the airways and so helps to relieve chest tightness, wheezing and cough so that you can breathe more easily.
When it should not be used:
Do not use ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA if you are allergic to it or any of the components of its formulation (see what the important non medicinal ingredients are)
What the medicinal ingredient is:
ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA contains the active ingredient, salbutamol sulphate.
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are: ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA is suspensed in a CFC-free propellant, HFA (Hydro Fluoro Alkane).
Please note that indicates that this inhalation aerosol does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant.
What dosage forms it comes in:
ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA is a pressurized metered dose inhaler containing 100 mcg of salbutamol per inhalation. ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA will deliver at least 200 puffs. However, after 200 puffs, the amount of drug delivered per spray may not be consistent. The canister should be discarded when 200 puffs have been used.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Before you use ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
C you have ever had to stop taking other medications for this illness because you were allergic to them or they caused problems.
C you are having treatment for a thyroid condition C you are having treatment for high blood pressure or a heart problem.
C if you have diabetes.
C if you have a past history of seizures.
If you notice that your shortness of breath or wheeze is becoming worse, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If the relief of wheezing or chest tightness is not as good as usual, tell your doctor as soon as possible. It may be that your chest condition is worsening and you may need to add another type of medicine to your treatment.
Your doctor may decide not to prescribe this medicine during the first three months of pregnancy, or if you are breast feeding a baby. However, there may be circumstances when your doctor advises you differently.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking (such as those for depression, allergies, other airway-opening medications (e.g. other asthma medications), blood pressure and heart medications, and water pills (diuretics), etc.), including those you can buy without a prescription as well as herbal and alternative medicines.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Carefully follow the instructions shown. If you have any problems, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
It is extremely important that you use your ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA properly to ensure that your medicine is delivered correctly so that you receive maximum benefit.
Before using ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA for the first time, or if your inhaler has not been used for more than 4 weeks, shake the inhaler and release four puffs into the air to ensure that it works properly.
- 1.
To remove the snap-on mouthpiece cover,
hold between the thumb and forefinger,
squeeze gently and pull apart as shown.
Check inside and outside of the inhaler
including the mouthpiece for the presence
of loose objects.
- 2.
Shake the inhaler well to ensure that any
loose objects are removed and the contents
of the inhaler are evenly mixed.
- 3.
Hold the inhaler upright between fingers
and thumb with your thumbon the base,
below the mouthpiece. Breathe out as far
as is comfortable.
- 4.
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth
between your teeth and close your lips
around it, but do not bite it. Just after
starting to breathe in through your mouth,
press down on the top of the inhaler to
release the drug while still breathing in
steadily and deeply.
- 5.
While holding your breath, take the
inhaler from your mouth and take your
finger from the top of the inhaler. Continue holding your breath for as long as is comfortable.
- 6.
If you are to take further puffs, keep the inhaler upright and wait
about half a minute before repeating steps 2 through 5.
- 7.
Replace the mouthpiece cover by firmly pushing and snapping the
cap into position to keep out dust and lint.
Important: Do not rush steps 3, 4 and 5. It is important that you start to breathe in as slowly as possible just before operating your inhaler. Practice in front of a mirror for the first few times. If you see "mist" coming from the top of your inhaler or the sides of your mouth, you should start again from step 2.
If your doctor has given you different instructions for using your inhaler, please follow them carefully. Tell your doctor if you have any difficulties.
Children - ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA should be used under the supervision of an adult who understands the proper use of the inhaler, and only as prescribed by the doctor . The adult must encourage the child (as described above) to exhale, and then trigger the spray immediately as inhalation begins.
Cleaning:
Your inhaler should be cleaned at least once per week.
- 1. Pull the metal canister out of the plastic casing of the inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover.
- 2.
Wipe the plastic casing and mouthpiece with a damp cloth.
Do not put the metal canister into water.
- 3. Leave the casing and mouthpiece cover to dry in a warm place. Avoid excessive heat.
- 4. Replace the canister and mouthpiece cover.
- 5. After cleansing, release one puff into the air to make sure that the inhaler works.
Usual dose:
Use your ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA only as directed by your doctor. He will tell you how often, and how many puffs to take for a treatment. If you are not sure how much or when to take your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may have told you to use your inhaler regularly every day, or only when you are wheezy or short of breath.
The action of ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA may last up to 6 hours and should last for at least 4 hours. Call your doctor immediately if the effect lasts for less than 3 hours or if you notice a sudden worsening of your shortness of breath. Do not increase the dose or the number of times you use your medicine without asking your doctor. If symptoms get worse or you require your inhaler more than before, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
If you regularly use ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA more than 3 times a week, and take no other asthma medication, you should talk to your doctor who may want to reassess your treatment plan.
Unless your doctor has recommended otherwise, do not take more than 8 puffs in a day (24 hours). Unless your doctor has recommended otherwise, children should not take more than 4 puffs in a day.
If you have to go into hospital for an operation, take your inha ler with you and tell the doctor what medicine(s) you are taking.
If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, do not keep any left over medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not take more doses or use your inhaler more often than your doctor advises.
Overdose:
If you accidentally take a larger dose than prescribed, you are more likely to get side effects like a faster heart beat, headaches and feeling shaky or restless. These effects usually wear off within a few hours, but you should tell your doctor as soon as possible.
In the event of an excessive overdose, tell your doctor without delay or contact your nearest hospital emergency department or poison centre. Take this leaflet or your medication with you so that the hospital or poison control centre will know what you have taken.
Missed Dose:
If you forget to inhale a dose do not worry, just inhale the next dose when it is due or if you become wheezy.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Very occasionally, some people feel a little shaky or have a headache or notice that their heart is beating a little faster and/or more forcefully than usual after using ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA. Muscle cramps can occur, although these are quite rare. These effects usually wear off within a few hours, but you should tell your doctor as soon as possible. If you have chest pain, if your heart beat feels irregular, or feel unwell in any other way or have any symptoms that you do not understand, you should contact your doctor immediately.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you have any unexpected effects after receiving ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you notice a sudden worsening of your shortness of breath and wheeze shortly after using your ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Some people can be allergic to medicines. If you have any of the following symptoms soon after taking ratio-SALBUTAMOL HFA, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately.
C Sudden wheeziness and chest pain or tightness. C Swelling of eyelids, face, lips, tongue or throat. C Lumpy skin rash or Ahives@ anywhere on the body.
Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it. Your medicine may harm them.
After use, replace the mouthpiece cover firmly and snap it into position. Do not use excessive force.
Store at a temperature between 15EC and 25EC. Do not keep any left over medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Warning: The canister contents are under pressure. The canister may explode if heated. Do not place in hot water or near radiators, stoves or other sources of heat. Even when empty, do not puncture or incinerate container.
You may need to read this leaflet again. PLEASE DO NOT THROW IT AWAY until you have finished your medicine.
This document plus the full Product Monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be found at:
ratiopharm inc.
17 800 Lapointe, Mirabel
Quebec, Canada, J7J 1P3
1-800-337-2584
Last revised: January 3, 2008
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN
AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
HOW TO STORE IT
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
To monitor drug safety, Health Canada collects information on serious and unexpected effects of drugs . If you suspect you have had a serious or unexpected reaction to this drug you may notify Health Canada by:
Toll-free telephone: 866-234-2345
Toll-free fax 866-678-6789
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca
Regular mail: National AR Centre
Marketed Health Products Safety and Effectiveness
Information Division
Marketed Health Products Directorate Tunney=s Pasture, AL 0701C Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
NOTE: Before contacting Health Canada, you should contact your physician or pharmacist.