FORATEC 12mcg Rotacap 30’s

What is Formoterol Fumarate?
Formoterol Fumarate is a long-acting bronchodilator drug prescribed for the prevention asthma attacks. It functions by relaxing muscles in the air passages for improved breathing. This medication is also used to heal chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Formoterol Fumarate is sold under various trade names, some of which are Foradil and Foratec (made by Cipla)
Important Information about Formoterol Fumarate
Formoterol Fumarate (Foradil, Foratec) will not prevent or heal an asthma attack that has already started. On top of it, it may increase the risk of asthma related death. Use the prescribed amount of this medication as directed by your doctor and don’t take it longer than the prescribed period. Follow all patient directions for safety. Talk to your doctor about your own risks and advantages of using Formoterol Fumarate.
Asthma is usually treated with a blend of different medications. If you take Formoterol Fumarate, you must use it in combination with other asthma drugs that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid using different forms of Formoterol Fumarate at the same time. Seek medical attention if you think that your asthma drugs are not working as usual. An elevated need for medication may indicate a future serious asthma attack. Formoterol Fumarate may sometimes lead to severe breathing difficulties right after a dose. If something like this happens, use your short-acting bronchodilator. Call your doctor or seek medical help right away.
Formoterol Fumarate may increase blood glucose levels so watch your blood sugar closely. Your doctor may alter your diabetes medication dosage. Formoterol Fumarate must be used with caution in elderly and children below 4 years of age. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, check with your doctor if Formoterol Fumarate is safe for you and your baby.
Before taking Formoterol Fumarate
You must not take Formoterol Fumarate (Foradil, Foratec) if you are allergic to it. You may need to talk to your doctor if you have any of these conditions and if you want to start taking Formoterol Fumarate. You may be required to undergo some special medical testing for safe use of this medication. Those conditions are: liver disease; diabetes; thyroid problems; food or drug allergy; heart disease; high blood pressure; or seizure disorder.
Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breast feeding your baby before using Formoterol Fumarate, as it may be harmful for your baby.
How should I take Formoterol Fumarate?
Use only the amount of Formoterol Fumarate medication as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t alter the prescribed course or dosage in any way or prolong the period of consumption. You must follow all patient directions related to the medication and its use.
For preventing asthma attack caused by exercise, take Formoterol Fumarate medicine 30 minutes before starting you exercise session or as per your doctor’s advice. Allow a gap of at least 12 hours between two doses.
Some Formoterol Fumarate medication come in a powder form with a special inhaler device already loaded with blister packs of measured Formoterol Fumarate drug. The inhaler opens and dispenses a blister every time you use the device. The inhaler should not be used with a spacer.
Remember to use Formoterol Fumarate medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor for maximum benefit. Get your refill before the present medicine runs out. Don’t stop Formoterol Fumarate without your doctor’s advice as it may worsen your condition and give you nasty withdrawal symptoms. Seek medical help if you feel that your medication is not having any effect after its regular use. A higher need for medication may indicate a sign of an impending serious asthma attack.
What if I miss a dose of Formoterol Fumarate?
If you miss a dose of Formoterol Fumarate, take it as soon as you remember, then wait 12 hours before taking the next dose. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost near. Don’t double dose at any point.
What if I Overdose on Formoterol Fumarate?
Seek emergency medical attention if you overdose on Formoterol Fumarate and experience severe reactions. Overdose reactions may include dry mouth, muscle cramps, sleep disturbances, chest pain, tremors, irregular heartbeats, fainting, or seizure. This is not a complete list though.
What should I avoid while using Formoterol Fumarate?
Don’t use different forms of Formoterol Fumarate or another bronchodilator like formoterol or arformoterol at the same time unless you doctor tells you to do so.
Formoterol Fumarate Side Effects
Contact your doctor immediately or seek urgent medical help if you experience these serious allergic reactions: breathing difficulty, swelling on face, lips, tongue, or throat; or skin hives.
Some other serious side effects which may require medical attention are skin rash, extreme bruising, choking, wheezing, worsening asthma symptoms, tremors, or restless feeling.
Some less serious side effects which you may experience are headache, insomnia, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, or throat irritation. These list of side effects are non exhaustive and there may be other side effects. Seek medical help if you witness any other severe side effects.
Interaction with other drugs
Let your doctor know if you use any of these medications as they may interact with Formoterol Fumarate: diuretics, some antibiotics like clarithromycin or telithromycin; a beta blocker like nadolol, carvedilol, labetalol, or atenolol; anti retroviral drugs like nelfinavir, atazanvir, indinavir, or ritonavir; an MAO inhibitor drug like isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, or selegiline; caffeine; diet medicine, a decongestant; aminophylline, or theophylline.
The above list is not complete and there may be other interacting drugs. Your doctor may advice you to use interacting drugs but with restricted dosage and precautions. Stick to these restrictions. Remember to share you medical history and all present medications with your doctor for correct prescription.