Have you had difficulty breathing, that is, your doctor prescribed a new inhaler for your COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) condition? If it's called Indacaterol, you probably have a lot of questions about it. "How do I use this?", "What are the side effects?", "What should I be concerned about?" You probably have questions in your mind. Don't worry, today we will talk about this medicine called Indacaterol in a simple and clear way.
What is Indacaterol?
Simply put, Indacaterol is a long-acting bronchodilator . This means that this medicine helps keep the narrowed airways in your lungs open for a longer period of time. This makes it easier for you to breathe.
But the most important thing you must remember here is that this is only used for long-term control of COPD. This inhaler should never be used for a sudden attack of chest tightness. In such cases, you should only use the 'rescue inhaler' that your doctor has given you. Usually, the Indacaterol inhaler is used with another COPD medicine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Diabetes: This medication may have a small effect on blood sugar levels.
- Heart disease: Any type of heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat.
- Liver disease.
- Low potassium levels in the blood.
- Thyroid disease.
- Conditions like seizures.
- If you have a type of adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma .
- If you have allergies to indacaterol, milk proteins, other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.
How to use this inhaler correctly?
This is the most important part. To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
Very important: The capsule that comes with this inhaler is for inhalation only. Do not swallow the capsule for any reason!
- As the doctor said, use only the prescribed amount at the prescribed time. Never use more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop using the medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you have any doubts about how to use your inhaler, don't be shy and ask your doctor again to find out for sure.
- Sometimes when you inhale the medicine, small pieces of the capsule may come into your mouth. This is normal, don't worry about it. It won't harm you.
- Do not use spacer devices with this inhaler.
What to do if you overdose ?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (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. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies, because some medications can interact with Indacaterol.
| Possible drug interactions with indacaterol | |
|---|---|
| Do not use together with these medications: | |
| MAOIs (a type of medication for depression) | Eg: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate |
| Other long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) medications | For example: other inhalers containing formoterol, salmeterol |
| If you use these, be sure to tell your doctor: | |
| Various drugs and substances |
|
This list may not be complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when using an inhaler
- See your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or worsening.
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after using the inhaler, tell your doctor .
Never forget: Do not use this inhaler for an acute asthma attack. Only use your rescue inhaler during such times. If you find yourself having to use your rescue inhaler frequently, it means your condition is not under control. Call your doctor immediately.
- Very rarely, some people may have difficulty breathing right after using this inhaler. If this happens, stop using this medicine immediately, use your rescue inhaler, and talk to your doctor.
- If you are going to have surgery or other medical treatment, tell the doctor that you are using this medicine.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, fever, unusual body weakness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | Headache |
| Sore throat | Nausea |
| Nasal congestion or runny nose | Tremors |
How to store the medicine?
- Do not leave it where small children can get hold of it.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medicine.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, this is just general information. The best person to talk to about any questions or concerns you may have is your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Indacaterol is a medication used for long-term control of COPD, not for emergency use.
- Never swallow the capsules that come with the inhaler. They are only for inhalation.
- Always keep your rescue inhaler nearby in case of an emergency.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- If you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or severe allergic reactions after using the inhaler, seek medical advice immediately.
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