Description

Directions

Remember to use this medication only as directed by your health care professional. Do not use more or less of it than what your doctor ordered. Do not stop using VENTOLIN without consulting your doctor as it may increase the chance for developing breathing problems.

The dose of VENTOLIN will be different for each patient's depending on your condition and medical history. The average dose is usually taken by mouth, 3-4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. To help patients remember to take their medication, it is recommended to take it at the same times daily.

This medication does not work immediately and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor may prescribe a quick-relief inhaler for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while you are taking this medication.

Patients should clean their inhalers at least once a week by removing the metal canister, running water through the plastic actuator for 30 seconds, shaking the actuator to remove excess water, and allowing it to dry.

Cautions

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to VENTOLIN or any other medication. Also, tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies to things such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Speak to your health care professional if you have any medical problems listed below as they may affect the use of this medicine.

• diabetes
• heart or blood vessel disease
• heart rhythm problems (e.g., arrhythmia)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood)
• history of seizures - this medication may make these conditions worse
• kidney disease -the effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body

For additional important information about VENTOLIN, see below:

• contact your doctor If your symptoms become significantly worse when you use VENTOLIN. Worsening of symptoms can be life threatening
• Effects on the heart and blood vessels may occur with the use of VENTOLIN. Effects may include fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, change in blood pressure, or chest pain.
• before and while you are taking VENTOLIN, tell your doctor if you have a heart, blood, or seizure disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
• other medications can interfere with how well asthma medications work.
• tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking, especially heart medicines and drugs that treat depression, and use other inhaled medicines and asthma medicines

Side Effects

Along with the needed effects of VENTOLIN, it can also cause some unwanted effects. Although not all these side effects may occur, it is important to know about the possible side effects. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Seek emergency medical help if you experience any of the following:

• Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• Trembling or shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

More common side effects include:

• body aches or pain
• congestion
• fever
• runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble with swallowing
• voice changes

Less common side effects include:

• Abdominal/stomach pain
• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• chest discomfort
• chest pain
• cough or hoarseness
• cough producing mucus
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• feeling of warmth
• fever or chills
• frequent urge to urinate
• hives
• itching
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• runny nose
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• sore throat
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness
• wheezing

Rare side effects include:

• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• noisy breathing
• redness of the skin
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• swelling of the mouth or throat
• trouble breathing

Some side effects may not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.