Asthma
XOPENEX® (levalbuterol HCl) Inhalation Solution
According to the American Lung Association, of the estimated 22 million people diagnosed with asthma in the U.S., some 7 million are children, making it the most common childhood illness in this country. With those children in mind, in 1999 we launched XOPENEX® (levalbuterol HCI) Inhalation Solution, a short-acting bronchodilator, is a fast acting medicine that is prescribed for patients 6 and older to treat the narrowing of airways (bronchospasm) caused by asthma and COPD. You take XOPENEX Inhalation Solution using a nebulizer, a time-proven device that converts the medication into a fine mist, allowing it to penetrate deep into the affected airways where it can do the most good.
XOPENEX HFA® Inhalation Aerosol
Introduced in December, 2005, XOPENEX HFA® (levalbuterol tartrate) Inhalation Aerosol is fast acting medicine that is available for patients 4 years of age and older to treat the narrowing of airways (bronchospasm) caused by asthma and COPD. The HFA portion of the name refers to hydrofluoroalkane, a more environmentally friendly replacement for the CFC propellants used in early inhalers. Taken using a metered dose inhaler (MDI for short), these easy-to-carry, hand-held 'puffer' devices deliver XOPENEX HFA to the affected airways.
For more information about XOPENEX Inhalation Solution and XOPENEX HFA, just go to www.xopenex.com.
Important Safety Information
XOPENEX HFA Inhalation Aerosol and XOPENEX Inhalation Solution are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levalbuterol, racemic albuterol, or any other component of XOPENEX HFA and XOPENEX Inhalation Solution. XOPENEX HFA, XOPENEX Inhalation Solution and other beta-agonists can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If additional adrenergic drugs, including other short-acting sympathomimetic aerosol bronchodilators or epinephrine, are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution to avoid deleterious cardiovascular effects. Due to the cardiovascular side effects associated with beta-agonists, caution is generally recommended for patients with cardiovascular disorders (especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension), diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or convulsive disorders. Also, see the complete prescribing information for XOPENEX HFA Inhalation Aerosol and XOPENEX Inhalation Solution regarding potential drug interactions.
ALVESCO® (ciclesonide) Inhalation Aerosol
ALVESCO® (ciclesonide) is an inhaled maintenance medication for the treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents 12 and older. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, inhaled corticosteroids like ALVESCO, when taken every day, can help prevent the coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath associated with asthma. If you're among the more than 34 million Americans diagnosed with asthma* over the course of their lives, ALVESCO offers you the dual convenience of simple twice-a-day dosing, in an easy-to-carry, hand-held 'puffer' inhaler.
*American Lung Association. Epidemiology & Statistics Unit, Research and Program Services. Trends in Asthma Morbidity and Mortality, February 2010.
For more information about ALVESCO , please go to www.alvesco.us.
Important Safety Information:
ALVESCO should be used regularly as prescribed. The effectiveness of the medication depends on its regular use. It may take 4 weeks or longer before a patient feels the full benefits of ALVESCO. Patients should not increase their prescribed dosage; if symptoms do not improve or asthma symptoms worsen, patients should contact their doctor.
ALVESCO is not a bronchodilator and is not intended to provide rapid relief of breathing difficulties during an asthma attack. Patients should not use ALVESCO if they are experiencing sudden symptoms of shortness of breath. Patients should use an inhaled short-acting bronchodilator, or rescue medication, such as levalbuterol, to relieve sudden symptoms of shortness of breath. Patients using doses of corticosteroid drugs that weaken the immune system are more susceptible to infection and should avoid exposure to chickenpox and/or measles. ALVESCO can worsen existing conditions such as tuberculosis (TB), herpes of the eye, and other infections.
Orally inhaled corticosteroids, including ALVESCO, may cause slowed growth in children and adolescents. These patients should have their growth monitored regularly.
Yeast infections in the mouth and throat (thrush) have occurred in some patients treated with ALVESCO. Eye problems have been reported following the use of inhaled corticosteroids including ALVESCO. Patients should speak to their doctor if they have a history of eye problems or experience a change in vision.
