Did your doctor give you a new inhaler because you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)? Is it called Aclidinium and Formoterol? Maybe it's under the brand name Duaklir. If so, this article will be very important to you. Since this is a somewhat complicated medication, let's explain everything simply, as if we were talking to a friend.
What actually happens with this inhaler?
Simply put, this inhaler is used to control COPD . It works by widening the airways in your lungs, relaxing them, and making it easier to breathe. Think of it like unclogging a clogged pipe.
It contains two main types of medication. One is Aclidinium, which belongs to the group called ``Anticholinergic``. The other is Formoterol, which is a ``Bronchodilator``. Both of these work together to help keep your airways open.
Very important: This is not a medicine to use when you suddenly have difficulty breathing (COPD flare-up). This is a ``Controller Inhaler'', which is used daily to control symptoms. Your doctor may have given you a separate ``Reliever/Rescue'' inhaler, which is a quick-acting inhaler to use in an emergency.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start using this inhaler, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about your complete health history, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma, a disease of increased pressure in the eyes
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Kidney or Liver disease
- Prostate problems
- Seizures
- Thyroid disease
- If you have an allergic reaction to these medications, namely Aclidinium, Formoterol, Atropine , or milk proteins .
- If you have allergies to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.
How to use the inhaler correctly?
This is an inhaled medication. Use it only as directed by your doctor, and only as often as prescribed.
- Try to use it at the same time every day . Once you make this a habit, you'll be less likely to forget.
- Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Continue taking it even if your symptoms subside.
- Do not use more than the prescribed amount. Doing so will not make you feel better faster, but it may increase side effects.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Can this interact with other medications?
Yes, this is a very important question. This inhaler can interact with some other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, not just the ones prescribed by your doctor, but also the ones you buy from the pharmacy, vitamins, traditional medicines (Sinhala medicine), and even your eating habits (alcohol, smoking).
| Medications that may cause problems with this inhaler | |
|---|---|
| Never use these with names. | |
| Other LABA inhalers | Ex: Indacaterol, Olodaterol, Salmeterol |
| Some heart disease medications | Cisapride, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| Inform your doctor if you are taking these. | |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds | Antihistamines |
| Medication for mental illness and depression | Various types, including MAOIs |
| Other medicines in the anticholinergic class | Ipratropium, Tiotropium, Glycopyrrolate |
| Other | Atropine, Theophylline, some medications for bladder diseases, Parkinson's disease, and stomach problems |
Things to be careful about when using and side effects
Always pay attention to whether your symptoms improve or worsen while using this medicine. Tell your doctor about this when you visit.
Do not use this inhaler for emergencies. Keep your `(Rescue)` inhaler nearby for emergencies . If you need to use your `(Rescue)` inhaler frequently, it means that your condition is not under control. If so, call your doctor immediately.
Sometimes, you may experience increased shortness of breath or wheezing after using this inhaler. This is somewhat unexpected. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately and talk to your doctor.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, muscle pain or cramping, difficulty urinating. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing or increased shortness of breath after using the inhaler. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, sore throat, cough, headache, back pain, constipation, insomnia, hand tremors. |
How do you hold the inhaler properly?
To maintain the quality of medicines, it is important to store them properly.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat, cold, or humidity.
- Use the inhaler within 2 months of removing it from its foil pouch .
- Do not use the inhaler if the dose counter shows "0" or if the expiration date has passed . In those cases, discard it, whichever comes first.
It is also important to safely dispose of old or unused medications. Consult your doctor about this.
Take-Home Message
- This inhaler (Aclidinium; Formoterol) is a daily controller medication for your COPD. It is not a reliever medication.
- Use it at the same time every day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications , vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- If you experience increased difficulty breathing or severe side effects after using the medicine, call your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop using this medicine without medical advice.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න