Ventolin Inhaler GSK Prevent Bronchospasm and Obstructive Airway Disease

• Before you use VENTOLIN HFA for the first time, you must prime the inhaler so that you will get the right amount of medicine when you use it.

• To prime the inhaler, take the cap off the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler well. Then spray the inhaler 1 time into the air away from your face. See Figure B. Avoid spraying in eyes.

• Shake and spray the inhaler like this 3 more times to finish priming it. The counter should now read 200 or 060, depending on which size inhaler you have. See Figure C.

• You must prime your inhaler again if you have not used it in more than 14 days or if you drop it. Take the cap off the mouthpiece and shake and spray the inhaler 4 times into the air away from your face.

How to use your VENTOLIN HFA inhaler

Follow these steps every time you use VENTOLIN HFA.

Step 1.Make sure the canister fits firmly in the actuator. The counter should show through the window in the actuator.

Shake the inhaler well before each spray.

Take the cap off the mouthpiece of the actuator. Look inside the mouthpiece for foreign objects, and take out any you see.

Step 2.Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. See Figure D.

Step 3.Breathe out through your mouth and push as much air from your lungs as you can. See Figure E.

Step 4.Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Push the top of the canister all the way down while you breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth. See Figure F.

Step 5.After the spray comes out, take your finger off the canister. After you have breathed in all the way, take the inhaler out of your mouth and close your mouth.

Step 6.Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable. Breathe out slowly as long as you can.

If your healthcare provider has told you to use more sprays, wait 1 minute and shake the inhaler again. Repeat Steps 2 through Step 6.

Step 7.Put the cap back on the mouthpiece after every time you use the inhaler. Make sure it snaps firmly into place.

For correct use of your VENTOLIN HFA inhaler, remember:

• The canister should always fit firmly in the actuator.

• Breathe in deeply and slowly to make sure you get all the medicine.

• Hold your breath for about 10 seconds after breathing in the medicine. Then breathe out fully.

• Always keep the protective cap on the mouthpiece when your inhaler is not in use.

• Always store your inhaler with the mouthpiece pointing down.

• Clean your inhaler at least 1 time each week.

To speak with a Product Specialist about using your VENTOLIN HFA inhaler, call 1-888-825-5249 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET).

APPROVED USES

VENTOLIN HFA is a prescription inhaled medicine used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people aged 4 years and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. VENTOLIN HFA is also used to prevent exercise–induced bronchospasm (EIB) in patients aged 4 years and older. It is not known if VENTOLIN HFA is safe and effective in children younger than 4 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Do not use VENTOLIN HFA if you are allergic to albuterol sulfate or any of the ingredients in VENTOLIN HFA. If you have any questions or are not sure, you should ask your healthcare provider.
• Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take and about all of your health conditions.
• Do not use VENTOLIN HFA unless your healthcare provider has taught you how to use the inhaler and you understand how to use it correctly.
• Do not increase your dose or take extra doses of VENTOLIN HFA without first talking to your healthcare provider.
• Get medical help right away if VENTOLIN HFA no longer helps your symptoms (like wheezing and trouble breathing), 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 healthcare provider.
• VENTOLIN HFA can cause serious side effects, including:
  • worsening trouble breathing, coughing, and wheezing (paradoxical bronchospasm). If this happens, stop using VENTOLIN HFA and call your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away. This is more likely to happen with your first use of a new canister of medicine.
  • heart problems, including faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.
  • possible death in people with asthma who use too much VENTOLIN HFA.
  • serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
    • rash
    • hives
    • swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue
    • breathing problems
  • changes in laboratory blood values (sugar, potassium).
• Common side effects of VENTOLIN HFA include:
  • sore throat
  • upper respiratory tract infection, including viral infection
  • cough
  • muscle pain
  • your heart feels like it is pounding or racing (palpitations)
  • chest pain
  • fast heart rate
  • shakiness
  • nervousness
  • dizziness