Indications 

Foradil Inhaler is indicated for the prevention and management of asthma symptoms in adults and children aged 5 and above with reversible obstructive airway disease, including individuals experiencing nocturnal asthma symptoms. 

Foradil Inhaler may be used as well for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) and for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 

Classified as a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), Foradil Inhaler works by relaxing and widening the lung’s air passages, thereby facilitating easier breathing. 

Uses and Dosage 

Prior to initiating the use of the Foradil Inhaler and with each prescription refill, carefully review the medication guide given by your pharmacist and adhere to the provided usage instructions. For any inquiries, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. 

Foradil is available in capsule form and is intended exclusively for use with the provided Foradil Inhaler device. Do not ingest the capsule. 

Typically, this medication is inhaled twice daily, with approximately 12 hours between doses. 

For asthma management, Foradil inhaler is employed alongside a long-term control medication. 

For the prevention of EIB, Foradil inhaler is used 15 minutes before exercise, as needed. If a patient has both EIB and asthma, both the inhaler and a long-term control medication are recommended. 

To properly administer a dose with the Foradil Inhaler, follow these steps: 

1. Remove the inhaler cover. 
2. Securely hold the inhaler’s base and twist the mouthpiece toward the arrow to open it.  
   • Push the buttons on each side to ensure all 4 pins in the capsule well are visible. 
3. Place one Foradil capsule into the capsule chamber at the inhaler’s base.  
   • Avoid placing a capsule directly into the mouthpiece. 
4. Twist the mouthpiece back to its closed position. 
5. Hold the inhaler upright and simultaneously press both buttons once.  
   • You should hear a click as the capsule is pierced.  
   • If the buttons remain stuck, pull them out of the stuck position using the wings on the buttons before proceeding to the next step.  
   • Do not press the buttons a second time to prevent capsule breakage. 
6. Exhale fully, ensuring you do not exhale into the mouthpiece. 
7. Slightly tilt your head back while keeping the inhaler level with the blue buttons on the sides, not vertically.  
8. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around it. 
9. Inhale deeply and swiftly, causing the capsule to spin in the chamber, delivering your medicine.  
   • You may hear a whirring noise and taste a sweet flavor in your mouth.  
   • If there is no whirring noise, the capsule may be stuck. Open the inhaler to loosen the capsule for free movement; avoid pressing the buttons again. 
10. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, continue holding your breath as long as possible, and then exhale. 
11. Open the inhaler to check if any powder remains on the capsule. If it does, close the inhaler and repeat steps 8 and 9.  
12. After use, discard the empty capsule. Do not leave a used capsule in the chamber. 
13. Close the mouthpiece and replace the cover. 

For optimal outcomes, use this medication at the same times each day and adhere to the precise instructions for using the Foradil Inhaler.  

If you miss a dose of Foradil, omit that dose and proceed with your next dose at the regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses simultaneously. 

Do not exceed a 12-hour interval between doses, and refrain from inhaling extra Foradil before exercise if you are already using it twice daily. 

Overusing Foradil Inhaler can diminish its effectiveness and raise the risk of severe side effects. Promptly consult your physician if the medication loses its efficacy.  

Never use Foradil capsules with any alternative capsule inhaler, and refrain from employing the inhaler for any other capsule medication. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects

Inform your doctor right away should any of these effects persist or worsen. 

• Dizziness, nervousness, tremors 
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia) 
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea 
• Muscle cramps 
• Headache 

Serious Side Effects 

• Wheezing, choking, or respiratory difficulties following medication use 
• Chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeats 
• Nervousness, trouble sleeping 
• Aggravation of breathing problems 
• Elevated blood sugar: 
  • Increased thirst 
  • Frequent urination 
  • Hunger 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Fruity breath odor 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Dry skin 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Weight loss 
• Low potassium levels: 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Constipation 
  • Numbness or tingling 
  • Muscle weakness or a limp sensation 

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious symptoms listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare instances, Foradil Inhaler may cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of a severe allergic response, such as: 

• Hives 
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat 
• Difficulty breathing 

This list does not cover all side effects of Foradil Inhaler. Report to your doctor if you observe any other effects. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Foradil Inhaler, inform your doctor if you have any known hypersensitivities, particularly to: 

• Formoterol  
• Any of the inactive ingredients of Foradil tablet 
• Similar bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, arformoterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol) 
• Sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine) 

Disclose your medical history with your doctor before using Foradil Inhaler to assess its appropriateness for your condition, particularly if you have a history of: 

• Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., irregular heartbeat, angina) 
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) 
• Seizures 
• Diabetes 
• Metabolic issues (e.g., ketoacidosis) 
• Aneurysm (arterial swelling) 
• Pheochromocytoma (specific adrenal gland tumor) 

Various medications can interact with Foradil, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare provider about all your existing medications and any new additions or discontinuations. 

If you are concurrently using a short-acting bronchodilator, avoid its daily use alongside Foradil Inhaler. Reserve it for immediate relief during sudden bronchospasm attacks. 

Do not employ an additional form of formoterol (e.g., Bevespi, Dulera, Symbicort) or any other extended-release inhaled bronchodilator while using Foradil Inhaler unless directed by your doctor. 

The use of Foradil inhaler carries the risk of QT prolongation, a condition that can disrupt heart rhythm. Although infrequent, this complication may result in a fast and irregular heartbeat that could be fatal in rare instances. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe dizziness or fainting occur. 

Inform your doctor of your pregnancy or future plans to discuss the risks and benefits of using Foradil Inhaler, as the medication’s potential effects on an unborn child are currently uncertain. 

The transfer of formoterol inhalation into breast milk and its potential effects on a nursing infant remains uncertain. If you are breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider.