COMBIVENT

Drug Name: COMBIVENT

COMBIVENT DESCRIPTION:
ALBUTEROL AND IPRATROPIUM ORAL INHALER (al-BYOU-ter-ohl/ip-ruh-TROW-pee-um)

COMMON COMBIVENT BRAND NAME(S):
Combivent

COMBIVENT SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, nausea, coughing, dry mouth or sinus congestion may occur. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. Uncommon effects include: palpitations or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, change in sputum color (infection). Very unlikely but report: dizziness, nervousness, hair loss, fever, coordination problems. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE COMBIVENT:
COMBIVENT: Make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly. Shake the canister well before use. After exhaling, place your lips around the inhaler mouthpiece. Depress the spray and inhale deeply. Hold your breath as long as it is comfortable in order to allow the medicine to be absorbed in the lungs. When more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least one minute between puffs. Use COMBIVENT as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using COMBIVENT without first consulting your doctor. Avoid spraying the medicine (mist) into the eye area. If you find yourself using this more than usual, or your symptoms do not improve or worsen after using this, contact your doctor immediately.

COMBIVENT USES:
COMBIVENT is used to treat lung disease (bronchitis or emphysema).

COMBIVENT PRECAUTIONS:
Before using COMBIVENT, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart/liver/kidney diseases, high blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate enlargement or bladder problems, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, allergies (including soy products or peanuts). COMBIVENT should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether COMBIVENT is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

COMBIVENT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, including: all asthma drugs, blood pressure or chest pain medications, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), levodopa, digoxin, certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, antihistamines (often found in cough/cold preparations), antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, clidinium, propantheline), drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

COMBIVENT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.

COMBIVENT NOTES:
Do not share this inhaler with anyone else.

MISSED COMBIVENT DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

COMBIVENT STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture. Exposure to temperatures above 120 degrees F may cause bursting. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.