Arcapta Side Effects

Generic name: indacaterol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 5, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Arcapta.

Applies to indacaterol: inhalation capsule Side Effects associated with indacaterol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Arcapta.

Applies to indacaterol: inhalation capsule.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may also be needed to check for any unwanted effects.

Tell your doctor if you are also using any other medicine for your COPD. Your doctor may want you to 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 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.

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

• Your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine within a few days or if they become worse.
• Your short-acting inhaler does not seem to be working as well as usual and you need to use it more often.

This medicine should not be used together with similar inhaled medicines such as arformoterol (Brovana™), budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®), formoterol (Foradil®, Perforomist™), salmeterol (Serevent®), or salmeterol/fluticasone (Advair®).

This medicine may increase the risk of worsening asthma, which may lead to hospitalization, intubation, and death in patients with asthma who take this medicine without an inhaled steroid medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

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

Indacaterol may cause heart or blood vessel problems, including heart rhythm problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain or tightness, decreased urine output, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, troubled breathing, or weight gain.

Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have more than one of the following symptoms: decreased urine, dry mouth, increased thirst, loss of appetite, mood changes, muscle pain or cramps, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, seizures, uneven heartbeat, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

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.

Serious side effects of Arcapta

Along with its needed effects, indacaterol (the active ingredient contained in Arcapta) 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 while taking indacaterol:

Other side effects of Arcapta

Some side effects of indacaterol 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to indacaterol: inhalation capsule.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions at the recommended doses were nasopharyngitis, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinusitis, peripheral edema, and noncardiac chest pain (less than 1%). The majority of these side effects was mild to moderate and became less frequent if treatment was discontinued.

The most common serious adverse reactions reported were COPD exacerbation, pneumonia, angina pectoris, and atrial fibrillation.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough following inhalation (up to 24%), nasopharyngitis (up to 14.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (up to 14.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, sinusitis, rhinorrhea, chest pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paradoxical bronchospasm, chest discomfort^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Oropharyngeal pain, throat irritation, nausea, dry mouth^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasm musculoskeletal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia, vertigo
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, palpitations, tachycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Tachycardia, heart rate increase, palpitations^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, rash^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Arcapta side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer