Pirbuterol Breath Activated Aerosol Inhaler – Oral, Maxair Autohaler

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Pirbuterol treats wheezing and shortness of breath that occur with lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD). Controlling these symptoms decreases time lost from work or school. Pirbuterol is a bronchodilator that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier. This medicine comes in an inhaler that releases medicine when inhaled. The inhaler allows the drug to reach the lungs for the most benefit. Follow directions closely. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet for instructions on proper use and cleaning of the mouthpiece. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Shake the canister well before each test spray and inhalation. Follow the instructions for test sprays if using a new canister or if not used for 48 hours. This is also called priming your inhaler. Avoid spraying the medication in your eyes. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is working properly. Use this medication as prescribed. Inhale by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Take the cap off the mouthpiece and prepare the inhaler as shown in the Patient Information Leaflet. Place the mouthpiece near your mouth and exhale. Place the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and breathe in deeply. Hold your breath for 10 seconds if possible to allow the drug to be absorbed. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least 1 full minute between inhalations. Rinse your mouth after using this medication to prevent dryness and throat irritation. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more or take it more often than recommended by your doctor. Clean the mouthpiece at least once weekly as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet. It should also be cleaned any time it appears to be clogged or is not working correctly. If you notice less effect than usual from this medication, if your symptoms worsen, or if you feel you need to take any of your asthma medications more often than recommended, seek immediate medical attention. Keep track of the number of inhalations used from each canister. Discard the canister after using the number of inhalations marked on the manufacturer’s package. Sprays used to prime the inhaler should also be counted. Do not float the metal canister in water to test whether any more drug is left. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, or worsening peak flow meter readings. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, dizziness, shaking (tremor), trouble sleeping, stomach upset, dry mouth, bad taste, cough, or sore throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, muscle cramps, weakness. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion. Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking pirbuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or similar bronchodilators, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, seizures, overactive thyroid, diabetes, low blood potassium level. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, headache, shaking (tremors), nervousness, weakness, severe dizziness, seizures. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Avoid allergens, irritants, smoking, and other factors that worsen asthma. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma. MISSED DOSE: If you are using pirbuterol regularly and 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. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F away from light and moisture. Do not puncture the canister or expose it to high heat or open flame. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.