Are you suffering from difficulty breathing, aka COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a long-term lung disease? If so, your doctor has prescribed you an inhaler to use daily. Today we are talking about such a frequently used inhaler that contains the drug Olodaterol. It comes under the brand name Striverdi Respimat. Today, we will simply talk about how to use it exactly and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this? What exactly does it do?
Simply put, Olodaterol is a medicine that widens the airways in your lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is a long-acting medicine. This means that when used at the same time every day, it will control your breathing difficulties and give you relief throughout the day.
The important thing is that this is a "controller inhaler." This means that it is used to control the disease and prevent symptoms from occurring. This is not a medicine to use when you suddenly feel short of breath, that is, when your COPD condition suddenly worsens (flare-up). Your doctor may have prescribed a separate "reliever inhaler" for such emergencies.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using your inhaler
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history before giving you this inhaler. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
- Any type of heart disease .
- High blood pressure .
- An irregular heartbeat or changes in heartbeat.
- Pheochromocytoma (this is a specific tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland).
- If you have seizures .
- A thyroid disease.
- If you have allergies to olodaterol or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant , or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Knowing these things will make it easier for your doctor to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How should I use this?
This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Take it at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor has told you. Never take more than the prescribed amount. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Read the instruction leaflet that comes with your inhaler carefully. Use the inhaler exactly as it says. If you are not sure how to use it, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for instructions.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have overdosed, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
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 things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications you are taking may interact with Olodaterol. This means that taking them together may cause unwanted effects. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
| Drug type | Description |
|---|---|
| These should never be taken together. | |
| MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) | These are a type of medication given to treat conditions such as depression. They come under names like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. |
| Interactions may occur with these (tell your doctor) | |
| Other drugs and substances |
|
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side Effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Changes in heart rate - feeling like your heart is beating fast, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Increased blood pressure. | Inform your doctor. |
| Muscle pain or stiffness. | Inform your doctor. |
| Increased difficulty breathing after using the inhaler. | Very important! Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache, sore throat, tremors, insomnia. | If these persist or become bothersome, let your doctor know. |
How do you store and dispose of the inhaler?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat, cold, or humidity.
- The inhaler should be discarded 3 months after it is removed from its foil pouch, or when the dose counter reaches "0", or when the expiration date has passed (whichever comes first).
- Ask your doctor or hospital pharmacy for advice on the safest way to dispose of expired or no longer needed inhalers. Don't just throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Olodaterol is a "controller inhaler" used to control the disease on a daily basis. It is not a medicine used in emergencies.
- Use it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the same time every day.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you take.
- If you experience increased difficulty breathing after using your inhaler, or if you need to use your reliever inhaler more frequently, tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your inhaler with anyone else.
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