of Respironics Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
©2008, GlaxoSmithKline. All rights reserved.
PHARMACIST—DETACH HERE AND GIVE LEAFLET TO PATIENT
Information for the Patient
VENTOLIN® HFA
(albuterol sulfate)
Inhalation Aerosol
Read this leaflet carefully before you start to use VENTOLIN HFA.
Keep this leaflet because it has important summary information about VENTOLIN HFA. Your healthcare provider has more information or advice.
Read the new leaflet that comes with each refill of your prescription because there may be new information.
What is VENTOLIN HFA?
VENTOLIN HFA is a kind of medicine called a fast-acting bronchodilator. Fast-acting bronchodilators help to quickly open the airways in your lungs so that you can breathe more easily.
Each dose of VENTOLIN HFA should last up to 4 to 6 hours.
Take VENTOLIN HFA as directed by your doctor. Do not take extra doses or take more often without asking your doctor.
Get medical help right away if VENTOLIN HFA no longer helps your symptoms. Also get medical help if your symptoms get worse or if you need to use your inhaler more often.
While you are using VENTOLIN HFA, use other inhaled medicines and asthma medicines only as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, and ask about the use of VENTOLIN HFA.
Possible side effects of taking VENTOLIN HFA include fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shakiness, and nervousness. With the first use of a new canister, worsening of wheezing may occur.
The parts of your VENTOLIN HFA inhaler:
Image from Drug Label Content
Figure 1
There are 2 main parts to your VENTOLIN HFA inhaler—the metal canister that holds the medicine and the blue plastic actuator that sprays the medicine from the canister (see Figure 1).
The inhaler also has a cap that covers the mouthpiece of the actuator. The strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator.
Do not use the actuator with a canister of medicine from any other inhaler. And do not use a VENTOLIN HFA canister with an actuator from any other inhaler.
The canister has a counter to show how many sprays of medicine you have left. The number shows through a window in the back of the actuator.
The counter starts at 204. The number will count down by 1 each time you spray the inhaler. The counter will stop counting at 000.
Never try to change the numbers or take the counter off the metal canister. The counter cannot be reset, and it is permanently attached to the canister.
How to Use Your VENTOLIN HFA
Before using your VENTOLIN HFA:
Take the inhaler out of the foil pouch. Safely throw away the pouch and the drying packet that comes inside the pouch. The counter should read 204.
If a child needs help using the inhaler, an adult should help the child use the inhaler with or without a holding chamber attached to a facemask. The adult should follow the instructions that came with the holding chamber. An adult should watch a child use the inhaler to be sure it is used correctly.
The inhaler should be at room temperature before you use it.
Check each time to make sure the canister fits firmly in the plastic actuator. Also look into the mouthpiece to make sure there are no foreign objects there, especially if the strap is no longer attached to the actuator or if the cap is not being used to cover the mouthpiece.
Priming your VENTOLIN HFA:
You must prime the inhaler to get the right amount of medicine. Prime the inhaler before you use it for the first time, i |
