What you should know about

What you should know about

Combivent UDVs

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

The name of your medicine is Combivent UDVs. Each single dose unit contains ipratropium bromide 500 micrograms and salbutamol 2.5mg (as sulphate) in 2.5ml of aqueous solution for inhalation from a nebuliser.

Combivent belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators which help to improve your breathing by opening up your airways.

The solution also contains sodium chloride. and purified water.

Combivent UDVs are available in packs of 60 units.

The Product Licence for Combivent UDVs is held by:

Boehringer Ingelheim Limited,

Ellesfield Avenue, Bracknell,

Berkshire,

RG12 8YS

and Combivent UDVs are manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim at the same address.

How Combivent helps you

Combivent helps to make breathing easier for patients who have long-standing breathing difficulties.

Before using your medicine

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if:–

You are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
You are hypersensitive or 'allergic' to ipratropium bromide, salbutamol sulphate or atropine
You have a heart condition, diabetes or an over-active thyroid gland
You are a man who has prostate gland problems
You suffer from glaucoma (excessive pressure inside your eyes)
You are already taking other medicines to help your breathing
You are taking a diuretic medicine
You are taking a corticosteroid medicine such as prednisolone

If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use Combivent UDVs

Follow your doctor's instructions about when and how to take your medicine, and always read the label. Combivent UDVs should not be swallowed. The usual recommended dosage is as follows:

Adults and children over 12 years: The contents of one single dose unit/ three or four times a day.

Combivent is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Combivent inhalation solution should only be used in a nebuliser approved by your doctor.

Get your nebuliser ready by following the manufacturer's instructions and the advice of your doctor.

Carefully separate a new dose unit from the strip. NEVER use one which has been opened already or if the solution is discoloured.

	Open by simply twisting off the top, always taking care to hold it in an upright position.
	Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, squeeze all the contents of the dose unit into the nebuliser chamber. If dilution is necessary, this should be carried out using ONLY sterile sodium chloride 0.9% solution and as instructed by your doctor.

Use your nebuliser as directed by your doctor.

After you have finished, throw away any leftover solution. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your nebuliser. It is important that your nebuliser is kept clean.

Do not let the mist from the nebuliser get into your eyes, as it may cause harm.

Do not use more than the doctor has prescribed.

If you feel at any time that your medicine is not working as well as it should, or you need to use your nebuliser more often than your doctor has recommended, then you should call your doctor and explain the situation.

After using your medicine

If after using Combivent you feel more wheezy or experience any other difficulties in breathing, do not take any more doses (unless you have been instructed to), and consult your doctor immediately.

All medicines can sometimes cause side effects. Combivent may occasionally cause headache, tremor, nervousness, dizziness, increase in heart rate or difficulty in passing urine. Some patients may have a dry mouth or cough. If any of the solution or mist

accidentally gets into your eyes you may experience pain or blurred vision.

If you experience any of these side effects and they persist or become troublesome consult your doctor.

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

How to store your medicine

Protect from light.

Store in a dry place below 25 °C. Do not freeze.

Do not use if the solution is discoloured.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date which you will fund printed on the packaging.

This leaflet was written in February 1995

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.

Want to know more?

Then join the Airmail Club. Free membership of this club entitles you to complimentary Airmail newsletters which are for anyone concerned with long-standing breathing problems. Not just for patients, but for carers too, they aim to inform, educate, support and entertain all those who read them. The information provided is designed to complement that given by your doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist.

To join the club, send your name and address (please print) to:

Airmail, Freepost, PO Box 70,

Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 4GR