Informations for option: Airsalb Cfc-Free Inhaler 100 Microgram/Dose, show other option

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PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

AirSalb CFC-free inhaler 100 microgram/dose

Salbutamol sulphate    CFC-free

In this leaflet:

1.    What AirSalb is and what it is used for

2.    Before you use AirSalb

3.    How to use AirSalb

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store AirSalb

6.    Further Information

The name of your medicine is AirSalb CFC-free inhaler 100 microgram/dose. It will be referred to as AirSalb throughout this leaflet.

AirSalb contains the active ingredient salbutamol. AirSalb is used to treat breathing difficulties caused by the following diseases:

•    asthma

•    chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD) including

-    chronic bronchitis

-    emphysema

AirSalb is additionally used to prevent asthma symptoms caused by:

•    exercise or

•    triggers, such as house dust, pollen, cats, dogs and cigarette smoke

AirSalb expands the airways, allowing the air to flow more freely.

AirSalb should primarily be used to relieve symptoms rather than as a regular treatment.

Do not use AirSalb

•    if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to salbutamol or any of the other ingredients of AirSalb.

Take special care with AirSalb

Ask your doctor for advice before using AirSalb if any of the following conditions apply to you:

•    severe heart disease

•    a history of heart disease, irregular heart rhythm or angina

•    severe and untreated high blood pressure

•    an overactive thyroid gland

•    too little potassium in the blood

•    enlarged artery (aneurysm)

•    diabetes (extra checks of blood glucose levels are recommended when beginning treatment with AirSalb)

•    tumour of the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma). The adrenal medulla are two glands situated above the kidneys.

Using other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

The following medicines can influence or be influenced by AirSalb:

•    heart and vascular medicines which can narrow the airways and containing active substances ending in “-ol” such as propranolol (betablockers). This may cause spasms in the lung airways.

•    certain medicines to treat depression:

-    monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. moclobemide)

-    tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline

•    anaesthetics (agents that induce partial or total loss of sensation), such as halothane

•    medicines against irregular heartbeat, such as digoxin

•    xanthine derivatives (used to help breathing), such as theophylline

•    steroids (group of hormones), such as cortisone

•    diuretics (water tablets), such as furosemide

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Limited knowledge exists regarding use during pregnancy but there also is a risk for the unborn child, if your asthma is untreated during pregnancy. Therefore, you should use AirSalb only if your doctor indicates it is clearly necessary. Do not change the dosage by yourself, but always use it according to your doctor’s recommendation.

It is unknown whether AirSalb passes into the mother’s milk. Therefore, only use AirSalb if your doctor indicates it is clearly necessary.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Therefore, do not drive or operate machines until you know how this medicine affects you.

Always use AirSalb exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The usual dose is:

Adults and children from 12 years of age

•    Relief of attacks: 1-2 inhalations as required.

•    Prevent symptoms caused by exercise or triggers: 2 inhalations 10-15 minutes beforehand.

•    Maximum dosage: 8 inhalations per day.

Children below 12 years of age

•    Relief of attacks: 1 inhalation as required.

•    Symptoms caused by exercise or triggers:

1 inhalation, or 2 if necessary 10-15 minutes beforehand.

•    Maximum dosage: 8 doses per day.

Contact your doctor if the treatment is not effective enough or if you need more doses per day than usual. Never increase your dose or change the duration of use without your doctor’s approval.

Inhaler test before use:

Check that the inhaler is functioning, if you use a new inhaler or if it has not been used for 7 days or more. Remove the protective cap, shake the inhaler and spray twice into the air.

Instructions for use:

Inhale sitting or standing, wherever possible.

1 Remove the protective cap. Check inside and outside to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean.

2 Shake the inhaler thoroughly for a couple of seconds before use.

3    Hold the inhaler upright with the bottom of the container upwards, put your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece. Breathe out as far as is comfortable, but do not breathe into the mouthpiece.

4    Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it but do not bite it.

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5 Just after starting to breathe in through your mouth press down on the top of the inhaler to release a puff while still breathing in steadily and deeply.

6    Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds. Take the inhaler from your mouth and your finger from the top of the inhaler.

7    If you need another puff keep the inhaler upright and wait about half a minute before repeating steps 2 to 6.

8    After use always replace the mouthpiece cover to keep out dust and fluff. Replace mouthpiece cover firmly and snap into position.

Some people find it difficult to release a puff of medicine just after they start to breathe in. In this case, as well as for children, the Vortex® or AeroChamber® Plus spacer device can be used. Please refer to the product information of the spacer device for its correct handling.

Cleaning

To prevent the inhaler blocking up or if it does block up, clean it at least once a week, as follows:

1    Pull the metal canister out of the plastic case of the inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover.

2    Rinse the plastic case and the mouthpiece cover in lukewarm water. Do not attempt to remove any build up of medicine around the mouthpiece with a sharp object, such as a pin. A mild detergent may be added to the water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water before drying. Do not put the metal canister into water.

3    Leave the plastic case and the mouthpiece cover to dry in a warm place. Avoid excessive heat.

4    Replace the canister and mouthpiece cover. Inhaler content:

Shake the inhaler to check the remaining amount of medicine in your inhaler. Do not use AirSalb if you do not detect any liquid in the inhaler while shaking.

Cold temperature use:

If the inhaler has been stored beneath 0°C, warm it in your hands for 2 minutes, shake it and spray into the air twice before use.

If you use more AirSalb than you should

In this case always contact your doctor or hospital.

Typical symptoms of overdose are:

•    trembling

•    headache

•    rapid heart beat

•    nausea or vomiting

•    inability to keep still

•    irritability, excitation

•    seizures

•    sleepiness.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Like all medicines, AirSalb can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop using AirSalb and contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following:

•    allergic reaction symptoms such as

-    swelling of the face, tongue or throat

-    difficulties in swallowing

-    signs which resemble nettle sting

-    breathing difficulties

•    chest pain, see under ‘Frequency not known’ below

•    breathing immediately becomes worse after taking AirSalb, although AirSalb reduces symptoms. This may mean your disease is worsening and other treatment is urgently needed.

Other side effects can occur with the following frequencies:

Common, occurs in 1 to 10 per 100 users:

•    trembling

•    increased heart rate

•    headache

•    muscle cramps.

Uncommon, occurs in 1 to 10 per 1000 users:

•    rapid heartbeat

•    irritation in mouth and throat.

Rare, occurs in 1 to 10 per 10,000 users:

•    reduced potassium level in the blood

•    flushing.

Very rare, occurs in fewer than 1 per 10,000 users:

•    allergic reactions, See "Stop using AirSalb and contact your doctor”

•    faintness

•    collapse

•    increase activity

•    increased excitability

•    hallucinations

•    sleep disturbances

•    irregular heart rhythm

•    chest pain

•    itchy rash

•    worsening of breathing immediately after taking your inhaler.

Frequency not known

Although it is not known exactly how often this happens, some people may occasionally experience chest pain (due to heart problems such as angina). Tell your doctor if you develop these symptoms whilst receiving treatment with AirSalb, but do not stop using this medicine unless told to do so.

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not store above 30°C.

Store the inhaler lying flat or in an inverted position, with the mouthpiece pointing downwards.

The canister contains a pressurised liquid.

Do not expose to temperatures higher than 50°C, even for a short period of time. Protect from heat, direct sunlight and frost! Do not pierce or burn the canister even when empty.

Do not use AirSalb after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

What AirSalb contains

•    The active substance is salbutamol.

One metered dose contains 100 micrograms salbutamol (as sulphate).

The delivered dose through the mouthpiece is 90 micrograms of salbutamol (as sulphate).

•    The other ingredients are norflurane (HFA134a), anhydrous ethanol, oleic acid

What AirSalb looks like and contents of the pack

This medicinal product is a white pressurised inhalation suspension in aluminium containers with metering valve and plastic applicator.

Packs containing

200 metered doses equal to 8.5 g

pressurised inhalation, suspension.

2    x 200 metered doses equal to 2 x 8.5 g pressurised inhalation, suspension.

3    x 200 metered doses equal to 3 x 8.5 g pressurised inhalation, suspension.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Sandoz Ltd, Frimley Business Park, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7SR, UK.

Manufacturer:

Aeropharm GmbH, Frangois-Mitterrand-Allee 1,07407 Rudolstadt, Germany.

+49 (0) 3672 479-0 +49 (0) 3672 479-102 service@aeropharm.de

This leaflet was last revised in 06/2012.

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