Warnings & Recalls for Brovana
Brovana and Asthma-Related Death
Brovana has received a
black box warning due to the rare but serious risk of
asthma-related death. This is most likely to occur in patients who are also taking
salmeterol, a medication which can cause a
dangerous interaction with certain active ingredients in Brovana. If you are taking Brovana, do not take any additional medications without first consulting with your doctor.
Brovana and Pregnancy
Brovana has been listed as an FDA
pregnancy Category C medicine. The effect of Brovana on the fetus if taken during pregnancy is
unknown. It is also not known if Brovana may pass through breast-milk or harm a
nursing baby.
Do not use Brovana without a prescription from your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant.
General Warnings
Do not use Brovana if you are
allergic to any ingredient in this medicine.
Let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions before using Brovana:
- any heart beat problems or disease
- high blood pressure or glaucoma
- diabetes
- liver disease or failure
- epilepsy or any other disorders which cause siezures
- thyroid disorder
- a history of Long QT sydrome (LQTS) of your own or a family member
Some medicines
may interact with Brovana, tell your healthcare provider about all drugs you are using. The following
could interfere with Brovana:
- antibiotics
- narcotic drugs
- beta-blockers
- steroids
- depression treatments
- diuretics
- monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor medicines
- drugs for treating heartbeat disorders
- other medicines for reducing breathing problems
Brovana Treatment and Use
Brovana | Arformoterol Inhilation is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) bronchodilator medicine marketed by Sepracor for treating symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Brovana may be prescribed for:
- reducing wheezing and trouble breathing
- treating shallow breathing and chest tension
- treating persistent coughing
- preventing asthma attacks
Brovana is not for treating an asthma attack that has already begun.
How Does Brovana Work?
As a beta-agonist, Brovana works by absorbing into the lungs and airways. Brovana causes muscles to widen so that more air can enter the lungs and patients may be relieved of symptoms induced by breathing disorders.
How to take Brovana
Brovana is prescribed in oral solution (liquid) form to be inhaled through a nebulizer. Take Brovana only as instructed by your doctor; follow all packaged instructions on how to effectively use the nebulizer. To take Brovana:
- squeeze all of the solution from the foil packet into the nebulizer
- sit upright while putting the mouthpiece in your mouth or by using the face mask
- turn the compressor machine on and breathe slowly
- continue breathing until the medicine has been completely used and no mist is produced by the nebulizer
- clean the nebulizer and store properly
Brovana is typically recommended to be taken two times each day (once every twelve hours). Do not dilute Brovana solutions or combine with other medicines unless directed to do so by your doctor. Do not stop taking Brovana without consent from your doctor.
