Aclidinium is used to control and prevent symptoms (such
as wheezing, shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD which includes bronchitis and
emphysema). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that
they open up and you can breathe more easily. Aclidinium belongs to a class
of drugs known as anticholinergics. Controlling symptoms of breathing
problems can decrease time lost from work or school.
This medication must be used regularly to be effective.
It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden
breathing problems. If wheezing or sudden shortness of breath occurs, use
your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in
some countries) as prescribed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and instruction
sheet if available from your pharmacist before you start using aclidinium
and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use this inhaler properly. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). Do not breathe out into the
mouthpiece at any time. Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. It
may cause eye irritation and temporary blurred vision.
If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait
at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To
help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your
dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first
consulting your doctor.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day
and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief
drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or
worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking
up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler
more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working
well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and
when you must get medical help right away.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or
if they get worse.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Rarely, this medication may cause severe sudden
worsening of breathing problems right after use. If you have sudden
worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help
right away.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- difficult/painful urination
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night, blurred vision)
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away 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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using aclidinium, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs;
or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients (such as milk proteins), 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:
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged
prostate)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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 (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from moisture. Do not
store in the bathroom. Keep new inhalers in the sealed pouch until you are
ready to use them. The inhaler should be discarded when the dose indicator
shows "0", when the inhaler becomes locked, or 45 days after removing the
inhaler from the sealed pouch, whichever comes first. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
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).