Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium

Dosage Forms Available

• Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium is available in two forms: inhalation powder and a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). Both are administered through the oral inhalation route.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This combination medication is intended for adult use only.

• It is not recommended to be used in children or adolescents.

Contraindications

• Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium is contraindicated in patients with severe allergies to milk proteins.

• This medication should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to formoterol, glycopyrrolate, or any product ingredient.

• Patients with acute worsening of COPD symptoms should not use this medication.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium may interact with other anticholinergic medicines (such as tiotropium), beta-adrenergic blockers (like metoprolol), diuretics (such as furosemide), monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants (like phenelzine and imipramine), and steroids or methylxanthines (like prednisolone and theophylline).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdose of Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chest pain, increased heart rate, tremors, and dizziness. If you observe these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

• If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra doses to compensate for a missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless, which resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage dry mouth, try sipping water frequently or chewing sugar-free gum.

• For throat irritation and cough, consider using a simple over-the-counter throat lozenge.

• For insomnia, establish a regular sleep routine and ensure your bedroom environment is suitable for sleep.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Thus, it may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. You are advised not to drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The safety of Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Therefore, it should only be used if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the foetus or infant. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution should be exercised when using Formoterol Fumarate + Glycopyrrolate / Glycopyrronium in patients with cardiovascular disorders, convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction. Before starting this medication, consult your doctor if you have any of these conditions.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• If you are diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it would be beneficial to maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.

• Limit your intake of processed foods and foods high in sodium.

• Regular physical activity, such as walking or cycling, can help improve lung function and overall health. Before starting any new exercise regimen, make sure to discuss it with your doctor.

• Quitting smoking is critical for managing COPD effectively. Consider joining a quit-smoking support group or seeking professional help to quit.

• Limit exposure to pollutants and irritants such as dust, chemicals and strong perfumes, as these can worsen COPD symptoms.

• Ensure to get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, as people with COPD are at higher risk of developing serious complications from these diseases.