Olodaterol is used as a long-term (maintenance)
treatment to prevent and decrease wheezing and shortness of breath caused
by breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
including chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Olodaterol belongs to the
class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). Olodaterol is
also known as a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles around the
airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling
symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or
school.
This medication does not work right away and should not
be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor must prescribe
a quick-relief medicine/inhaler (such as albuterol, also known as
salbutamol) for sudden shortness of breath while you are using olodaterol.
You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you.
Olodaterol is not approved to treat asthma. People with
asthma using long-acting inhaled beta agonists (such as olodaterol) without
also using an inhaled corticosteroid may have an increased risk of serious
(sometimes fatal) breathing problems.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your
pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a
refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this
medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you
are using it for the first time, or if you have not used it for a long time
(such as more than 3 days or 21 days). When priming the inhaler, make sure
to spray toward the ground (away from the face) so that you do not get the
medication into your eyes.
Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually once daily. Wait at least 1 minute between each
inhalation.
If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait
at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.
Do not use more of this medication or use it more often
than prescribed since this may cause serious side effects. Do not use more
than 2 inhalations of olodaterol a day.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not
stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler
(albuterol, salbutamol) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times
daily), your doctor will direct you to stop this schedule and only use the
quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath. Consult your
doctor for details.
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.
Nervousness, shaking (tremor), and trouble sleeping may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
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.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- pounding heartbeat
- muscle cramps/weakness
- increased thirst/urination
- joint pain
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- rapid breathing
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
Rarely, this medication has caused severe (possibly
fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems (paradoxical bronchospasm).
If you have trouble breathing or sudden wheezing, use your quick-relief
inhaler and get medical help right away.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug 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 taking olodaterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; 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 problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, previous
heart attack)
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- seizures
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Olodaterol may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using olodaterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using olodaterol safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
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.
Do not use other LABA drugs (such as formoterol,
salmeterol) while using this medication.
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. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest
pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart
rate, lung function) should be done while you are using this medication.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
Avoid substances that can worsen breathing problems by
causing irritation or allergic reactions, such as smoke, pollen, pet
dander, dust, and mold.
Because the flu virus can worsen breathing problems, ask
your doctor or pharmacist if you should have a flu shot every
year.
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. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Once the
cartridge is put into the inhaler, this medication expires after 3 months.
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).