Author: Unknown

What you should know about
Combivent^® Metered Aerosol

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine.  It contains a summary of the information available on your medicine.  The information in this leaflet applies to Combivent^® Metered Aerosol only.  If after reading this you have any questions about your treatment ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of your medicine is Combivent Metered Aerosol.  Each metered aerosol contains 200 doses (puffs) of the active ingredients ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulphate.  Each puff contains 20 micrograms ipratropium bromide and 100 micrograms salbutamol ( as sulphate ).

Ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulphate belong to a group of medicines called bronchodilators which help to improve your breathing by opening up your airways.

The metered aerosol also contains the following inactive ingredients: soya lecithin, trichloromonofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane and dichlorotetrafluoroethane.

The Product Licence and Product Authorisation for Combivent Metered Aerosol are held by:

Boehringer Ingelheim Limited,
Ellesfield Avenue, Bracknell, Berkshire. RG12 8YS.

and the metered aerosol is manufactured by

Boehringer Ingelheim France,
12 Rue André Huet, 51100 Reims, France.

How Combivent helps you

Combivent is used to make breathing easier for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Before using your Inhaler

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if :–
•	You are pregnant or intend breast feeding
•	You are hypersensitive or allergic' to the product, ipratropium bromide, salbutamol sulphate or atropine
•	You have a heart condition, diabetes or an overactive thyroid gland
•	You are taking other medicines to help your breathing
•	You are taking a corticosteroid medicine such as prednisolone
•	You are taking a diuretic medicine
If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use your Inhaler

Follow your doctor's instructions about when and how to take your medicine and always read the label.
The usual recommended dosage is as follows:
Adults and children over 12 years: two puffs four times a day.

Combivent is not recommended for children under 12 years.
To obtain the best results it is important to use the inhaler correctly as described below.  If after reading these instructions anything is unclear ask your doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse.

| Remove the dustcap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler vigorously. | | Holding the inhaler as shown, breathe out gently and then immediately...
| ...place the mouthpiece in the mouth and hold it with your lips.  After starting to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth, press the inhaler firmly as shown to release the Combivent and continue to breathe in. | | Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable, before breathing out slowly.

5	If you are to take more than one puff, you should wait at least one minute before shaking. the inhaler again and repeating steps 2, 3 and 4. | 6	After use replace the dustcap on the mouthpiece

Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed.  If you feel that your inhaler is less effective than usual or you need to use the inhaler more than your doctor has recommended then you should consult your doctor immediately.

Avoid spraying the medicine in your eyes as it may cause harm.  If you accidentally spray the medicine into your eyes and experience any problems consult your doctor.

Cleaning

It is important to clean your inhaler regularly otherwise it may not work properly

a)	Remove the canister and dustcap.  Wash and clean the grey mouthpiece in warm soapy water, rinse in warm water, dry.
	
b)	The two holes in the valve stem sometimes become blocked during use. They can easily be cleaned with a pin.

Testing your Inhaler

To make sure that your inhaler is working, test fire it three times into the air before using it for the first time and whenever your inhaler has not been used for three days or more

After using your Inhaler

If after taking Combivent you experience wheeze or other difficulties in breathing, do not take any more doses. and consult your doctor immediately.

All medicines sometimes cause side effects.  Combivent may occasionally cause headache, tremor, nervousness, dizziness, increased heart rate or difficulty in passing urine.  Dry mouth, throat irritation or allergic reactions also occur rarely

If you experience any of these and they persist or are troublesome consult your doctor.

If you experience any other unusual or unexpected symptoms consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store your Inhaler

Your inhaler should be stored below 30°C and kept away from direct sunlight, heat or frost.

This container is pressurised.  It should not be burned or punctured even when empty.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which you will find printed on the packaging

REMEMBER THIS MEDICINE IS FOR YOU.  Only a doctor can prescribe it for you.  NEVER give it to others as it may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

This leaflet was written in February 1994

Want to know more?

Then join the Airmail Club.  This club provides an information and support service for any one who has been prescribed Combivent^® Metered Aerosol by their doctor to help with their breathing

The information provided is designed to complement that given by your doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse.

As a member of the club you will receive a free of charge Airmail newsletter which gives helpful hints on how best to cope with your breathing difficulties.  To join the club, send your name and address to:

			Airmail,
			P0 Box 70,
			Bracknell,
			Berkshire RG12 4GR

Boehringer Ingelheim Limited,
Ellesfield Avenue,
Bracknell,
Berkshire RG12 8YS