ProAir® HFA side effects and safety information1
ProAir® HFA can help you manage asthma, exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, like all medications, there is important safety information you should be aware of.
When using
ProAir® HFA, be sure to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and to read the patient instructions that come with each canister of
ProAir® HFA.
Who should not use ProAir® HFA?
Do not use
ProAir® HFA if you are allergic to albuterol or any of the aerosol components in
ProAir® HFA.
What's the most important information I should know about ProAir® HFA?
- Life-threatening, sudden constriction of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm) may occur. If this happens, discontinue using ProAir® HFA immediately and alert your healthcare provider, as you may need treatment with an alternative therapy
- The need for more doses of ProAir® HFA than usual may be a sign that your asthma may be worsening, and you should immediately consult your healthcare provider for a reevaluation of treatment
- ProAir® HFA is not a substitute for corticosteroids
- Heart-related symptoms may occur. ProAir® HFA must be used with caution in people sensitive to certain stimulant drugs (sympathomimetics) and people with cardiovascular or convulsive disorders
- Excessive use of ProAir® HFA may be fatal. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Take ProAir® HFA as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take extra doses or take more often without asking your healthcare provider
- Immediate hypersensitivity or allergic reactions may occur. For example, if you experience any itching, rash, or swelling (particularly of the mouth) immediately after using ProAir® HFA, discontinue use of ProAir® HFA immediately and seek medical attention
- Low levels of potassium in the blood and changes in blood sugar may occur
What are the other possible side effects associated with the use of ProAir® HFA?
Possible side effects include:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shakiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Irritation of the throat and nose
- Nervousness
- Worsening of wheezing (which may occur with the first use of a new canister)
These are not all of the side effects that may be associated with using
ProAir® HFA. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.
Call your healthcare provider for advice about side effects. 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.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ProAir® HFA?
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you take, including other inhaled medicines and asthma medicines, all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
ProAir® HFA and certain other medicines may interact with each other and could potentially have serious side effects. In particular, your healthcare provider should be alerted if you take any of the following:
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Digoxin
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Other short-acting bronchodilators and other drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including if you:
- Have heart problems
- Have seizures
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Are nursing
- Are allergic to any of the ingredients in ProAir® HFA
Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if:
- ProAir® HFA no longer helps your symptoms
- Your symptoms become worse
- You need to use ProAir® HFA more frequently than usual
- You experience any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
- Swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
- Rash
- Breathing problems
- Hives
Reference
- ProAir® HFA Prescribing Information. Teva Respiratory, LLC; 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.