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1 PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
VENTOLIN
HFA
(albuterol sulfate HFA inhalation aerosol)
Bronchodilator Aerosol
For Oral Inhalation Only
DESCRIPTION
The active component of VENTOLIN HFA (albuterol sulfate HFA inhalation aerosol) is albuterol sulfate, USP, the racemic form of albuterol and a relatively selective beta 2 -adrenergic bronchodilator. Albuterol sulfate has the chemical name α^1 -[( tert -butylamino)methyl]-4-hydroxy- m -xylene-α, α′-diol sulfate (2:1)(salt) and the following chemical structure:
Albuterol sulfate is a white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 576.7, and the empirical formula is (C 13 H 21 NO 3 ) 2 • H 2 SO 4. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. The World Health Organization recommended name for albuterol base is salbutamol. VENTOLIN HFA is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit fitted with a counter. VENTOLIN HFA is intended for oral inhalation only. Each unit contains a microcrystalline suspension of albuterol sulfate in propellant HFA-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). It contains no other excipients. Priming VENTOLIN HFA is essential to ensure appropriate albuterol content in each actuation. To prime the inhaler, release 4 test sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray. The inhaler should be primed before using it for the first time, when it has not been used for more than 2 weeks, or when it has been dropped. After priming, each actuation of the inhaler delivers 120 mcg of albuterol sulfate, USP in 75 mg of suspension from the valve and 108 mcg of albuterol sulfate, USP from the mouthpiece (equivalent to 90 mcg of albuterol base from the mouthpiece). Each 18-g canister provides 200 inhalations. This product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action: In vitro studies and in vivo pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that albuterol has a preferential effect on beta 2 -adrenergic receptors compared with isoproterenol. While it is recognized that beta 2 -adrenergic receptors are the predominant receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, data indicate that there is a population of beta 2 -receptors in the human heart
existing in a concentration between 10% and 50% of cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established (see WARNINGS: Cardiovascular Effects). Activation of beta 2 -adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle leads to the activation of adenylcyclase and to an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). This increase of cyclic AMP leads to the activation of protein kinase A, which inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin and lowers intracellular ionic calcium concentrations, resulting in relaxation. Albuterol relaxes the smooth muscles of all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. Albuterol acts as a functional antagonist to relax the airway irrespective of the spasmogen involved, thus protecting against all bronchoconstrictor challenges. Increased cyclic AMP concentrations are also associated with the inhibition of release of mediators from mast cells in the airway. Albuterol has been shown in most controlled clinical trials to have more effect on the respiratory tract, in the form of bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, than isoproterenol at comparable doses while producing fewer cardiovascular effects. Controlled clinical studies and other clinical experience have shown that inhaled albuterol, like other beta-adrenergic agonist drugs, can produce a significant cardiovascular effect in some patients, as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, symptoms, and/or electrocardiographic changes. Preclinical: Intravenous studies in rats with albuterol sulfate have demonstrated that albuterol crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches brain concentrations amounting to approximately 5.0% of the plasma concentrations. In structures outside the blood-brain barrier (pineal and pituitary glands), albuterol concentrations were found to be 100 times those in the whole brain. Studies in laboratory animals (minipigs, rodents, and dogs) have demonstrated the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death (with histologic evidence of myocardial necrosis) when beta-agonists and methylxanthines are administered concurrently. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Propellant HFA-134a is devoid of pharmacological activity except at very high doses in animals (380 to 1,300 times the maximum human exposure based on comparisons of AUC values), primarily producing ataxia, tremors, dyspnea, or salivation. These are similar to effects produced by the structurally related CFCs, which have been used extensively in metered-dose inhalers. In animals and humans, propellant HFA-134a was found to be rapidly absorbed and rapidly eliminated, with an elimination half-life of 3 to 27 minutes in animals and 5 to 7 minutes in humans. Time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) and mean residence time are both extremely short, leading to a transient appearance of HFA-134a in the blood with no evidence of accumulation. Pharmacokinetics: The systemic levels of albuterol are low after inhalation of recommended doses. A study conducted in 12 healthy male and female subjects using a higher dose (1,080 mcg of albuterol base) showed that mean peak plasma concentrations of approximately 3 ng/mL occurred after dosing when albuterol was delivered using propellant HFA-134a. The mean time
97 Week 12
In the responder population (≥15% increase in FEV 1 within 30 minutes postdose) treated with VENTOLIN HFA, the mean time to onset of a 15% increase in FEV 1 over the pretreatment value was 5.4 minutes, and the mean time to peak effect was 56 minutes. The mean duration of effect as measured by a 15% increase in FEV 1 over the pretreatment value was approximately 4 hours. In some patients, duration of effect was as long as 6 hours. A second 12-week randomized, double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching patients from CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol to VENTOLIN HFA. During the 3-week run-in phase of the study, all patients received CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol. During the double-blind treatment phase, VENTOLIN HFA (91 patients) was compared to CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol (100 patients) and an HFA-134a placebo inhaler (95 patients) in adolescent and adult patients with mild to moderate asthma. Serial FEV 1 measurements demonstrated that 2 inhalations of VENTOLIN HFA produced significantly greater improvement in pulmonary function than placebo. The switching from CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol inhaler to VENTOLIN HFA did not reveal any clinically significant changes in the efficacy profile. In the 2 adult studies, the efficacy results from VENTOLIN HFA were significantly greater than placebo and were clinically comparable to those achieved with CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol, although small numerical differences in mean FEV 1 response and other measures were
observed. Physicians should recognize that individual responses to beta-adrenergic agonists administered via different propellants may vary and that equivalent responses in individual patients should not be assumed. In a 2-week, randomized, double-blind study, VENTOLIN HFA was compared to CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol and an HFA-134a placebo inhaler in 135 pediatric patients (4 to 11 years old) with mild to moderate asthma. Serial pulmonary function measurements demonstrated that two inhalations of VENTOLIN HFA produced significantly greater improvement in pulmonary function than placebo and that there were no significant differences between the groups treated with VENTOLIN HFA and CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol. In the responder population treated with VENTOLIN HFA, the mean time to onset of a 15% increase in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) over the pretreatment value was 7.8 minutes, and the mean time to peak effect was approximately 90 minutes. The mean duration of effect as measured by a 15% increase in PEFR over the pretreatment value was greater than 3 hours. In some patients, duration of effect was as long as 6 hours. One controlled clinical study in adult patients with asthma (N = 24) demonstrated that 2 inhalations of VENTOLIN HFA taken approximately 30 minutes prior to exercise significantly prevented exercise-induced bronchospasm (as measured by maximum percentage fall in FEV 1 following exercise) compared to an HFA-134a placebo inhaler. In addition, VENTOLIN HFA was shown to be clinically comparable to a CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol inhaler for this indication. Some patients who participated in these clinical trials were using concomitant steroid therapy.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE VENTOLIN HFA is indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults and children 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients 4 years of age and older.
CONTRAINDICATIONS VENTOLIN HFA is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albuterol or any other components of VENTOLIN HFA.
WARNINGS Paradoxical Bronchospasm: Inhaled albuterol sulfate can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, VENTOLIN HFA should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted. It should be recognized that paradoxical bronchospasm, when associated with inhaled formulations, frequently occurs with the first use of a new canister. Cardiovascular Effects: VENTOLIN HFA, like all other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of VENTOLIN HFA at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued. In
VENTOLIN HFA becomes less effective for symptomatic relief, symptoms become worse, and/or they need to use the product more frequently than usual, they should seek medical attention immediately. While patients are using VENTOLIN HFA, other inhaled drugs and asthma medications should be taken only as directed by the physician.
- Common adverse effects of treatment with inhaled albuterol include palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, and nervousness.
- Patients who are pregnant or nursing should contact their physicians about the use of VENTOLIN HFA. 4 In general, the technique for administering VENTOLIN HFA to children is similar to that for adults. Children should use VENTOLIN HFA under adult supervision, as instructed by the patient’s physician. (See Patient’s Instructions for Use leaflet accompanying the product.)
- Priming VENTOLIN HFA is essential to ensure appropriate albuterol content in each actuation. To prime the inhaler, release 4 test sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray. The inhaler should be primed before using it for the first time, when it has not been used for more than 2 weeks, or when it has been dropped.
- KEEPING THE PLASTIC ACTUATOR CLEAN IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PREVENT MEDICATION BUILD-UP AND BLOCKAGE. THE ACTUATOR SHOULD BE WASHED, SHAKEN TO REMOVE EXCESS WATER, AND AIR-DRIED THOROUGHLY AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THE INHALER MAY CEASE TO DELIVER MEDICATION IF NOT PROPERLY CLEANED. The actuator should be cleaned (with the canister removed) by running warm water through the top and bottom for 30 seconds at least once a week. Do not attempt to clean the metal canister, including the counter, or allow the metal canister to become wet. Never immerse the metal canister in water. Shake the actuator to remove excess water, then air-dry thoroughly (such as overnight). When the actuator is dry, shake the canister well, then immediately insert the canister fully and firmly into the actuator and spray once into the air away from the face. Replace the mouthpiece cap. If it is necessary to use the inhaler before it is completely dry, shake excess water off the actuator. Shake the canister well, then immediately insert the canister fully and firmly into the actuator and spray once into the air away from the face. Then take the prescribed dose. After such use, the actuator should be rewashed and air-dried thoroughly. Blockage from medication build-up is more likely to occur if the actuator is not allowed to air-dry thoroughly. If the actuator should become blocked (little or no medication coming out of the mouthpiece) and the counter is not showing 000, the blockage may be removed by washing the actuator as described above.
- Use VENTOLIN HFA only with the actuator supplied with the product. Discard the inhaler when the counter reads 000 (after 200 sprays have been used) or 3 months after removal from the moisture-protective foil pouch, whichever comes first. When the counter reads 020, contact the pharmacist for a refill of medication or consult the physician to determine whether a prescription refill is needed. Never try to alter the numbers or remove the counter from the
metal canister. Never immerse the canister in water to determine the amount of drug remaining in the canister.
- For the proper use of VENTOLIN HFA, the patient should read and carefully follow the Patient’s Instructions for Use leaflet accompanying the product. Drug Interactions: Other short-acting sympathomimetic aerosol bronchodilators should not be used concomitantly with albuterol. If additional adrenergic drugs are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution to avoid deleterious cardiovascular effects. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or Tricyclic Antidepressants: VENTOLIN HFA should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents, because the action of albuterol on the vascular system may be potentiated. Beta-Blockers: Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such as VENTOLIN HFA, but may produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma. Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, e.g., as prophylaxis after myocardial infarction, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in patients with asthma. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers should be considered, although they should be administered with caution. Diuretics: The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of nonpotassium-sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of beta-agonists with nonpotassium-sparing diuretics. Digoxin: Mean decreases of 16% to 22% in serum digoxin levels were demonstrated after single-dose intravenous and oral administration of albuterol, respectively, to normal volunteers who had received digoxin for 10 days. The clinical significance of these findings for patients with obstructive airway disease who are receiving albuterol and digoxin on a chronic basis is unclear. Nevertheless, it would be prudent to carefully evaluate the serum digoxin levels in patients who are currently receiving digoxin and albuterol. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: In a 2-year study in Sprague-Dawley rats, albuterol sulfate caused a dose-related increase in the incidence of benign leiomyomas of the mesovarium at and above dietary doses of 2.0 mg/kg (approximately 14 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose for adults on a mg/m^2 basis and approximately 6 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose for children on a mg/m^2 basis). In another study this effect was blocked by the coadministration of propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist. In an 18-month study in CD-1 mice, albuterol sulfate showed no evidence of tumorigenicity at dietary doses of up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 1,700 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose for adults on a mg/m^2 basis and approximately 800 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose for children on a mg/m^2 basis). In a 22-month study in Golden hamsters, albuterol sulfate showed no evidence of
adverse reactions, including maternal pulmonary edema, have been reported during or following treatment of premature labor with beta
2 -agonists, including albuterol. Nursing Mothers: Plasma levels of albuterol sulfate and HFA-134a after inhaled therapeutic doses are very low in humans, but it is not known whether the components of VENTOLIN HFA are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for albuterol in animal studies and lack of experience with the use of VENTOLIN HFA by nursing mothers, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Caution should be exercised when albuterol sulfate is administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use: Results from a 2-week, randomized study in pediatric patients 4 to 11 years old with mild to moderate asthma have shown that VENTOLIN HFA is safe and effective in this population. Safety and effectiveness in children below 4 years of age have not been established. Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of VENTOLIN HFA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reaction information concerning VENTOLIN HFA is derived from two 12-week, randomized, double-blind studies in 610 adolescent and adult patients with asthma that compared VENTOLIN HFA, a CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol inhaler, and an HFA-134a placebo inhaler. The following table lists the incidence of all adverse events (whether considered by the investigator to be related or unrelated to drug) from these studies that occurred at a rate of 3% or greater in the group treated with VENTOLIN HFA and more frequently in the group treated with VENTOLIN HFA than in the HFA-134a placebo inhaler group. Overall, the incidence and nature of the adverse events reported for VENTOLIN HFA and a CFC 11/12-propelled albuterol inhaler were comparable. Results in a 2-week pediatric clinical study (N = 135) showed that the adverse event profile was generally similar to that of the adult.
Overall Adverse Events With ≥ 3% Incidence in 2 Large 12-Week Clinical Trials in Adolescents and Adults
Percent of Patients
Adverse Event
VENTOLIN HFA
(n = 202) %
CFC 11/12-Propelled Albuterol Inhaler (n = 207) %
Placebo HFA-134a (n = 201) % Ear, nose, and throat Throat irritation Upper respiratory inflammation
Lower respiratory Viral respiratory infections Cough
Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal pain 5 5 4
- (^) This table includes all adverse events (whether considered by the investigator to be drug-related or unrelated to drug) that occurred at an incidence rate of at least 3.0% in the group treated with VENTOLIN HFA and more frequently in the group treated with VENTOLIN HFA than in the HFA-134a placebo inhaler group. 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358
359 360 361 362 363 364
Adverse events reported by less than 3% of the adolescent and adult patients receiving VENTOLIN HFA and by a greater proportion of patients receiving VENTOLIN HFA than receiving HFA-134a placebo inhaler and that have the potential to be related to VENTOLIN HFA include diarrhea, laryngitis, oropharyngeal edema, cough, lung disorders, tachycardia, and extrasystoles. Palpitation and dizziness have also been observed with VENTOLIN HFA. Cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hoarseness, and arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles) have been reported after the use of albuterol, USP. In addition, albuterol, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse reactions such as hypertension, angina, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, sleeplessness, headache, and drying or irritation of the oropharynx.
OVERDOSAGE The expected symptoms with overdosage are those of excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of any of the symptoms listed under ADVERSE REACTIONS, e.g., seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and sleeplessness. Hypokalemia may also occur.
Keeping the plastic actuator clean is very important to prevent medication build-up and blockage. If the actuator becomes blocked with drug, washing the actuator will remove the blockage.
HOW SUPPLIED VENTOLIN HFA (albuterol sulfate HFA inhalation aerosol) is supplied as a pressurized aluminum canister fitted with a counter with a blue plastic actuator and a blue strapcap packaged within a moisture-protective foil pouch, each in boxes of 1 with patient’s instructions (NDC 0173-0682-20). The moisture-protective foil pouch also contains a desiccant that should be discarded when the pouch is opened. Priming VENTOLIN HFA is essential to ensure appropriate albuterol content in each actuation. To prime the inhaler, release 4 test sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray. The inhaler should be primed before using it for the first time, when the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 weeks, or when it has been dropped. After priming, each actuation delivers 120 mcg of albuterol sulfate, USP in 75 mg of suspension from the valve and 108 mcg of albuterol sulfate, USP from the mouthpiece (equivalent to 90 mcg of albuterol base from the mouthpiece). The canister is labeled with a net weight of 18 g and contains 200 metered inhalations. The blue actuator supplied with VENTOLIN HFA should not be used with any other product canisters, and actuators from other products should not be used with a VENTOLIN HFA canister. The correct amount of medication in each inhalation cannot be assured after the counter reads 000, even though the canister is not completely empty and will continue to operate. The inhaler should be discarded when the counter reads 000 (after 200 actuations have been used) or 3 months after removal from the moisture-protective foil pouch, whichever comes first. Never immerse the canister in water to determine the amount of drug remaining in the canister.
Keep out of reach of children. Avoid spraying in eyes. Contents Under Pressure: Do not puncture. Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 120 ° F may cause bursting. Never throw container into fire or incinerator. Store between 15 ° and 25 ° C (59 ° and 77 ° F). Store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. For best results, the inhaler should be at room temperature before use. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING. VENTOLIN HFA does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant.
GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Month Year RL-
PATIENT’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
VENTOLIN®^ HFA (albuterol sulfate HFA inhalation aerosol)
Read this leaflet carefully before using your VENTOLIN HFA.
448 About VENTOLIN HFA
Figure 1
Your doctor has prescribed VENTOLIN HFA Inhalation Aerosol. VENTOLIN HFA is a bronchodilator. The blue actuator supplied with VENTOLIN HFA should not be used with any other product canisters, and actuators from other products should not be used with a VENTOLIN HFA canister. The metal canister is fitted with a counter to show the number of sprays of medicine you have left. The number will show through a window in the back of the plastic actuator (see Figure 1). The counter starts at 204 (which includes the first 4 priming sprays) and counts down to
- Each time you release a spray from the inhaler, the number will count down by 1.
468 The counter will stop counting at 000. 469 470 471
Never try to alter the numbers or detach the counter from the metal canister. The counter cannot be reset and is permanently attached to the canister.
472 Priming Your VENTOLIN HFA
473 474 475
Priming VENTOLIN HFA as directed is important to ensure that you receive the appropriate amount of medicine. VENTOLIN HFA should be primed at certain times as described below.
Figure 2
2. BREATHE OUT FULLY THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, expelling as much air from your lungs as possible. Place the mouthpiece fully into your mouth, holding the inhaler with the mouthpiece down (see Figure 2) and closing your lips around it. 3. WHILE BREATHING IN DEEPLY AND SLOWLY THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, FULLY DEPRESS THE TOP OF THE METAL CANISTER with your index finger (see Figure 3). Immediately after the spray is delivered, release your finger from the canister. When you have breathed in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and close your mouth.
Figure 3
4. HOLD YOUR BREATH AS LONG AS POSSIBLE , up to 10 seconds, then breathe normally. 5. If your doctor has prescribed additional sprays, wait 1 minute and SHAKE the inhaler again. Repeat steps 2 through 4. 6. REPLACE THE CAP ON THE MOUTHPIECE AFTER EACH USE. 7. Because of the difference in propellants, you may notice a slightly different taste or feel of the spray in your mouth with VENTOLIN HFA than you are used to with other albuterol inhalation aerosol products. 8. Never immerse the canister in water to determine the amount of drug left in the canister (“float test”).
9. DISCARD THE INHALER WHEN THE COUNTER READS 000 (after you have used 200 inhalations) or 3 months after removal from the moisture-protective foil pouch, whichever comes first. The correct amount of medicine in each inhalation cannot be assured
530 after the counter reads 000, even though the canister is not completely empty and will continue to operate. When the counter reads 020, you should contact your pharmacist for a refill of your prescription or consult your doctor to determine whether a refill of your prescription is needed. Just as you should not take extra doses without consulting your doctor, you also should not stop using VENTOLIN HFA without consulting your doctor.
535 DO NOT use after the expiration date, shown as “EXP”, on the product label and box.
536 Cleaning Your VENTOLIN HFA
537 538 539 540
541
542 543
544 545 546
KEEPING THE PLASTIC ACTUATOR CLEAN IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PREVENT
MEDICINE BUILD-UP AND BLOCKAGE. THE ACTUATOR SHOULD BE WASHED,
SHAKEN TO REMOVE EXCESS WATER, AND AIR-DRIED THOROUGHLY AT LEAST
ONCE A WEEK. THE INHALER MAY STOP SPRAYING IF NOT PROPERLY CLEANED.
Routine cleaning instructions: Step 1. Remove the canister from the actuator, and remove the cap from the mouthpiece of the actuator. The strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator. Step 2. Wash the actuator through the top and bottom with warm running water for 30 seconds at least once a week (see Figure 4). Do not try to clean the metal canister , including the counter, or allow the metal canister to become wet.
Figure 4 Step 3. To dry, shake off excess water and let the actuator air-dry thoroughly, such as overnight (see Figure 5).
571 Further Information
572 DOSAGE: Use only as directed by your doctor.
WARNINGS: The action of VENTOLIN HFA should last up to 4 to 6 hours. VENTOLIN HFA should not be used more frequently than recommended. Do not increase the dose or frequency of VENTOLIN HFA without consulting your doctor. If you find that treatment with VENTOLIN HFA becomes less effective for symptomatic relief, your symptoms become worse, and/or you need to use the product more frequently than usual, you should seek medical attention immediately. While you are using VENTOLIN HFA, other inhaled drugs and asthma medicines should be used only as directed by your doctor. If you are pregnant or nursing, contact your doctor about the use of VENTOLIN HFA.
Adverse effects of treatment with VENTOLIN HFA include palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness. Effective and safe use of VENTOLIN HFA includes an understanding of the way that it should be administered. Use VENTOLIN HFA only with the actuator supplied with the product. The VENTOLIN HFA actuator should not be used with other aerosol medicines.
REMEMBER: This medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor. DO NOT give this medicine to anyone else. Please note that the symbol on each product box means that VENTOLIN HFA does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant. Instead, the inhaler contains a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA-134a) as the propellant.
This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your medicine. If you have any questions, or are not sure about something, then you should ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may want to read this leaflet again. Please DO NOT THROW IT AWAY until you have finished your medicine.
GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Month Year RL-
The blue actuator supplied with VENTOLIN®^ HFA (albuterol sulfate HFA inhalation aerosol) should not be used with any other product canisters, and actuators from other products should not be used with a VENTOLIN HFA canister.
The metal canister is fitted with a counter to show the number of sprays of medicine you have left. The number will show through a window in the back of the plastic actuator (see Figure 1). The counter starts at 204 and the number will count down by 1 each time you release a spray from the inhaler.
Never try to alter the numbers or detach the counter from the metal canister. The counter cannot be reset and is permanently attached to the canister. Priming VENTOLIN HFA as directed is important to ensure you receive the appropriate amount of medicine. To prime the inhaler, remove the cap from the mouthpiece of the actuator (see Figure 1), then spray 4 times into the air away from your face, shaking well before each spray. You should prime the inhaler before using it for the first time, when it has not been used for more than 14 days, or when it has been dropped. SHAKE THE INHALER WELL immediately before each spray.
1. REMOVE THE CAP FROM THE MOUTHPIECE of the actuator (see Figure 1) ; the strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator. Inspect the inhaler mouthpiece for the presence of foreign objects before each use, especially if the strap is no longer attached to the actuator or if the cap is not being used to cover the mouthpiece. Make sure the canister is fully and firmly inserted into the actuator. 2. BREATHE OUT FULLY THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, expelling as much air from your lungs as possible. Place the mouthpiece fully into your mouth, holding the inhaler with the mouthpiece down (see Figure 1) and closing your lips around it. 3. WHILE BREATHING IN DEEPLY AND SLOWLY THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, FULLY DEPRESS THE TOP OF THE METAL CANISTER with your index finger (see Figure 2). Immediately after the spray is delivered, release your finger from the canister. When you have breathed in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and close your mouth.
Figure 1 31 Figure 2
