Onbrez Breezhaler (Indacaterol Maleate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Onbrez Breezhaler Used For?
Onbrez Breezhaler is a prescription medication that helps people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) breathe more easily by keeping their airways open.
Primary Uses
Onbrez Breezhaler is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. This damage results in irritation and swelling inside the airways, limiting airflow into and out of the lungs. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, cough that brings up mucus, and chest discomfort.
How It Works
Onbrez Breezhaler belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators. They help to relax the muscles around your airways in the lungs and keep them open, making breathing easier.
How to Take Onbrez Breezhaler
Onbrez Breezhaler comes as capsules that you inhale using a special inhaler device. It’s important to use it correctly and at the same time each day.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide which dose is appropriate for you. Inhale the contents of one capsule once daily. Use Onbrez capsules only for oral inhalation using the Breezhaler inhaler – do not swallow the capsules. Keep the capsules in the blister pack and only remove them before using them. Peel the backing away from the blister pack to open it; do not push the capsule through the foil. Onbrez Breezhaler should be used at about the same time each day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take the next dose at the usual time the next day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Important: Never take more than one dose in a day and do not swallow the capsules – they must be inhaled using the Breezhaler device.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Unusual weakness
- Numbness
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle pain, muscle tenderness or weakness not caused by exercise
- Pain in bones, muscles and joints
- Swelling of ankles, feet or hands
- Rash
- Itching
- Blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing
- Cough
- Difficulty in swallowing
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of tongue, lips and face
- Skin rash, itching and hives
- Difficulty breathing with wheezing or coughing
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Excessive thirst or hunger and frequent urination (symptoms of high blood sugar levels)
- Difficulty passing urine or painful urination
Important Warnings
Before taking Onbrez Breezhaler, it’s important to tell your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you’re taking.
Who Should Not Take Onbrez Breezhaler
Do not use Onbrez Breezhaler if you are allergic to indacaterol maleate or any of the ingredients listed. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulties in breathing or swallowing, swelling of tongue, lips, face, other parts of the body, hives and skin rash. Do not use in patients below 18 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have asthma, heart problems, epilepsy, thyroid gland problems, or diabetes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Onbrez Breezhaler is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. It is unknown whether the active ingredients pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will advise you regarding the possible risks and benefits.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Onbrez Breezhaler and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- Any other medicines for your lung disease
- Medicines for high blood pressure and heart problems (beta blockers e.g. propranolol)
- Medicines used to treat depression and other mental disorders (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- Medicines for glaucoma, including eye drops (e.g. timolol)
- Medicines that decrease the level of potassium in the blood
- Medicines for hay fever, coughs, colds and runny nose
- Other medicines used for breathing problems such as methylxanthines (e.g. theophylline) or steroids (e.g. prednisolone)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while using Onbrez Breezhaler until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Onbrez Breezhaler affects you.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Always store Onbrez Breezhaler capsules in the blister pack to protect them from moisture and light. Remove the capsules only before use. Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink, or in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Dispose of each Breezhaler inhaler after 30 days of use.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have used too much Onbrez Breezhaler, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), or contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication information doesn’t specify exact timing, but as a bronchodilator, it works by relaxing the muscles around your airways to make breathing easier. Consult your doctor about when you can expect to notice improvements.
The medication information doesn’t mention any food restrictions. However, you should follow your doctor’s specific instructions and ask them if you have questions about taking it with meals.
The medication information doesn’t indicate that Onbrez Breezhaler is addictive. It’s a bronchodilator used for COPD treatment, but discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You should follow your doctor’s instructions and use Onbrez Breezhaler until your doctor tells you to stop. Always consult your doctor before stopping any medication.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The medication information advises discussing alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider while using this medication.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take the next dose at the usual time the next day. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, do not swallow Onbrez Breezhaler capsules. Use the capsules only for oral inhalation using the Breezhaler inhaler device. The capsules must be inhaled, not swallowed.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.