Formoterol and glycopyrrolate

Generic name: formoterol and glycopyrrolate [ for-MOE-ter-ol-and-GLYE-koe-PIR-oh-late ]
Brand name: Bevespi Aerosphere
Dosage form: inhalation aerosol (4.8 mcg-9 mcg/inh)
Drug class: Bronchodilator combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is formoterol and glycopyrrolate?

Formoterol and glycopyrrolate is a combination medicine used to prevent airflow obstruction and reduce flare-ups in adults with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including bronchitis and emphysema.

Formoterol and glycopyrrolate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Formoterol and glycopyrrolate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Formoterol and glycopyrrolate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• tremors, nervousness, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using formoterol and glycopyrrolate;

• painful or difficult urination;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or redness, or seeing halos around lights;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of formoterol and glycopyrrolate may include:

• cough; or

• urination problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

This medicine is for use only in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and should not be used to treat asthma.

Formoterol and glycopyrrolate is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat a bronchospasm attack.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use formoterol and glycopyrrolate if you are allergic to formoterol or glycopyrrolate. This medicine is for use only in people with COPD and should not be used to treat asthma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a seizure;

• liver disease;

• glaucoma;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• urination problems; or

• any food or drug allergies.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use formoterol and glycopyrrolate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using too much of this medicine can cause life-threatening side effects.

Read and follow all patient instructions provided with the inhaler device. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Use only the inhaler device provided with your medicine or you may not get the correct dose. Use the new inhaler each time you get your prescription refilled.

Shake the medicine well just before you inhale your dose.

This medicine is not a rescue medicine for bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

You should not stop using formoterol and glycopyrrolate suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the inhaler device in the sealed foil tray until ready to start using it.

Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

Throw the inhaler device away 3 months after you have taken it out of the foil pouch, or if the dose indicator shows a zero, whichever comes first.

Formoterol and glycopyrrolate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

2 inhalations orally twice a day, in the morning and in the evening
Maximum dose: 2 inhalations twice daily

Comments:
-Two inhalations of formoterol 4.8 mcg-glycopyrrolate 9 mcg equal one dose.

Uses: Long-term, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause vomiting, severe constipation, blurred vision, chest pain, heart problems, or fainting.

What should I avoid while using formoterol and glycopyrrolate?

If formoterol and glycopyrrolate gets in your eyes, rinse them with water and call your doctor if you have ongoing eye redness even after rinsing.

Do not use a second inhaled bronchodilator that contains formoterol or a similar medicine (such as arformoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, salmeterol, or vilanterol).

What other drugs will affect formoterol and glycopyrrolate?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• atropine;

• antifungal or antiviral medicine;

• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;

• medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

• other bronchodilator medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect formoterol and glycopyrrolate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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