How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient eformoterol fumarate (also known as formoterol fumarate), which is a type of medicine called a long-acting beta 2 agonist. Eformoterol works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. When the medicine stimulates these receptors it causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open. In conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the airways are narrowed, making it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, eformoterol makes it easier to breathe. Eformoterol opens the airways for longer than short-acting beta 2 agonists (relievers) such as salbutamol or terbutaline. The effects of eformoterol last for about 12 hours, whereas those of salbutamol or terbutaline last for about 3 to 5 hours. For this reason eformoterol is used to prevent shortness of breath rather than to treat it. Eformoterol is prescribed as an additional regular inhaler for people whose asthma or chronic airways disease (COPD) is not controlled with regular short-acting bronchodilators (such as salbutamol) plus regular anti-inflammatories (such as corticosteroids or sodium cromoglicate). Eformoterol helps to keep the airways open in these people. Eformoterol can also be used as an additional treatment for people with asthma or COPD who still experience shortness of breath during exercise or at night, despite using regular short-acting bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories. Eformoterol can be taken before excerise to prevent shortness of breath and asthma attacks that are triggered by exercise, and before going to bed to prevent shortness of breath at night. Eformoterol is taken using an inhaler device. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth. Eformoterol is available under two brand names, Foradil and Oxis. Foradil is not recommended for children under five years of age and Oxis is not recommended for children under six years of age.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Warning!

Inhalers may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing (paradoxical bronchospasm) straight after using them. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately and consult your doctor. The medicine should be stopped and an alternative treatment found.

Do not exceed the prescribed dose. If your normal dose is becoming less effective you should seek advice from your doctor.

This inhaler should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. Keep your short-acting bronchodilator, eg salbutamol or terbutaline, with you at all times in case you need to relieve shortness of breath.

It is recommended that people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar more carefully when starting treatment with this medicine, as it may increase blood sugar levels. If your diabetes treatment becomes less effective, ie your blood sugar levels are harder to control, you should consult your doctor.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medicine.

Your symptoms are likely to improve once you have started this medicine, however you should not reduce your dose of anti-inflammatory medicine (eg corticosteroids or sodium cromoglicate), as this will make your symptoms worsen again.

Blood potassium levels should be monitored in people with severe asthma, as low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various asthma medicines, including this one, can lower blood potassium.

Use with caution in

Abnormal rhythm of the heart beat

Diabetes

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

Heart disease characterised by thickening of the internal heart muscle and a blockage inside the heart (hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy)

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Narrowing of the tract through which blood is pumped out of the heart (idiopathic subvalvular aortic stenosis)

Serious defect in the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (3rd degree heart block)

Severe cirrhosis of the liver

Severe heart failure

Thyrotoxicosis

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Very high blood pressure

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need to take this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Nausea

Muscle cramps

Unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Dizziness

Profound drop in blood pressure (hypotension)

Anxiety and agitation

Throat irritation

Rash or itching

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Headache

Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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