Saturday 23 June 2012

Cuvposa


Generic Name: glycopyrrolate (glye koe PIE roe late)

Brand Names: Cuvposa, Robinul, Robinul Forte


What is glycopyrrolate?

Glycopyrrolate reduces the secretions of certain organs in the body.


Glycopyrrolate helps to control conditions such as peptic ulcers that involve excessive stomach acid production.


Glycopyrrolate is also used to reduce drooling in children ages 3 to 16 who have certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy.


Glycopyrrolate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about glycopyrrolate?


You should not use glycopyrrolate if you are allergic to it, or if you have bladder obstruction or other urination problems, a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, severe constipation, severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or if you also take potassium chloride.

Before you take glycopyrrolate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, a stomach disorder, a colostomy or ileostomy, a thyroid disorder, high blood pressure, vision problems, or numbness and tingling.


Take glycopyrrolate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of glycopyrrolate, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Glycopyrrolate can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glycopyrrolate?


You should not use glycopyrrolate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • bladder obstruction or other urination problems;




  • a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus;




  • a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), severe constipation;




  • severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon;




  • glaucoma;




  • myasthenia gravis; or




  • if you are also taking potassium chloride (Epiklor, K-Lor, K-Tab, Klor-Con, Micro-K, Rum-K, and others).



To make sure you can safely take glycopyrrolate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • kidney disease;




  • heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;




  • a stomach disorder such as hiatal hernia, reflux disease, or slow digestion;




  • a colostomy or ileostomy;




  • a thyroid disorder;




  • high blood pressure;




  • vision problems; or




  • a nerve disorder that causes numbness or tingling.




FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether glycopyrrolate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether glycopyrrolate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Glycopyrrolate should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

How should I take glycopyrrolate?


Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.


Take glycopyrrolate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.


Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include weak or shallow breathing, feeling cold, jerky muscle movements, or seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking glycopyrrolate?


This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of glycopyrrolate, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Glycopyrrolate can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Glycopyrrolate side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using glycopyrrolate and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • severe constipation, severe stomach pain and bloating;




  • diarrhea (especially if you have a colostomy or ileostomy);




  • feeling like you might pass out;




  • feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, weak pulse, or hot and dry skin; or




  • dry diapers, fussiness, or excessive crying in a child taking glycopyrrolate.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • dry mouth;




  • vomiting;




  • mild constipation;




  • stuffy nose, sinus pain; or




  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect glycopyrrolate?


Many drugs can interact with glycopyrrolate. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:



  • amantadine (Symmetrel);




  • atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic);




  • digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);




  • haloperidol (Haldol);




  • levodopa (Larodopa); or




  • metformin (Glucophage, Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Janumet, Kombiglyze, PrandiMet).



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with glycopyrrolate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Cuvposa resources


  • Cuvposa Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Cuvposa Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Cuvposa Drug Interactions
  • Cuvposa Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Cuvposa - Add your own review/rating


  • Cuvposa Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cuvposa Consumer Overview

  • Cuvposa Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Cuvposa Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Glycopyrrolate Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Glycopyrrolate Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Glycopyrrolate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Robinul Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Robinul Forte MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Cuvposa with other medications


  • Excessive Salivation


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about glycopyrrolate.

See also: Cuvposa side effects (in more detail)


Friday 22 June 2012

Ciproxin Tablets 250mg




Due to regulatory changes, the content of the following Patient Information Leaflet may vary from the one found in your medicine pack. Please compare the 'Leaflet prepared/revised date' towards the end of the leaflet to establish if there have been any changes.


If you have any doubts or queries about your medication, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.





Ciproxin 250 mg film-coated tablets


Ciprofloxacin



Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.


  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

  • 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.



In this leaflet:


  • 1. What Ciproxin is and what it is used for

  • 2. Before you take Ciproxin

  • 3. How to take Ciproxin

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store Ciproxin

  • 6. Further information




What Ciproxin Is And What It Is Used For


Ciproxin is an antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone family. The active substance is ciprofloxacin.


Ciprofloxacin works by killing bacteria that cause infections. It only works with specific strains of bacteria.




Adults


Ciproxin is used in adults to treat the following bacterial infections:


  • respiratory tract infections

  • long lasting or recurring ear or sinus infections

  • urinary tract infections

  • infections of the testicles

  • genital organ infections in women

  • gastro-intestinal tract infections and intra-abdominal infections

  • skin and soft tissue infections

  • bone and joint infections

  • to treat infections in patients with a very low white blood cell count (neutropenia)

  • to prevent infections in patients with a very low white blood cell count (neutropenia)

  • to prevent infections due to the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis

  • anthrax inhalation exposure

If you have a severe infection or one that is caused by more than one type of bacterium, you may be given additional antibiotic treatment in addition to Ciproxin.




Children and adolescents


Ciproxin is used in children and adolescents, under specialist medical supervision, to treat the following bacterial infections:


  • lung and bronchial infections in children and adolescents suffering from cystic fibrosis

  • complicated urinary tract infections, including infections that have reached the kidneys (pyelonephritis)

  • anthrax inhalation exposure

Ciproxin may also be used to treat other specific severe infections in children and adolescents when your doctor considered this necessary.




Before You Take Ciproxin



Do not take Ciproxin if you are:


  • allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substance, to other quinolone drugs or to any of the other ingredients of Ciproxin (see section 6)

  • taking tizanidine (see Section 2: Taking other medicines)



Take special care with Ciproxin



Before taking Ciproxin


Tell your doctor if you:


  • have ever had kidney problems because your treatment may need to be adjusted

  • suffer from epilepsy or other neurological conditions

  • have a history of tendon problems during previous treatment with antibiotics such as Ciproxin

  • have myasthenia gravis (a type of muscle weakness)

  • have a history of abnormal heart rhythms (arrythmias)


While taking Ciproxin


Tell your doctor immediately, if any of the following occurs while taking Ciproxin. Your doctor will decide whether treatment with Ciproxin needs to be stopped.



  • Severe, sudden allergic reaction (an anaphylactic reaction/shock, angio-oedema). Even with the first dose, there is a small chance that you may experience a severe allergic reaction with the following symptoms: tightness in the chest, feeling dizzy, sick or faint, or experiencing dizziness when standing up. If this happens, stop taking Ciproxin and contact your doctor immediately.


  • Pain and swelling in the joints and tendinitis may occur occasionally, particularly if you are elderly and are also being treated with corticosteroids. At the first sign of any pain or inflammation stop taking Ciproxin and rest the painful area. Avoid any unnecessary exercise, as this might increase the risk of a tendon rupture.

  • If you suffer from epilepsy or other neurological conditions such as cerebral ischemia or stroke, you may experience side effects associated with the central nervous system. If this happens, stop taking Ciproxin and contact your doctor immediately.

  • You may experience psychiatric reactions the first time you take Ciproxin. If you suffer from depression or psychosis, your symptoms may become worse under treatment with Ciproxin. If this happens, stop taking Ciproxin and contact your doctor immediately.

  • You may experience symptoms of neuropathy such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness. If this happens, stop taking Ciproxin and contact your doctor immediately.


  • Diarrhoea may develop while you are taking antibiotics, including Ciproxin, or even several weeks after you have stopped taking them. If it becomes severe or persistent or you notice that your stool contains blood or mucus, stop taking Ciproxin immediately, as this can be life-threatening. Do not take medicines that stop or slow down bowel movements and contact your doctor.

  • Tell the doctor or laboratory staff that you are taking Ciproxin if you have to provide a blood or urine sample.

  • Ciproxin may cause liver damage. If you notice any symptoms such as loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, itching, or tenderness of the stomach, stop taking Ciproxin and contact your doctor immediately.

  • Ciproxin may cause a reduction in the number of white blood cells and your resistance to infection may be decreased. If you experience an infection with symptoms such as fever and serious deterioration of your general condition, or fever with local infection symptoms such as sore throat/pharynx/mouth or urinary problems you should see your doctor immediately. A blood test will be taken to check possible reduction of white blood cells (agranulocytosis). It is important to inform your doctor about your medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you or a member of your family is known to have a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), since you may experience a risk of anemia with ciprofloxacin.

  • Your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light when taking Ciproxin. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight, or artificial UV light such as sunbeds.



Taking other medicines


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



Do not take Ciproxin together with tizanidine, because this may cause side effects such as low blood pressure and sleepiness (see Section 2: "Do not take Ciproxin").


The following medicines are known to interact with Ciproxin in your body. Taking Ciproxin together with these medicines can influence the therapeutic effect of those medicines. It can also increase the probability of experiencing side effects.




Tell your doctor if you are taking:


  • warfarin or other oral anti-coagulants (to thin the blood)

  • probenecid (for gout)

  • methotrexate (for certain types of cancer, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis)

  • theophylline (for breathing problems)

  • tizanidine (for muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis)

  • clozapine (an antipsychotic)

  • ropinirole (for Parkinson’s disease)

  • phenytoin (for epilepsy)

Ciproxin may increase the levels of the following medicines in your blood:


  • pentoxifylline (for circulatory disorders)

  • caffeine

Some medicines reduce the effect of Ciproxin. Tell your doctor if you take or wish to take:


  • antacids

  • mineral supplements

  • sucralfate

  • a polymeric phosphate binder (e.g. sevelamer)

  • medicines or supplements containing calcium, magnesium, aluminium or iron

If these preparations are essential, take Ciproxin about two hours before or no sooner than four hours after them.




Taking Ciproxin with food and drink


Unless you take Ciproxin during meals, do not eat or drink any dairy products (such as milk or yoghurt) or drinks with added calcium when you take the tablets, as they may affect the absorption of the active substance.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding


It is preferable to avoid the use of Ciproxin during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.


Do not take Ciproxin during breast feeding because ciprofloxacin is excreted in breast milk and can be harmful for your child.




Driving and using machines


Ciproxin may make you feel less alert. Some neurological adverse events can occur. Therefore, make sure you know how you react to Ciproxin before driving a vehicle or operating machinery. If in doubt, talk to your doctor.





How To Take Ciproxin


Your doctor will explain to you exactly how much Ciproxin you will have to take as well as how often and for how long. This will depend on the type of infection you have and how bad it is.


Tell your doctor if you suffer from kidney problems because your dose may need to be adjusted.


The treatment usually lasts from 5 to 21 days, but may take longer for severe infections. Take the tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how many tablets to take and how to take Ciproxin.


  • a. Swallow the tablets with plenty of fluid. Do not chew the tablets because they do not taste nice.

  • b. Do try to take the tablets at around the same time every day.

  • c. You can take the tablets at mealtimes or between meals. Any calcium you take as part of a meal will not seriously affect uptake. However, do not take Ciproxin tablets with dairy products such as milk or yoghurt or with fortified fruit juices (e.g. calcium-fortified orange juice).

Remember to drink plenty of fluids while you are taking Ciproxin.



If you take more Ciproxin than you should


  • If you take more than the prescribed dose, get medical help immediately. If possible, take your tablets or the box with you to show the doctor.



If you forget to take Ciproxin


  • Take the normal dose as soon as possible and then continue as prescribed. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose and continue as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Be sure to complete your course of treatment.



If you stop taking Ciproxin


  • It is important that you finish the course of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the symptoms of the infection may return or get worse. You might also develop resistance to the antibiotic.


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




Possible Side Effects


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


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



Common side effects (between 1 and 10 in every 100 people are likely to get these):


  • nausea, diarrhoea

  • joint pains in children


Uncommon side effects (between 1 and 10 in every 1,000 people are likely to get these):


  • fungal superinfections

  • a high concentration of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell

  • loss of appetite (anorexia)

  • hyperactivity or agitation

  • headache, dizziness, sleeping problems, or taste disorders

  • vomiting, abdominal pain, digestive problems such as stomach upset (indigestion/heartburn), or wind

  • increased amounts of certain substances in the blood (transaminases and/or bilirubin)

  • rash, itching, or hives

  • joint pain in adults

  • poor kidney function

  • pains in your muscles and bones, feeling unwell (asthenia), or fever

  • increase in blood alkaline phosphatase (a certain substance in the blood)


Rare side effects (between 1 and 10 in every 10,000 people are likely to get these):


  • inflammation of the bowel (colitis) linked to antibiotic use (can be fatal in very rare cases) (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin)

  • changes to the blood count (leukopenia, leukocytosis, neutropenia, anaemia), increased or decreased amounts of a blood clotting factor (thrombocytes)

  • allergic reaction, swelling (oedema), or rapid swelling of the skin and mucous membranes (angio-oedema)

  • increased blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)

  • confusion, disorientation, anxiety reactions, strange dreams, depression, or hallucinations

  • pins and needles, unusual sensitivity to stimuli of the senses, decreased skin sensitivity, tremors, seizures (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin), or giddiness

  • eyesight problems

  • tinnitus, loss of hearing, impaired hearing

  • rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

  • expansion of blood vessels (vasodilation), low blood pressure, or fainting

  • shortness of breath, including asthmatic symptoms

  • liver disorders, jaundice (cholestatic icterus), or hepatitis

  • sensitivity to light (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin)

  • muscle pain, inflammation of the joints, increased muscle tone, or cramp

  • kidney failure, blood or crystals in the urine (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin), urinary tract inflammation

  • fluid retention or excessive sweating

  • abnormal levels of a clotting factor (prothrombin) or increased levels of the enzyme amylase


Very rare side effects (less than 1 in every 10,000 people are likely to get these):


  • a special type of reduced red blood cell count (haemolytic anaemia); a dangerous drop in a type of white blood cells (agranulocytosis ); a drop in the number of red and white blood cells and platelets (pancytopenia), which may be fatal; and bone marrow depression, which may also be fatal (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin)

  • severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reaction or anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal - serum sickness) (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin)

  • mental disturbances (psychotic reactions) (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin)

  • migraine, disturbed coordination, unsteady walk (gait disturbance), disorder of sense of smell (olfactory disorders), pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure)

  • visual colour distortions

  • inflammation of the wall of the blood vessels (vasculitis)

  • pancreatitis

  • death of liver cells (liver necrosis) very rarely leading to life-threatening liver failure

  • small, pin-point bleeding under the skin (petechiae); various skin eruptions or rashes (for example, the potentially fatal Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)

  • muscle weakness, tendon inflammation, tendon rupture – especially of the large tendon at the back of the ankle (Achilles tendon) (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin); worsening of the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (see Section 2: Take special care with Ciproxin)


Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)


  • troubles associated with the nervous system such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness in extremities

  • severe cardiac rhythm abnormalities, irregular heart beat (Torsades de Pointes)



How To Store Ciproxin



Keep out of the reach and sight of children.


Do not use Ciproxin after the expiry date, which is stated on the blister and carton after “EXP”: The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.


This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.


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.




Further Information



What Ciproxin contains


The active substance is ciprofloxacin.


Each film-coated tablet contains 250 mg ciprofloxacin (as hydrochloride).


The other ingredients are:


Tablet core: cellulose microcrystalline, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, maize starch, silica colloidal anhydrous.


Film-coat: hypromellose, macrogol 4000, titanium dioxide (E171).




What Ciproxin looks like and contents of the pack


Ciproxin 250 mg tablets: round, nearly white to slightly yellowish film-coated tablets marked with "CIP score 250" on one side and a Bayer cross on the other side.


The tablets can be divided into equal halves.


Pack sizes of 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 28, 50, 100, 160, or 500 film-coated tablets.


Not all pack sizes may be marketed.




Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer


Marketing authorisation holder



Bayer plc

Bayer Schering Pharma

Bayer House

Strawberry Hill

Newbury

Berkshire
RG14 1JA


Manufacturer: Bayer Schering Pharma AG




This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:


Austria: Ciproxin

Belgium: Ciproxine

Bulgaria: Ciprobay

Czech Republic: Ciprobay

Denmark: Ciproxin

Finland: Ciproxin

France: Ciflox

Germany: Ciprobay

Hungary: Ciprobay

Iceland: Ciproxin

Ireland: Ciproxin

Italy: Ciproxin

Luxembourg: Ciproxine

Malta: Ciproxin

Netherlands: Ciproxin

Norway: Ciproxin

Poland: Ciprobay

Portugal: Ciproxina

Slovenia: Ciprobay

Spain: Baycip

Sweden: Ciproxin

United Kingdom: Ciproxin




This leaflet was last approved in April 2010.



Advice/medical education


Antibiotics are used to cure bacterial infections. They are ineffective against viral infections.


If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, you need them precisely for your current illness.


Despite antibiotics, some bacteria may survive or grow. This phenomenon is called resistance: some antibiotic treatments become ineffective.


Misuse of antibiotics increases resistance. You may even help bacteria become resistant and therefore delay your cure or decrease antibiotic efficacy if you do not respect appropriate:


  • dosages

  • schedules

  • duration of treatment


Consequently, to preserve the efficacy of this drug:


  • 1 - Use antibiotics only when prescribed.

  • 2 - Strictly follow the prescription.

  • 3 - Do not re-use an antibiotic without medical prescription, even if you want to treat a similar illness.

  • 4 - Never give your antibiotic to another person; maybe it is not adapted to her/his illness.

  • 5 - After completion of treatment, return all unused drugs to your chemist’s shop to ensure they will be disposed of correctly.

Thursday 21 June 2012

hepatitis b vaccine Intramuscular


hep-a-TYE-tis B VAX-een re-KOM-bin-ant


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Engerix-B

  • Engerix-B Pediatric

  • Recombivax HB

  • Recombivax HB Pediatric/Adolescent

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine


Uses For hepatitis b vaccine


Hepatitis B vaccine recombinant is used to prevent infection by the hepatitis B virus. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.


Hepatitis B vaccine recombinant is made without any human blood or blood products or any other substances of human origin. It cannot give you the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).


HBV infection is a major cause of serious liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, and a type of liver cancer called primary hepatocellular carcinoma.


Pregnant women who have hepatitis B infection or are carriers of hepatitis B virus can give the disease to their babies when they are born. These babies often suffer serious long-term illnesses from the disease.


Immunization against hepatitis B disease is recommended for all newborn babies, infants, children, and adolescents up to 19 years of age. It is also recommended for adults who live in areas that have a high rate of hepatitis B disease or who may be at increased risk of infection from hepatitis B virus. These adults include:


  • Sexually active homosexual and bisexual males, including those with HIV infection.

  • Sexually active heterosexual persons with multiple partners.

  • Persons who may be exposed to the virus by means of blood, blood products, or human bites, such as health care workers, employees in medical facilities, patients and staff of live-in facilities and daycare programs for the developmentally disabled, morticians and embalmers, police and fire department personnel, and military personnel.

  • Persons who have kidney disease or who undergo blood dialysis for kidney disease.

  • Persons with blood clotting disorders who receive transfusions of clotting-factor concentrates.

  • Household and sexual contacts of HBV carriers.

  • Persons in areas with high risk of HBV infection [in the population], such as Alaskan Eskimos, Pacific Islanders, Haitian and Indochinese immigrants, and refugees from areas that have a high rate of hepatitis B disease; persons accepting orphans or adoptees from these areas; and travelers to these areas.

  • Persons who use illegal injection drugs.

  • Prisoners.

This vaccine is available only from your doctor or other authorized health care professional.


Before Using hepatitis b vaccine


In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hepatitis b vaccine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hepatitis B vaccine recombinant in children.


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hepatitis B vaccine recombinant in the elderly.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.


Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Allergy to yeast—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

  • Bleeding problems (e.g., hemophilia)—Use with caution. May have an increased risk of bleeding at the injection site.

  • Multiple sclerosis—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.

  • Severe illness with a fever—Your dose may need to be given at a later time.

  • Weak immune system from a disease or medicine—May not work as well in patients with this condition.

Proper Use of hepatitis b vaccine


A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this vaccine. This vaccine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. If you have bleeding problems such as hemophilia, the vaccine may be given as a shot under your skin.


This vaccine is usually given as 3 doses. After the first dose, two more doses are given 1 month and 6 months after the first dose, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.


Precautions While Using hepatitis b vaccine


It is very important that you or your child return to your doctor’s office at the right time for the second and third dose. Be sure to notify your doctor of any unwanted effects that occur after you or your child receive this vaccine.


This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after you get the injection.


Tell your doctor if you or your child are allergic to latex. The needle cover and the rubber plunger of the prefilled syringe contain dry natural latex rubber, which may cause an allergic reaction in people with a latex allergy.


This vaccine may not protect you against hepatitis B infection if you are already infected with the virus at the time you receive the shot.


hepatitis b vaccine Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


More common
  • Fever of 37.7 degrees C (100 degrees F) or higher

Rare
  • Aches or pain in the joints, fever, or skin rash or welts (may occur days or weeks after receiving the vaccine)

  • blurred vision or other vision changes

  • confusion

  • difficulty with breathing or swallowing

  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

  • hives

  • itching, especially of the feet or hands

  • muscle weakness

  • numbness or tingling of the arms and legs

  • reddening of the skin, especially around the ears

  • sweating

  • swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose

  • unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


More common
  • Dizziness

  • headache

  • soreness at the injection site

Less common
  • Hard lump, redness, swelling, pain, itching, purple spot, tenderness, or warmth at the injection site

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare
  • Aches or pain in the muscles

  • agitation

  • back pain or stiffness or pain in neck or shoulder

  • chills

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • difficulty with moving

  • feeling of warmth

  • general feeling of discomfort or illness

  • headache (mild), sore throat, runny nose, or fever (mild)

  • increased sweating

  • itching

  • lack of appetite or decreased appetite

  • nausea or vomiting

  • redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

  • sleeplessness

  • stomach cramps or pain

  • sudden redness of skin

  • swelling of glands in the armpit or neck

  • trouble with sleeping

  • unable to sleep

  • welts

  • weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: hepatitis b vaccine Intramuscular side effects (in more detail)



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


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Monday 18 June 2012

Advair Inhalation Aerosol


Generic Name: fluticasone and salmeterol (Inhalation route)


floo-TIK-a-sone PROE-pee-oh-nate, sal-ME-ter-ol zye-NAF-oh-ate


Inhalation, oral/nebulization route(Disk;Aerosol)

Long-acting beta 2-adrenergic agonists (LABA) increase the risk of asthma-related deaths. In a large trial that compared the safety of salmeterol or placebo added to usual asthma therapy, there was an increase in asthma-related deaths with salmeterol. Available data have not determined whether concurrent inhaled corticosteroid or other long-term asthma control drug use mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Data from pediatric and adolescent trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization. Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder or aerosol should only be used for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (eg, discontinue fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) if possible without loss of asthma control and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication. Do not use fluticasone propionate/salmeterol for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids .



Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Advair Diskus

  • Advair Diskus 100/50

  • Advair Diskus 250/50

  • Advair Diskus 500/50

  • Advair HFA

In Canada


  • Advair

  • Advair Inhalation Aerosol

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Aerosol Liquid

  • Disk

  • Aerosol Powder

Therapeutic Class: Antiasthma, Anti-Inflammatory/Bronchodilator Combination


Pharmacologic Class: Fluticasone


Uses For Advair Inhalation Aerosol


Fluticasone and salmeterol is a combination of two medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve breathing. It is used when a patient's asthma has not been controlled sufficiently on other asthma medicines, or when a patient's condition is so severe that more than one medicine is needed every day. This medicine will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.


This medicine is also used to treat air flow blockage and reduce the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.


Inhaled fluticasone belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids or steroids (cortisone-like medicines). It works by preventing certain cells in the lungs and breathing passages from releasing substances that cause asthma symptoms.


Inhaled salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are medicines that are breathed in through the mouth to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) in the lungs. It relieves cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.


This medicine must be used with a short-acting medicine (e.g. albuterol) for an asthma attack or asthma symptoms that need attention right away.


This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Advair Inhalation Aerosol


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Advair® Diskus® to treat asthma in children older than 4 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 4 years of age.


Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Advair® HFA oral inhalation in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of fluticasone and salmeterol combination in the elderly. However, elderly people with heart and blood vessel problems may require special caution when receiving fluticasone and salmeterol combination.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.


  • Cisapride

  • Dronedarone

  • Fluconazole

  • Mesoridazine

  • Pimozide

  • Posaconazole

  • Sparfloxacin

  • Thioridazine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Acebutolol

  • Alfuzosin

  • Alprenolol

  • Amiodarone

  • Apomorphine

  • Arotinolol

  • Arsenic Trioxide

  • Asenapine

  • Astemizole

  • Atazanavir

  • Atenolol

  • Azithromycin

  • Befunolol

  • Betaxolol

  • Bevantolol

  • Bisoprolol

  • Boceprevir

  • Bopindolol

  • Brofaromine

  • Bucindolol

  • Bupranolol

  • Bupropion

  • Carteolol

  • Carvedilol

  • Celiprolol

  • Chloroquine

  • Chlorpromazine

  • Ciprofloxacin

  • Citalopram

  • Clarithromycin

  • Clorgyline

  • Clozapine

  • Crizotinib

  • Darunavir

  • Dasatinib

  • Dilevalol

  • Disopyramide

  • Dofetilide

  • Dolasetron

  • Droperidol

  • Esmolol

  • Flecainide

  • Fosamprenavir

  • Furazolidone

  • Gatifloxacin

  • Gemifloxacin

  • Granisetron

  • Halofantrine

  • Haloperidol

  • Ibutilide

  • Iloperidone

  • Indinavir

  • Iproniazid

  • Isocarboxazid

  • Itraconazole

  • Ketoconazole

  • Labetalol

  • Landiolol

  • Lapatinib

  • Lazabemide

  • Levobetaxolol

  • Levobunolol

  • Levofloxacin

  • Linezolid

  • Lopinavir

  • Lumefantrine

  • Mefloquine

  • Mepindolol

  • Methadone

  • Metipranolol

  • Metoprolol

  • Moclobemide

  • Moxifloxacin

  • Nadolol

  • Nebivolol

  • Nefazodone

  • Nelfinavir

  • Nialamide

  • Nilotinib

  • Nipradilol

  • Norfloxacin

  • Octreotide

  • Ofloxacin

  • Ondansetron

  • Oxprenolol

  • Paliperidone

  • Pargyline

  • Pazopanib

  • Penbutolol

  • Perflutren Lipid Microsphere

  • Phenelzine

  • Pindolol

  • Procainamide

  • Procarbazine

  • Prochlorperazine

  • Promethazine

  • Propafenone

  • Propranolol

  • Protriptyline

  • Quetiapine

  • Quinidine

  • Quinine

  • Ranolazine

  • Rasagiline

  • Ritonavir

  • Saquinavir

  • Selegiline

  • Sodium Phosphate

  • Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic

  • Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic

  • Solifenacin

  • Sorafenib

  • Sotalol

  • Sunitinib

  • Talinolol

  • Telaprevir

  • Telavancin

  • Telithromycin

  • Terfenadine

  • Tertatolol

  • Tetrabenazine

  • Timolol

  • Tipranavir

  • Toloxatone

  • Toremifene

  • Tranylcypromine

  • Trazodone

  • Trifluoperazine

  • Vandetanib

  • Vardenafil

  • Vemurafenib

  • Voriconazole

  • Ziprasidone

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Erythromycin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Asthma attack, acute or

  • Bronchospasm (difficulty with breathing), acute or

  • COPD flare-up or

  • Milk protein allergy, severe—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

  • Blood vessel disease (e.g., Churg-Strauss syndrome) or

  • Bone problems (e.g., osteoporosis) or

  • Cataracts or

  • Diabetes or

  • Glaucoma or

  • Heart disease or

  • Heart rhythm problems (e.g., arrhythmia) or

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) or

  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or

  • Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) or

  • Ketoacidosis (high ketones in the blood) or

  • Seizures, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

  • Chickenpox (including recent exposure) or

  • Herpes simplex (virus) infection of the eye or

  • Infections (virus, bacteria, or fungus) or

  • Measles or

  • Tuberculosis, active or history of—Inhaled fluticasone can reduce the body's ability to fight off these infections.

  • Infection or

  • Stress or

  • Surgery or

  • Trauma—Supplementary oral corticosteroids may be needed. Check with your doctor.

  • Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Proper Use of fluticasone and salmeterol

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain fluticasone and salmeterol. It may not be specific to Advair Inhalation Aerosol. Please read with care.


Inhaled fluticasone and salmeterol is used to prevent asthma attacks and to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not used to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use for an attack or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.


Inhaled fluticasone and salmeterol is used with a special inhaler that comes with patient directions or a medication guide. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the Diskus® or inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you use the Diskus® or inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.


Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.


In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor.


Do not stop using this medicine or other asthma medicines that your doctor has prescribed for you unless you have discussed this with your doctor.


When you use the Advair® HFA inhaler for the first time, or if you have not used it for 7 days or longer, or if the inhaler has been dropped, it may not deliver the right amount of medicine with the first puff. Therefore, before using the inhaler, prime it by spraying the medicine four times into the air away from the face, and shaking it well for 5 seconds before each spray. Avoid spraying it in your eyes.


Rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. However, do not swallow the water after rinsing.


To use the Diskus®:


  • Open the foil pouch containing the Diskus®.

  • To open the Diskus®, push the thumb grip away from you as far as it will go. You will hear a click and feel a snap. When open, the mouthpiece will appear.

  • Slide the mouthpiece lever away from you as far as it will go until it clicks. The Diskus® is now ready to use. If you close the Diskus® or push the lever again, you will lose medicine.

  • Turn your head away from the Diskus®, and breathe out to the end of a normal breath. Do not breathe into the Diskus®.

  • Holding the Diskus® level, put the mouthpiece between your lips and teeth, and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not bite down on the mouthpiece. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.

  • Breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath. Do not breathe through your nose.

  • Hold your breath and remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Continue holding your breath as long as you can up to 10 seconds before breathing out slowly. This gives the medicine time to settle in your airways and lungs.

  • Turn your head away from the Diskus®, and breathe out slowly to the end of a normal breath. Do not breathe into the Diskus®.

  • If your doctor has told you to inhale more than one puff of medicine at each dose, take the second puff following exactly the same steps you used for the first puff.

  • When you are finished, close the Diskus®. Place your thumb on the thumb grip, and slide it back toward you as far as it will go. You will hear it click shut.

  • Keep the Diskus® dry. Do not wash the mouthpiece, or any other part of the Diskus®. You may use a dry cloth to wipe it clean.

  • The Diskus® has a window that shows the number of doses that are left. This tells you when you are getting low on medicine. When the Diskus® has 5 doses left, the numbers from 5 to 0 will show up in red to remind you to refill your prescription.

To use the Advair® HFA inhaler:


  • Take the inhaler out of the pouch before you use it for the first time.

  • Do not use the inhaler for this medicine with any other medicine.

  • Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.

  • Prime the inhaler before use by shaking the inhaler well and then releasing 4 test sprays.

  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.

  • While pressing down firmly and fully on the purple top of the inhaler, breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.

  • Wait for 30 seconds and repeat these steps for the next puff, starting with shaking the inhaler.

  • Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each dose; this will help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.

  • Replace the mouthpiece cover after using the medicine.

  • The inhaler has a window that shows the number of doses remaining. This tells you when you are getting low on medicine. The doses counting down from 20 to 0 will show up in red to remind you to refill your prescription. Throw away the inhaler when the count is 000. You may not receive the right amount of medicine.

Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For inhalation dosage form (aerosol):
    • For preventing an asthma attack:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children 12 years of age and older—Two puffs in the morning and another two puffs in the evening. The doses should be at least 12 hours apart.

      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.



  • For inhalation dosage form (powder):
    • For preventing an asthma attack:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children 4 years of age and older—One inhalation two times per day (morning and evening). The doses should be at least 12 hours apart.

      • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.


    • For maintenance treatment of COPD:
      • Adults—One inhalation (250/50) two times per day (morning and evening). The doses should be at least 12 hours apart.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.


Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Precautions While Using Advair Inhalation Aerosol


If you will be using this medicine for a long time, it is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.


Tell your doctor if you or your child are also using other medicines for your COPD. Your doctor may want you to stop using the medicine and use it only during a severe COPD attack. Follow your doctor's instructions on how you should take your medicine.


This medicine should not be used if you are having a severe COPD attack, or if symptoms of a COPD attack has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an acute COPD attack. If the other medicine does not work as well, tell your doctor right away.


This medicine should only be used as an additional treatment for patients who cannot be treated with other asthma medicines (such as inhaled corticosteroids) or for asthma patients that require two medicines, including salmeterol. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.


Although this medicine decreases the number of asthma episodes, it may increase the chance of a severe asthma attack when they do occur. Be sure to read about these risks in the Medication Guide and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns that you have.


You should not use this medicine if your asthma attack has already started. Your doctor will prescribe another medicine (e.g., a short-acting inhaler) for you to use in case of an acute asthma attack. Make sure you understand how to use the short-acting inhaler. Talk to your doctor if you need instructions.


Talk with your doctor or get medical care right away if:


  • Your or your child's symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for 1 week or if they become worse.

  • Your short-acting inhaler does not seem to work as well as it used to and you or your child need it more often than normal (e.g., you use 1 whole canister of the short-acting inhaler in 8 weeks time, or you need to use 4 or more inhalations of the short-acting inhaler for 2 or more days in a row).

  • You or your child have a big decrease in your peak flow when measured as directed by your doctor.

Do not use this medicine to treat wheezing that is getting worse. Call your doctor right away if wheezing worsens while using this medicine.


Do not use any other asthma medicine or medicine for breathing problems without talking to your doctor. This medicine should not be used with other inhalers that contain budesonide and formoterol combination (Symbicort®), formoterol (Foradil® Aerolizer®, Perforomist™), or arformoterol (Brovona™).


This medicine may cause a fungus infection of the mouth or throat (thrush). Tell your doctor right away if you have white patches in the mouth or throat; or pain when eating or swallowing.


Patients with COPD may be more likely to have pneumonia. Call your doctor if you or your child start having increased sputum (spit) production, change in sputum color, fever, chills, increased cough, or an increase in breathing problems.


Do not change your dose or stop using your medicine without first asking your doctor.


Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification (ID) card stating that you or your child are using this medicine. The card will say that you may need additional medicine during an emergency, a severe asthma attack or other illness, or unusual stress.


Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may cause may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. Talk to your doctor if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: darkening of the skin; diarrhea; dizziness; fainting; loss of appetite; mental depression; nausea; skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness; or vomiting.


This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. Paradoxical bronchospasm may be life-threatening. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child are having a cough, difficulty with breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using this medicine.


If you or your child develop a skin rash, hives, or any allergic reaction to this medicine, stop using the medicine and check with your doctor as soon as possible.


Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have chest pain, a fast heartbeat, nervousness, shaking of the hands or feet, noisy breathing, a feeling of choking, or tightness or irritation of the throat while using this medicine.


This medicine may affect blood sugar and potassium levels. If you have heart disease or are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar or potassium tests, check with your doctor.


Check with your doctor right away if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you or your child to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).


This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.


This medicine may cause children to grow more slowly than usual. Talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns.


This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, check with your doctor.


Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.


Advair Inhalation Aerosol Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


More common
  • Black, tarry stools

  • blindness

  • blurred vision

  • burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

  • chills

  • cough

  • decreased vision

  • difficulty with breathing or swallowing

  • eye pain

  • fast heartbeat

  • fever

  • headache

  • hives or welts

  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

  • nausea or vomiting

  • noisy breathing

  • painful or difficult urination

  • sensation of pins and needles

  • shortness of breath

  • skin itching, rash, or redness

  • sore throat

  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

  • stabbing pain in the arms or legs

  • swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

  • swollen glands

  • tearing

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • wheezing

Incidence not known
  • Abdominal or stomach pain

  • backache

  • bruising

  • darkening of the skin

  • decrease in height

  • diarrhea

  • difficulty with moving

  • dizziness

  • facial hair growth in females

  • fainting

  • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

  • flushed, dry skin

  • fractures

  • fruit-like breath odor

  • full or round face, neck, or trunk

  • heavy bleeding

  • increased hunger

  • increased thirst or urination

  • irritability

  • large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin

  • loss of sexual desire or ability

  • menstrual irregularities

  • mental depression

  • muscle pain or stiffness

  • muscle wasting

  • pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs

  • pain in the joints

  • sweating

  • troubled breathing

  • unexplained weight loss

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

  • weight gain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:


Symptoms of overdose
  • Chest pain or tightness

  • confusion

  • convulsions (seizures)

  • decreased urine output

  • dry mouth

  • faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

  • general feeling of discomfort or illness

  • high blood pressure

  • loss of appetite

  • mood changes

  • nervousness

  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

  • sudden sweating

  • tremors

  • trouble with sleeping

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


More common
  • Body aches or pain

  • choking

  • congestion

  • dryness of the throat

  • high-pitched noise when breathing

  • hoarseness

  • runny nose

  • sneezing

  • trouble with swallowing

  • voice changes

Less common
  • Cough-producing mucus

  • flu-like symptoms

  • irritation or inflammation of the eye

  • muscle pain

  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

  • sleep disorders

  • stuffy nose

  • white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Advair Inhalation side effects (in more detail)



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Advair Inhalation Aerosol resources


  • Advair Inhalation Aerosol Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Advair Inhalation Aerosol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Advair Inhalation Aerosol Drug Interactions
  • Advair Inhalation Aerosol Support Group
  • 2 Reviews for Advair Inhalation - Add your own review/rating


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  • Asthma, Maintenance
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Saturday 16 June 2012

Effer-K


Generic Name: potassium supplement (Oral route, Parenteral route)


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Effer-K

  • Glu-K

  • K+Care ET

  • K-Lyte

  • K-Lyte Cl

  • K-Tab

  • Potassimin

  • Tri-K

  • Urocit-K 10

In Canada


  • K-10 Solution

  • Kaochlor 10

  • Kaochlor 20

  • Kaon

  • K-Lor

  • K-Lyte/Ci

  • Potassium Chloride

  • Potassium-Rougier

  • Roychlor

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet, Effervescent

  • Solution

  • Capsule

  • Tablet, Extended Release

  • Powder for Suspension, Extended Release

  • Tablet

  • Powder for Suspension

  • Liquid

  • Elixir

  • Granule

  • Capsule, Extended Release

  • Powder for Solution

Uses For Effer-K


Potassium is needed to maintain good health. Although a balanced diet usually supplies all the potassium a person needs, potassium supplements may be needed by patients who do not have enough potassium in their regular diet or have lost too much potassium because of illness or treatment with certain medicines.


There is no evidence that potassium supplements are useful in the treatment of high blood pressure.


Lack of potassium may cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, mood changes, or nausea and vomiting.


Injectable potassium is administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. Some forms of oral potassium may be available in stores without a prescription. Since too much potassium may cause health problems, you should take potassium supplements only if directed by your doctor.


Importance of Diet


For good health, it is important that you eat a balanced and varied diet. Follow carefully any diet program your health care professional may recommend. For your specific dietary vitamin and/or mineral needs, ask your health care professional for a list of appropriate foods.


The following table includes some potassium-rich foods.






























































Food (amount)Milligrams

of potassium
Milliequivalents

of potassium
Acorn squash, cooked

(1 cup)
89623
Potato with skin, baked

(1 long)
84422
Spinach, cooked

(1 cup)
83821
Lentils, cooked

(1 cup)
73119
Kidney beans, cooked

(1 cup)
71318
Split peas, cooked

(1 cup)
71018
White navy beans, cooked

(1 cup)
66917
Butternut squash, cooked

(1 cup)
58315
Watermelon

(1/16)
56014
Raisins

(½ cup)
55314
Yogurt, low-fat, plain

(1 cup)
53114
Orange juice, frozen

(1 cup)
50313
Brussel sprouts, cooked

(1 cup)
49413
Zucchini, cooked, sliced

(1 cup)
45612
Banana

(medium)
45112
Collards, frozen, cooked

(1 cup)
42711
Cantaloupe

(¼)
41211
Milk, low-fat 1%

(1 cup)
3489
Broccoli, frozen, cooked

(1 cup)
3329

The daily amount of potassium needed is defined in several different ways.


  • For U.S.—

  • Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the amount of vitamins and minerals needed to provide for adequate nutrition in most healthy persons. RDAs for a given nutrient may vary depending on a person's age, sex, and physical condition (e.g., pregnancy).

  • Daily Values (DVs) are used on food and dietary supplement labels to indicate the percent of the recommended daily amount of each nutrient that a serving provides. DV replaces the previous designation of United States Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDAs).

  • For Canada—

  • Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) are used to determine the amounts of vitamins, minerals, and protein needed to provide adequate nutrition and lessen the risk of chronic disease.

Because lack of potassium is rare, there is no RDA or RNI for this mineral. However, it is thought that 1600 to 2000 mg (40 to 50 milliequivalents [mEq]) per day for adults is adequate.


Remember:


  • The total amount of potassium that you get every day includes what you get from food and what you may take as a supplement. Read the labels of processed foods. Many foods now have added potassium.

  • Your total intake of potassium should not be greater than the recommended amounts, unless ordered by your doctor. In some cases, too much potassium may cause muscle weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, or difficult breathing.

Before Using Effer-K


If you are taking a dietary supplement without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For these supplements, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Although there is no specific information comparing use of potassium supplements in children with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than they do in adults.


Geriatric


Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of potassium supplements in the elderly with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.


Older adults may be at a greater risk of developing high blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia).


Pregnancy


Potassium supplements have not been shown to cause problems in humans.


Breast Feeding


Potassium supplements pass into breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these dietary supplements, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using dietary supplements in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with dietary supplements in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.


  • Amantadine

  • Atropine

  • Belladonna

  • Belladonna Alkaloids

  • Benztropine

  • Biperiden

  • Clidinium

  • Darifenacin

  • Dicyclomine

  • Eplerenone

  • Glycopyrrolate

  • Hyoscyamine

  • Methscopolamine

  • Oxybutynin

  • Procyclidine

  • Scopolamine

  • Solifenacin

  • Tolterodine

  • Trihexyphenidyl

Using dietary supplements in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Alacepril

  • Amiloride

  • Benazepril

  • Canrenoate

  • Captopril

  • Cilazapril

  • Delapril

  • Enalaprilat

  • Enalapril Maleate

  • Fosinopril

  • Imidapril

  • Indomethacin

  • Lisinopril

  • Moexipril

  • Pentopril

  • Perindopril

  • Quinapril

  • Ramipril

  • Spirapril

  • Spironolactone

  • Temocapril

  • Trandolapril

  • Triamterene

  • Zofenopril

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dietary supplements in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Addison's disease (underactive adrenal glands) or

  • Dehydration (excessive loss of body water, continuing or severe)

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus or

  • Kidney disease—Potassium supplements may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium), which may worsen or cause heart problems in patients with these conditions.

  • Diarrhea (continuing or severe)—The loss of fluid in combination with potassium supplements may cause kidney problems, which may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium).

  • Heart disease—Potassium supplements may make this condition worse.

  • Intestinal or esophageal blockage—Potassium supplements may damage the intestines.

  • Stomach ulcer—Potassium supplements may make this condition worse.

Proper Use of potassium supplement

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain potassium supplement. It may not be specific to Effer-K. Please read with care.


For patients taking the liquid form of this medicine:


  • This medicine must be diluted in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect.

  • If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.

For patients taking the soluble granule, soluble powder, or soluble tablet form of this medicine:


  • This medicine must be completely dissolved in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect.

  • Allow any "fizzing" to stop before taking the dissolved medicine.

  • If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.

For patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine:


  • Swallow the tablets whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water. Do not chew or suck on the tablet.

  • Some tablets may be broken or crushed and sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most tablets.

  • If you have trouble swallowing tablets or if they seem to stick in your throat, check with your doctor. When this medicine is not properly released, it can cause irritation that may lead to ulcers.

For patients taking the extended-release capsule form of this medicine:


  • Do not crush or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water.

  • Some capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most capsules.

Take this medicine immediately after meals or with food to lessen possible stomach upset or laxative action.


Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important if you are also taking both diuretics (water pills) and digitalis medicines for your heart.


Dosing


The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For potassium bicarbonate

  • For oral dosage forms (tablets for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—25 to 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride

  • For oral dosage form (granules for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20, 25, or 50 mEq dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate

  • For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—25 or 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For potassium chloride

  • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
    • To replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—40 to 100 milliequivalents (mEq) a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.


    • To prevent potassium loss:
      • Adults and teenagers—16 to 24 mEq a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For long-acting oral dosage forms (liquid for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20 mEq mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken one to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq of potassium per kilogram (kg) (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed in water or juice.



  • For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—15 to 25 mEq dissolved in four to six ounces of cold water, taken two or four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq per kg (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be mixed into water or juice.



  • For oral dosage form (powder for suspension):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20 mEq dissolved in two to six ounces of cold water, taken one to five times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—6.7 to 20 mEq taken three times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight a day, taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be completely mixed into water or juice.



  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—5 to 10 mEq taken two to four times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.



  • For potassium gluconate and potassium chloride

  • For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) diluted in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.



  • For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20 mEq mixed in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose is base on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.



  • For potassium gluconate and potassium citrate

  • For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.



  • For trikates

  • For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
    • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
      • Adults and teenagers—15 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken three or four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.

      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


Keep out of the reach of children.


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Precautions While Using Effer-K


Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and that possible side effects are avoided. Laboratory tests may be necessary.


Do not use salt substitutes, eat low-sodium foods, especially some breads and canned foods, or drink low-sodium milk unless you are told to do so by your doctor, since these products may contain potassium. It is important to read the labels carefully on all low-sodium food products.


Check with your doctor before starting any physical exercise program, especially if you are out of condition and are taking any other medicine. Exercise and certain medicines may increase the amount of potassium in the blood.


Check with your doctor at once if you notice blackish stools or other signs of stomach or intestinal bleeding. This medicine may cause such a condition to become worse, especially when taken in tablet form.


Effer-K Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


Less common
  • Confusion

  • irregular or slow heartbeat

  • numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips

  • shortness of breath or difficult breathing

  • unexplained anxiety

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

  • weakness or heaviness of legs

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:


Rare
  • Abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or soreness (continuing)

  • chest or throat pain, especially when swallowing

  • stools with signs of blood (red or black color)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


More common
  • Diarrhea

  • nausea

  • stomach pain, discomfort, or gas (mild)

  • vomiting

Sometimes you may see what appears to be a whole tablet in the stool after taking certain extended-release potassium chloride tablets. This is to be expected. Your body has absorbed the potassium from the tablet and the shell is then expelled.


Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.