XOPENEX

Drug Name: XOPENEX

XOPENEX DESCRIPTION:
LEVALBUTEROL - INHALATION SOLUTION (lev-al-BYOU-ter-ohl)

COMMON XOPENEX BRAND NAME(S):
Xopenex

XOPENEX SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, dry mouth or cough may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly tremor, lightheadedness or mental/mood changes. Unlikely but report promptly, leg cramps, unusually fast pulse, irregular pulse, headache or trouble sleeping. Very unlikely but report promptly fainting, chest pain or seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE XOPENEX:
XOPENEX: Inhale XOPENEX through the mouth using a nebulizer, generally 3 times daily, as directed. The dose depends on your condition and response to therapy. Learn all instructions for proper preparation and use of this medication from the product package. Learn all instructions for proper use of the nebulizer. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear about any of the information. Do not mix XOPENEX with other liquids in the nebulizer, unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not increase the dose or use more frequently than prescribed, unless directed to do so by your doctor. If XOPENEX becomes less effective, your symptoms worsen or you need to use the product more frequently than usual, seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs that your condition is worsening. XOPENEX should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid.

XOPENEX USES:
XOPENEX is used to prevent or treat certain lung conditions (e.g., asthma).

XOPENEX PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially to albuterol); heart problems (e.g., high blood pressure, arrhythmia); diabetes, seizures, low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia); adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytoma) or thyroid problems (e.g., hyperthyroid). Use with caution in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to side effects (e.g., fast pulse, tremor, dizziness). XOPENEX should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether XOPENEX is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using XOPENEX is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

XOPENEX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially other drugs for asthma (e.g., albuterol); blood pressure or other heart medications; beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol); MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, procarbazine); adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., epinephrine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine); tricyclic antidepressant drugs (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine); thyroid drugs, ritodrine, digoxin or "water pills" (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide). If you are currently taking an MAO inhibitor or a tricyclic antidepressant, wait at least 2 weeks between discontinuing these drugs and starting therapy with levalbuterol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

XOPENEX 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.

XOPENEX NOTES:
Do not share XOPENEX with others.

MISSED XOPENEX 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 the dose to catch up.

XOPENEX STORAGE:
Store vials in the foil pouch at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Once the foil pouch is opened, use the vials within 2 weeks. Once vials are removed from the foil pouch, use immediately or protect from light and use within 1 week. 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.