Do you have COPD, a chronic lung disease? If so, your doctor may have told you to use an inhaler to help control your breathing difficulties. Today, we're talking about one such commonly used inhaler, a combination of two drugs called Glycopyrrolate and Formoterol. You may know it by the brand name Bevespi.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, the two types of medication in this inhaler (one is an anticholinergic and the other is a bronchodilator) work by widening the airways in your lungs, relaxing their muscles, and making it easier to breathe.
This is called a "controller" inhaler. This means that it is used daily to control symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. This is to control your condition long-term.
Important: This is not a medicine to use for a sudden onset of shortness of breath (COPD flare-up). Your doctor may have given you a separate "rescue" inhaler for such an emergency. This is what you should use.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing this inhaler to your doctor, it is important to tell them if you have any of the following conditions, as you need to be extra careful when using this medication with these conditions.
- Heart disease: If you have any type of heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat.
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma: A condition in which pressure in the eyes increases.
- Kidney or liver disease
- Thyroid problems
- Prostate problems or difficulty urinating.
- Conditions such as seizures .
Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medication (Glycopyrrolate, Formoterol), other medications, foods, or preservatives, or if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding .
How should I use the inhaler?
This should be used exactly as your doctor has told you. It is usually prescribed to be taken twice a day, at the prescribed time. Never use more than the doctor has told you to. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
The INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE that comes with the inhaler clearly explains how to use it correctly. Read it carefully and understand it. If you don't understand, ask your doctor for more information. This medicine is not for children.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking other medications while using this inhaler, you should also be careful. Some medications can interact with this inhaler and cause side effects.
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Medications that should never be taken with this inhaler: | |
| |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these medications: | |
|
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Check in with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or worsening.
- Sometimes, you may experience temporary increased difficulty breathing after using this inhaler. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately and call your doctor. Keep your "rescue" inhaler handy for use in such cases.
- If you need to use your rescue inhaler frequently, it means your condition is not under control. See your doctor immediately.
- Do not buy over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without consulting your doctor. Some medications may interact with this inhaler.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can have some side effects. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention: | |
| Allergic reactions / Angioedema | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing. Go to a hospital immediately. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest pain, dizziness. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty or pain when urinating. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist: | |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, sore throat, cough, headache, constipation, trembling of the limbs, insomnia. |
How to store the inhaler?
Keep the inhaler out of the reach of children and pets. It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius). Keep it away from excessive heat, cold, or moisture.
The inhaler should be discarded 3 months after it is removed from its foil pouch, when its dose counter reaches "0", or when the expiration date has passed.
Take-Home Message
- This is a "controller" inhaler that you use every day to control your COPD. It is not meant to be used in an emergency.
- Always keep your "rescue" inhaler nearby.
- Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you take.
- Just as the doctor said, use the inhaler only at the right time and in the right amount.
- If you experience any serious side effects (increased difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reaction), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න