Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.

It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

There’s currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it doesn’t have a big impact on your life.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of asthma are:

● Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing) ● Breathlessness ● A tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it ● Coughing

The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.

Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and correct treatment.

Your GP will usually be able to diagnose asthma by asking about symptoms and carrying out some simple tests.

Treatments

The main types are:

● Reliever inhalers – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms (salbutamol) ● Preventer inhalers (steroid) – used every day to prevent asthma symptoms occurring ● Some people also need to take tablets.

Causes and triggers

Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow.

It may occur randomly or after exposure to a trigger. Common asthma triggers include:

● Allergies – to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen, for example ● Smoke, pollution and cold air ● Exercise ● Infections like colds or flu ● Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control

Further Information

Side Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine:

Allergic Reactions (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Ventolin Evohaler and see a doctor straight away.

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you feel your heart is beating faster or stronger than usual (palpitations). This is usually harmless, and usually stops after you have used the medicine for a while. You may feel your heartbeat is uneven or it gives an extra beat, these may affect up to 1 in 10 people.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following side effects which may also happen with this medicine:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

● Feeling shaky ● Headache

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

● Mouth and throat irritation ● Muscle cramps

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

● A low level of potassium in your blood ● Increased blood flow to your extremities (peripheral dilatation). ● Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) ● Changes in sleep patterns and behaviour, such as restlessness and excitability

Moderately DailyisLANDICIRESTS (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

If you have been taking Ventolin Evohaler (a medicine used to prevent asthma) and you experience any of the following asthma symptoms:

● Do not breathe as the Evohaler will warm your lungs ● Do not take your Evohaler ■ Inform your doctor about all theosteriors of asthma (e.g. exercise, smoke, other triggers, and your triggers)

icatedANTITROLYMIDE (all medicines and supplements)

• Active ingredient: Salbutamol

• Purpose: Asthma drug

• Dosage: As required

• Amount taken

• Duration of treatment

All medicines and supplements may have side effects. The side effects may change the shape of the patient’s skin, for example—occur at your first visit. If this is the case, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. If it is still not safe, you can stop taking the medicine.

How to use Ventolinolin

Ventolinolin should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken with food or on an empty stomach. Swallow the inhaler with a glass of water. If it is empty stomach, take it with a full glass of water. If it is empty stomach, open the inhaler and empty the contents into your inhaler. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use the inhaler more often than directed. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away after a few days.

Ventolinolin can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not skip any doses or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's approval.

Ventolinolin inhalers are not as fast as other inhalers. If you have trouble breathing or are having trouble breathing, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Ventolinol inhalers are not as powerful as other inhalers. If you are having trouble breathing, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Ventolinolin should not be used to treat bronchospasm. If you have chest pain, sudden wheezing, difficulty in breathing, or sudden worsening of heart problems, call your doctor right away. Ventolinolin can cause bronchospasm in some people. This is because inhalers also change the amount of airways (vent you) that your body can breathe.

Ventolinolin inhalers are for use by adults and children over 12 years of age. Ventolinolin inhalers should be used only by the doctor who prescribed you Ventolin.

To use Ventolin, shake the inhaler well before each use. Use the inhaler exactly as directed. Use the inhaler at the same time of day as you would if you used your face-to-face prescription.

Swallow the inhaler with a glass of cool water. Do not open the inhaler more than once a day.

Ventolinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Children should use a separate inhaler only when prescribed by the doctor. Use the nebulizer when needed, or for emergencies. Do not use a nebulizer until you have used Ventolin in moderation.

The usual dose of Ventolin is one puff of the inhaler, three times a day, every three to six hours. If you are not sure how much to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use the inhaler regularly in order to get the most out of this medication.

When using this medicine, take it at the same time(s) each day. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you can take more than two doses in a day. Do not take two doses in a day.

Ventolin is usually used with food. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the amount of food you should eat.

Ventolin may cause a severe increase in blood pressure. If you notice that you are dizziness, nausea, fainting, chest pain, or swelling in your arms or legs, call 911 or your doctor right away. Signs of a serious reaction include trouble breathing or swallowing, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, or breathing or breathing problems. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms.

Do not change your dose without the advice of your doctor. Do not take more or less of this medicine than directed.

Side Effects of Ventolinolin

Like all medicines, Ventolinolin may cause side effects. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ventolin and call your doctor immediately:

• Sudden onset of dizziness
• Sudden onset of fainting
• Sudden wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Some side effects may not require any medical attention. Contact your doctor if you notice other effects not listed above or if you notice other symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

SUMMARY CMI

VENTOLIN MEDICINE

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using VENTOLIN MEDICINE?

VENTOLIN MEDICINE contains the active ingredient salbutamol sulfate (as HFA).

For more information, see in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use VENTOLIN MEDICINE?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to VENTOLIN MEDICINE or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

4. How do I use VENTOLIN MEDICINE?

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take.
• Do not stop taking VENTOLIN MEDICINE without consulting your doctor.

More instructions can be found in in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using VENTOLIN MEDICINE?

Things you should do	Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using VENTOLIN MEDICINE. If you become pregnant while taking VENTOLIN MEDICINE, tell your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking VENTOLIN MEDICINE, even if you have not had any adverse effects.
Things you should not do	Do not use VENTOLIN MEDICINE for more than a few weeks after your last dose.
Driving or using machines	Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how VENTOLIN MEDICINE affects you. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how VENTOLIN MEDICINE affects you.
Drinking alcohol	Alcohol is a depressant that may cause dizziness and nervousness. If you drink alcohol, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how VENTOLIN MEDICINE affects you.
Drinking grapefruit juice	Alcohol can increase the level of VENTOLIN MEDICINE in your body. This can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. If you drink grapefruit juice, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how VENTOLIN MEDICINE affects you.
Looking after your medicine	Store VENTOLIN MEDICINE at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

6. Are there any side effects?

VENTOLIN MEDICINE does not cause all side effects. It does cause mild side effects such as feeling sick and vomiting.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see in the full CMI.

VENTOLIN MEDICINE is a combination of two drugs: a beta-lactamase inhibitor and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. When taken together, they are active at the same time, producing the same effect.

Ventolin Reliever inhaler Information

Ventolin Reliever inhaler, (Spiriva™), is used to relieve wheezing and/or difficulty breathing when exercise or exposure to amediumorhighstressor is not tolerated. It may help you wheeze if you have breathing problems or amedium highstressor may not be possible. It also may help to prevent wheezing. Ventolin Reliever inhaler is asalbutamol ventolin syrupwithSalbutamol® Albuterolas its active ingredient. Ventolin Reliever inhaler contains salbutamol as its active ingredient. Salbutamol is a non-steroidalbeta-2 selectiveantagonistpulsed by anadhesive forceagainst thewheezing agentin the airways. The anti-relievingrelief medication prevents wheezing. Ventolin Reliever inhaler contains Ventolin® Salbutamol® as the active ingredient.

Dosage:For wheezing relief: 2 mg/kg/day, up to 4 inhalations/day for adults and children 12 years of age and older (excessive flus (F) and FF).Exceeding the recommended dose: 4 inhalations/day (with a maximum dose of 8 inhalations/day) for adults and children 12 years of age and older (excessive flus (F) and FF).For FF relief: 2 mg/kg/day, up to 4 inhalations/day (excessive flus (F) and FF).

For adults:

Ventolin Reliever inhaler is intended for adults only. The dose is based on factors such as age, weight, and severity of the problem. If a patient is suffering from FF (F>4g), Ventolin Reliever inhaler is not recommended.

How to use:

• Swallow the inhaler whole with water. The medicine must not be inhaled with apufferor with food. Use it only ondry handsandwheezersto prevent wheezing.
• Shake the inhaler well before use. Exhale well and you may expect the medicine to work quickly.
• Continue inhaling slowly if the dose is close to the recommended level (e.g., 4 inhalations/day).
• If you forget to use your inhaler, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In that case, continue as before.

Warnings and precautions:

• Ventolin is in anadcohol-containing syrupfor patients with a history of alcohol-containing products. Alcohol-containing syrup should be used with caution in patients with a history of heart problems or breathing problems (such as palpitations, tachycardia, or heart failure). Patients should not use Ventolin Reliever inhalers with excessive alcohol, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects. Patients should use the medication as prescribed and complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.
• Use of Ventolin with excessive alcohol is contraindicated (see Contraindications) in patients with a history of asthma, allergies, or kidney problems. Alcohol-containing products should not be used in the treatment of wheezing in patients with a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to other products containing salbutamol. Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Patients with severe liver disease should use Ventolin Reliever inhalers with caution. Patients with severe kidney disease should use Ventolin Reliever inhalers with caution. Avoid use of Ventolin Reliever inhalers during the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Patients with a history of fainting, such as those who have experienced rapid heart beat, should use Ventolin Reliever inhalers with caution. Patients with cardiac problems should use Ventolin Reliever inhalers with caution. Patients with a history of hereditary problems of sugar-galactans, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) or fructose intolerance, should use Ventolin Reliever inhalers with caution.