Description
Introduction
Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg is a medication used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is an inhaler that contains two active ingredients: formoterol fumarate dihydrate and budesonide. This combination of a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) and a corticosteroid works to provide relief and manage symptoms for patients with these respiratory conditions.
Active Ingredients
Each dose of Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg contains 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate and 320 mcg of budesonide. These two active ingredients work together to improve lung function and reduce inflammation.
Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a LABA that acts as a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe. LABAs like formoterol provide long-lasting relief, typically lasting for 12 hours or more after each dose.
Budesonide
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. It works by preventing and reducing swelling in the airways. Corticosteroids are effective at controlling symptoms and preventing exacerbations in patients with asthma and COPD.
Usage
Fixcort is primarily used for the treatment of asthma and COPD. The specific usage depends on the condition being treated.
Asthma
In the case of asthma, Fixcort is used as a controller medication to control and improve symptoms. It is typically used from the third step of the stepwise treatment of asthma, as recommended by guidelines such as the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Fixcort helps prevent asthma symptoms, reduces the need for rescue medications, and improves lung function in patients with asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
For patients with moderate to severe COPD, Fixcort is used to reduce symptoms and the frequency of exacerbations or attacks. The combination of a LABA and a corticosteroid in Fixcort has been shown to improve lung function, reduce the risk of exacerbations, and improve quality of life in COPD patients.
Packaging
Fixcort 9/320 mcg inhalation powder is available in 60 and 120 capsule blister packs, along with one inhalation device. The inhalation device is a dry powder inhaler (DPI) that is used to deliver the medication to the lungs.
How to Use Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg
Using a DPI like the one provided with Fixcort requires proper technique to ensure the medication is effectively delivered to the lungs. Here are the step-by-step instructions for using Fixcort:
1. Load the Medication Dose: Follow the specific instructions for your inhalation device to load the medication dose. For some DPIs, this may involve clicking a button or lever to pierce the capsule and release the powder. For others, you may need to insert a separate capsule into the chamber.
2. Breathe Out Completely: Stand or sit up straight and breathe out completely. Emptying your lungs before inhaling the medication is an important step to ensure the powder can be effectively drawn into the airways.
3. Inhale the Medication: Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler into your mouth and close your lips tightly around it. Breathe in quickly and forcefully. This rapid inhalation helps draw the powder deep into the lungs.
4. Hold Your Breath: Take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for 5-10 seconds. This allows time for the medication to be deposited in the airways. Then, exhale slowly.
5. Repeat if Necessary: If your treatment plan calls for a second dose, reload the inhaler and repeat steps 2-4.
6. Check the Capsule: When using a capsule-based DPI, open the chamber and check to see if the powder has been fully inhaled. If you see remaining powder in the capsule, close the device, exhale fully, and inhale again to ensure complete delivery of the medication.
7. Discard the Empty Capsule: Once the capsule is empty, remove and discard it. Close the device and store it in a dry place.
8. Clean the Device: The mouthpiece of the DPI should be wiped regularly with a clean, dry cloth. Do not wash the device with water.
Some additional tips for using Fixcort:
- Do not open the device until you are ready to use it.
- Never open or swallow the capsule – always use it with its matching DPI.
- Do not shake the DPI.
- Do not use a holding chamber or spacer with a DPI.
- Rinse your mouth after using, if instructed by your physician.
- Multi-dose devices have an indicator to alert you to the number of doses remaining or when the device is almost empty.
- Inhaling the dry powder may cause some people to cough; talk with your doctor if this happens.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or included with the medication. Proper technique is essential for ensuring the medication is effectively delivered to the lungs.
Using Fixcort with Other Medications
When using any medication, it’s important to consider potential interactions with other drugs you may be taking. This includes not only prescription medications but also over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg contains two active ingredients: formoterol fumarate dihydrate and budesonide. These are a LABA and a corticosteroid, respectively. Both of these medication classes have the potential to interact with other drugs.
Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a LABA that relaxes the muscles in the airways. It’s important to note that LABAs can interact with other drugs that act on receptors in the lungs, such as beta-blockers. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Budesonide
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. Corticosteroids can interact with a variety of other medications, including antifungal drugs, antibiotics, and medications that suppress the immune system. It’s crucial to discuss all current medications with your healthcare provider before starting Fixcort.
To minimize the risk of harmful interactions, it’s recommended to:
1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new medication, including Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg.
2. Use a Drug Interaction Checker: Tools like WebMD’s Drug Interaction Checker can help identify potentially unsafe combinations of prescription medications.
3. Read the Patient Information Leaflet: The patient information leaflet that comes with your medication will provide important information about potential drug interactions.
Remember, specific drug interactions will depend on the other medications you’re taking. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg can vary depending on the individual’s condition and their doctor’s prescription. However, some general guidelines are as follows:
Frequency: The inhaler is typically used once or twice a day. Using it consistently, even when you’re not experiencing symptoms, is important for maintaining control of your condition.
Timing: If you’re supposed to use Fixcort twice a day, aim for 12 hours apart. For example, if you use it in the morning, use it again in the evening.
Consistency: It’s important to use the inhaler regularly as prescribed, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. Consistent use helps prevent exacerbations and maintain control of your asthma or COPD.
For some people with asthma, Fixcort may be prescribed as their only inhaler. In this case:
- They use Fixcort every day to help prevent asthma symptoms.
- They also use Fixcort when they need extra doses for relief of asthma symptoms.
- They do not need a separate inhaler for this.
For patients with COPD, the usage of Fixcort may be different and should be directed by a healthcare provider.
It’s crucial to use your inhaler correctly to ensure that the right amount of medication reaches your lungs. Incorrect usage can lead to less effective treatment and increased side effects. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or included with the medication.
If you have any questions or concerns about your dosage, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the most accurate and personalized advice based on your specific condition and health history.
Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
When considering the use of any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks. This includes not only the health of the mother but also the health of the unborn baby or nursing infant.
Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg contains two active ingredients: formoterol fumarate dihydrate and budesonide. These are a LABA and a corticosteroid, respectively.
Corticosteroids, such as budesonide, are commonly used in inhalers to treat conditions like asthma and COPD. While these medications are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, each individual’s situation may vary. The specific effects of steroid inhalers on breastfeeding infants are not fully known.
If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it’s recommended to:
1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg.
2. Consider the Benefits and Risks: Weigh the potential benefits of using the inhaler against the potential risks to both you and your baby.
3. Follow Your Healthcare Provider’s Advice: If your healthcare provider determines that the benefits of using the inhaler outweigh the potential risks, follow their advice on how to use the medication safely.
Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific recommendations will depend on your individual circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Proper Storage
Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg should be stored according to the following guidelines:
Temperature: Store the medication at room temperature.
Humidity: Keep it away from moisture and humidity.
Light: Protect the capsules from direct sunlight.
Safety: Keep the medication out of reach of children.
Additional tips for proper storage:
Original Packaging: Retain the capsules in their original packaging until use.
Dry Place: Ensure the storage area is dry and cool.
Expiration: Regularly check the expiration date and do not use past this date.
When handling the medication:
Capsules: Handle the capsules with clean, dry hands.
Inhaler Device: Keep the inhaler device clean and dry.
For more detailed information, refer to the patient instructions that accompany your inhaler or consult your healthcare provider.
Common Side Effects
Like all medications, Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects associated with the use of this medication include:
Thrush Infections: Thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth, is a side effect of steroid inhalers. It can look like white patches anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, and can make swallowing and eating painful.
Shortness of Breath: Some patients may experience shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Signs of hypersensitivity reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids, may occur.
Urinary Issues: Some patients may experience burning or pain while urinating, blood in urine, or a frequent urge to urinate.
Chest Pain: Chest pain is a less common side effect.
Other side effects may include cold-like symptoms, cough, dry mouth or throat, headache, sore throat, hoarseness or voice change, constipation, nosebleeds, and trouble sleeping.
If you experience any unusual symptoms while using Fixcort, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the most accurate and personalized advice based on your health history and current medications.
Precautions
Before using Fixcort Capsair Inhalation Powder Capsule 320 mcg, it’s important to consider the following precautions:
Before Using
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Pediatric Use: Studies have shown that slowed growth or reduced adrenal gland function may occur in some children using inhaled corticosteroids in recommended doses. However, poorly controlled asthma may cause slowed growth, especially when corticosteroids taken by mouth are needed.
Avoid Certain Exposures: Children who are using inhaled corticosteroids in large doses should avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles.
During Use
Regular Check-ups: Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids may allow some children to stop using or decrease the amount of corticosteroids taken by mouth. This also will reduce the risk of slowed growth or reduced adrenal function. It is also important that children taking inhaled corticosteroids visit their doctors regularly so that their growth rates may be monitored.
Proper Inhalation: For capsules for inhalation or powder for inhalation, it’s important to follow the proper inhalation technique.
After Use
Monitor for Side Effects: Monitor for any side effects and report them to your healthcare provider.
Proper Storage: Store the medication properly to maintain its effectiveness.
Remember, these are general precautions. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.