Reduce COPD symptoms by taking
these simple steps
COPD inhalers like ProAir® HFA can help you manage your COPD symptoms so you can perform your usual activities. Here are a few tips to help you further reduce your COPD symptoms:
1
- Quit smoking, if you are a smoker. This is the most important way you can manage your COPD.
- Avoid secondhand tobacco smoke
- Avoid going outside when there is a lot of dust or air pollution
- Avoid chemical fumes
- Get flu and/or pneumonia shots if your healthcare provider asks you to do so
Only a healthcare provider can diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Use the
COPD symptoms checklist to help explain your symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Reference
- COPD, living with. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_LivingWith.html [Accessed June 1, 2010].
ProAir
® HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol is indicated in patients 4 years of age and older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Important Safety Information
If your symptoms become significantly worse when you use ProAir
® HFA, contact your doctor immediately. This may indicate either a worsening of your asthma or a reaction to the medication, which may rarely occur with the first use of a new canister of ProAir
® HFA. Either of these could be life-threatening.
What to tell your doctor before using ProAir
® HFA: If you have a heart, blood, or seizure disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid, be sure to tell your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows all the medications you are taking – especially heart medications and drugs that treat depression – because some medications may interfere with how well your asthma medications work. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Side effects associated with ProAir
® HFA included headache, rapid heart beat, pain, dizziness, and irritation of the throat and nose.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.