Patient's leaflet

Patient's leaflet

Oxivent^® Inhaler 5 ml and 10 ml
What you should know about your medicine

Please read this carefully before you start to take your medicine. If you have any

questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of your medicine is Oxivent.

It is one of a group of drugs which helps your breathing by opening up your airways

Things to remember about Oxivent

Read the label on the carton. It will tell you when to use your inhaler. Follow these instructions carefully.
Use the inhaler in the way your doctor has told you. (Instructions for use are also given on the back page of this leaflet).
Some medicines can cause side effects. You will find those for Oxivent listed in the Section "After taking Oxivent ".
Keep your inhaler out of the reach of children.
Oxivent may be prescribed with other medicines and your doctor will have explained which medicines to take together. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist .
When you have finished with your inhaler dispose of it carefully or return it to your pharmacist. Do not burn or puncture it even if it is empty.

Oxivent is taken by breathing it into the lungs and comes in a special inhaler designed to help you breathe in the medicine. It provides the same amount of Oxivent with each puff until the canister is empty.

Before taking Oxivent make sure that it is safe for you to do so

Are you pregnant or likely to become pregnant?
Do you suffer from prostate trouble or glaucoma?
Are you allergic to ipratopium bromide or atropine ?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'YES’, Oxivent is not recommended, and you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking Oxivent

It is important to use the inhaler in the right way. Read the section "HOW TO USE YOUR INHALER". If you are still unsure that you are using it correctly, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you again.
Your doctor will tell you how many puffs to take. If you are unsure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Consult your doctor immediately if:
your treatment is less effective than usual or
you feel the need to use your inhaler more than your doctor has recommended.
Do not spray Oxivent into your eyes as it may sting and cause blurred vision.

If your aerosol does not operate please ensure that the cleaning instructions have been carefully followed.

Oxivent^®

After taking Oxivent

Some patients experience a slightly bitter taste in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth with water helps to remove it.

In some patients the following side effects may occur:

Blurring of vision
Hesitancy in passing urine
Throat and nose irritation
Nausea

If any of these are of concern please see your doctor or pharmacist.

A few patients have reported wheeze, persistent cough or chest tightness after taking a dose of Oxivent. If this happens, stop using the inhaler and tell your doctor.

If you accidentally take too many doses of Oxivent, the effects of overdosage are likely to be slight, and include palpitations and dry mouth. No special measures are required, but you should consult your doctor immediately if you think you are suffering from overdose.

Storing your medicine

The inhaler should be protected from heat, including the sun. The container should not be burned or punctured even when empty. Protect the inhaler from frost.

REMEMBER: Oxivent has been prescribed for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else – it may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

What's in your medicine?

Oxivent 10 ml inhaler contains 200 doses, while the 5 ml inhaler contains 100 doses. Both deliver 100 mcg oxitropium bromide in each puff.

Testing your inhaler

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

Cleaning

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

Remove the canister and dustcap, wash and clean the grey mouthpiece in warm soapy water, rinse in warm water and then dry. Ensure that the small hole in the mouthpiece is flushed through thoroughly.

The small hole in the side of the valve stem sometimes becomes blocked during use. This can easily be cleared with a pin.

Manufacturer and Product Licence Holder

Oxivent inhalers are manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim KG,

Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany. The Product Licence and Product Authorisation are held by Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd, Bracknell, Berkshire.

PL 0015/0142

PA 7/48/1

This leaflet is produced in accordance with guidance issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry The information in it applies only to Oxivent .

Want to know more?

Then join the airmail club. The club provides an information and support service for anyone who has been prescribed Oxivent inhaler by their doctor to help with their breathing. The information provided is designed to complement that given by your doctor or pharmacist.

As a member of the club you will receive free of charge the 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

PO Box 70

Bracknell, Berkshire

RG12 8YS.

Correct use of your inhaler				Oxivent^®

Remove the dustcap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler vigorously.	Holding the inhaler as shown, breathe out gently (but not fully) and then immediately...	Place the mouthpiece in the mouth and close your lips around it. After starting to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth, press the inhaler firmly to release the Oxivent as shown in the picture, and continue to breathe in.	Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable, before breathing out slowly.