Description

What is Xopenex used
for?

Xopenex is used to treat or prevent narrowing of the airways
(bronchospasm) in patients 6 years
of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease, e.g., asthma.

Who should not take
Xopenex?

You should not take Xopenex if you have
had any type of reaction to medicines containing levalbuterol or albuterol.

Special Warnings Concerning Xopenex:

• Xopenex can produce a narrowing of the
  airways called paradoxical bronchospasm in some patients, which may be life
  threatening.

• Your health care provider may need to
  prescribe other medications in addition to Xopenex to help control your
  asthma.  Do not stop taking other
  asthma medications unless advised by your health care provider.
  

• Xopenex can cause significant
  heart-related side effects, such as an increase in pulse, blood pressure,
  and/or related symptoms.  If you
  have a heart condition, your doctor will determine if Xopenex is right for
  you.

• Use as directed by your doctor or
  health care provider.  Deaths have
  been reported with similar inhaled medications in asthma patients who use too
  much.

• Hypersensitivity reactions (severe
  allergic reactions) may occur immediately after taking Xopenex.  If you experience itching, areas of
  skin swelling (angioedema), skin rash, or narrowing of the airways, these may
  be signs of a hypersensitivity reaction.

General Precautions with Xopenex: 

If you currently have, or have had a
history of the following conditions, your health care provider will evaluate you
to decide if Xopenex is right for you:

• heart disease, (e.g., reduced heart
  circulation, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat)

• seizures
• high levels of thyroid hormone
  

• diabetes
• reactions to medications similar to
  Xopenex

What should I tell my doctor or health
care provider?

Review all medications that you are
taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a
prescription.  Because of the potential to interact with Xopenex and cause
side effects, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are taking other
medications such as:

• diuretics such as
  furosemide and HCTZ
  

• antidepressants such as
  monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants

• drugs known to affect
  the heart’s regular rhythm

• drugs used for high
  blood pressure or after a heart attack, such as metoprolol or
  atenolol
  

Tell your doctor if you are trying to
become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What are some
possible side effects of Xopenex?

(This is
not a complete list of side effects reported with Xopenex. Your health
care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Side effects of Xopenex may depend on
the dose.  Xopenex may result in a
temporary increase in heart rate, tremors, or nervousness.

For more detailed
information about Xopenex, ask your health care
provider.