Onbrez Breezhaler (Indacaterol 150mcg)

Onbrez Breezhaler general information

What is Onbrez Breezhaler used for?

Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg are used for the long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules contain a powder that when inhaled, using the inhalation device provided, relieves symptoms caused by bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways), such as shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing.  Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules also reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life by improving lung function, but they do not cure COPD.  

How does Onbrez Breezhaler work?

Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg contain indacaterol, a rapid long-acting beta2-agonist and bronchodilator.  Binding of indacaterol in Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules to the beta 2 receptors in the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) relaxes the muscles to widen the airways and increase air flow into the lungs. This reduces bronchospasm (constriction or the airways) relieving symptoms of COPD such as shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing and provides relief for up to 24 hours.  When inhaled indacaterol in Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules goes directly into the lungs and very little is absorbed into the blood circulation.  Due to the long acting effects of indacaterol in Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation, they are intended for once-daily administration.  

What does Onbrez Breezhaler contain?

Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules contain the active ingredient indacaterol maleate (150mg) in powder form, used for long term treatment of COPD.  They also contain lactose and gelatin.

Treating COPD with Onbrez Breezhaler

Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg contain the bronchodilator indacaterol, a beta 2 agonist that is used for the long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive obstructive airways disease that usually gets worse with time.  Symptoms of COPD caused by bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways), include tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as chronic cough with sputum production because the lung tissues have become damaged.  Indacaterol in Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules relaxes the muscles of the airways, reducing bronchospasm and increasing air flow into the lungs.  Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules relieve symptoms of bronchospasm, improving lung function and health-related quality of life, but they do not cure COPD.

What are the side effects of Onbrez Breezhaler?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg include: nasopharyngitis, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, headache and muscle spasms.  Paradoxical bronchospasm is uncommon but can occur in which your inhaler worsens your breathing.

When should Onbrez Breezhaler not be used?

You should not use Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg if you:

• are allergic to indacaterol or any ingredients in Onbrez Breezhaler
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have severe liver disease
• have acute bronchospasm or asthma or mixed airway disease
• have cardiovascular disease, including heart failure ischaemic heart disease, cardiac arrythmias (rapid heartbeat), hypertension
• have galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
• are taking medicines that interact with Onbrez Breezhaler, including other beta blocking drugs like propanolol, xanthines like theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, beta agonists like timolol for glaucoma, potassium losing diuretics.

What medications interact with Onbrez Breezhaler?

Several medications interact with Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg and should either not be taken while you are taking Onbrez Breezhaler or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Onbrez Breezhaler: potassium losing diuretics
• Drugs that affect Onbrez Breezhaler:  other beta blocking drugs like propanolol, tricyclic antidepressants
• Drugs that are affected by Onbrez Breezhaler: beta agonists like timolol for glaucoma

How should Onbrez Breezhaler be taken?

You should inhale the contents of one capsule of Onbrez Breezhaler, using the inhaler device provided, once daily and at the same time each day.  You should use the Onbrez Breezhaler by following the instructions provided and do not swallow the Capsules as the contents are intended for inhalation only. You should continue to use your Onbrez Breezhaler for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may long term as it will treat the disease but will not cure it.

How long should you take Onbrez Breezhaler?

You should continue to use your Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may long term as it will treat the disease but will not cure it.

Missed dose of Onbrez Breezhaler

If you miss a dose of Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Onbrez Breezhaler be stored?

You should store your Onbrez Breezhaler inhalation capsules 150mcg below 25°C in a cool dry place.