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Brovana

Generic name: arformoterol inhalationar-for-MOE-ter-ole ]
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 23, 2023.

What is Brovana?

Brovana is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Brovana inhalation solution is used to prevent bronchoconstriction in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Brovana will not treat a bronchospasm attack that has already begun.

Warnings

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

Brovana 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 Brovana if you are allergic to arformoterol. Brovana is for use only in people with COPD and should not be used to treat asthma.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

How should I use Brovana?

Use Brovana inhalation solution exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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.

Brovana 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.

Brovana solution for inhalation is for use only with a standard jet nebulizer machine connected to an air compressor. Do not mix with other medicines in the nebulizer. Do not take this medicine by mouth or swallow it.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator, protected from light and heat.

Keep each vial in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine. Once a vial is opened, you must use the medicine right away. Throw the empty vial away where children and pets cannot get to it.

You may store an unopened foil pouch at room temperature but you must use it within 6 weeks or throw it away. Protect from heat and light.

Do not use Brovana if it does not look clear and colorless in the vial. Do not use after the expiration date on the label has passed.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Dosing information

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

15 mcg inhaled by nebulization twice daily (morning and evening).

Maximum Daily Dose: 30 mcg

Comments:
-Not for use to treat acute deteriorations of COPD.

Use: Long-term, twice daily (morning and evening) administration in the maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and 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. An overdose of arformoterol inhalation can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, nervousness, tremor, muscle cramps, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What should I avoid while using Brovana?

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

Brovana side effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have;

Common Brovana side effects may include:

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.

What other drugs will affect Brovana?

If you also use a short-acting bronchodilator, do not use it daily while you are using Brovana. Use the short-acting bronchodilator only for a sudden bronchospasm attack.

Other drugs may interact with arformoterol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

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

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