AEROCROM® Inhaler

Aerocrom Inhaler Is a metered dose pressurised aerosol delivering 200 inhalations each containing sodium cromoglycate BP 1mg, salbutamol sulphate 120.5 microgrammes (equivalent to 100 microgrammes salbutamol base). The inactive ingredients are sorbitan trioleate, propellants 12 and 114.

This medicine contains two active ingredients. Sodium cromoglycate belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-inflammatory / anti-allergic agents. Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines know as bronchodilators

Manufactured by Fisons plc, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8BE for the Product Licence holder: Fisons plc Pharmaceutical Division, Hall Leicestershire LE678GP

Instructions and Iniormation

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your Aerocrom Inhaler If you have any questions or are not sure about anything ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Things to remember about

your medicine

  • Aerocrom Inhaler contains a reliever (salbutamol) and preventer (sodium cromoglycate) to treat your asthma and its symptoms. Aerocrom Inhaler is intended for regular treatment and not for use if you get a bad asthma anack

Betore taking your medicine

Tell your doctor if:

- you have suflered or are suflering from heart condit ons. high blood pressure (hypentension) or you have an overactive thyroid

- you know that you are allergic to this type of medicine or any of the ingredients in it The ingredients are listed at the start of this leaflet

- you are pregnant, or think you may become pregnant or are breast feedmg a baby

- you are taking any other anti asthma medicines, diuretics (water tablets), steroids or betablockers (e g propanolol)

  • If you get a sudden very bad anack of asthma contact your doctor straight away
  • This medicine is not for use in children.

When to take your medicine

  • Use your Aerocrom Inhaler as your doctor has told you to. Usually this will be 2 pufls four times a day Meal times may help you to remember,
  • Your doctor may suggest you take one of your norma doses of Aerocrom Inha er before any act vity which may set ofl an anack for example exerc se Your doctor may also adv se you to take an extra 2 pufls f you find you become wheezy or breathless sometimes However if you become wheezy or breathless regularly or have a bad asthma anack tell your doctor
    • If you have not used Aerocrom Inhaler before you may find you need to take t for several days before you stan to get bener You may need to take it for severa weeks for it to have its best eflect To prevent atacks, you need to take it esery day, even when you feel well.
    • Don t stop your treatment or reduce the dosage without telling your doctor
    • If you forget to take a dose take one as soon as you remember Then go on as before
    • Don t take more pufls of Aerocrom than your doctor has told you to If you do accidenta Iy take too much you may feel shaky and your hean may beat a lin e faster than normal These eflects should wear ofl within a few hours but you shou d tell your doctor as soon as possible if these eflects last longer
    • Full instructions on how to take Aerocrom Inhaler are given overleaf.

    After taking your medicine

    • Some people find their throat feels dry aner using Aerocrom Inhaler Dr nking a small glass of water anerwards may be helpful
    • As with al other inha ed med cines this medicine may cause cough ng or wheezing but this is usua Iy mild and does not last long
    • In extremely rare cases this medicine may make people who are sensitive or allergic to it have sudden wheeziness coughing or shonness of breath. swelling of eyelids, face or lips, skin lumps or hives If you get any of these severe eflects stop tak ng your nhaler and contact your doctor straight away
    • If your asthma seems to be gening worse or your nhaler does not seem to be as eflect ve tel your doctor
    • Other side eflects which are uncommon but which you may not ce include mild tremor headache di2iness transient muscle cramps and rash These usually occur when you first start treatment If you notice these eflects te your doctor
  • Tell your doctor or phafmac st if you notice any other unwanted eflects

    • Looking aHer your Aerocrom Inhaler

    • Keep your med cine out of the reach of children
    • Your Aerocrom inhaler should be stored in a dry place below 25°C but not in the fridge or bathroom It is important to do this since inhalers may not work as well if they are cold
    • Protect it from heat, frost and sunlight
    • Do not use this inhaler after the expiry date. This is marked on the metal canister label and carton after the letters ‘EXP’. Return any unused inhalers to your pharmacist
    • Warning: The metal canister is pressurised. Do not puncture or burn it even when empty.

    REMEMBER: This medicine is for you only. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you.

    Never give it to someone else.

     

    AEROCROM and FISONS are Registered Trade Marks of Fisons plc

    Date of Preparation: December 1994

    © FISONS plc 1995

    How to take

    Aerocrom Inhaler

    1. Shake the inhaler well (at least 5 times) If the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 days or if you are using it for the first time, release one puff into the air
    1. Holding the inhaler well away from your mouth, breathe out as far as is comfortable. To avoid condensation and blockage of the spray DO NOT breathe out through the inhaler

     
    1. Holding the inhaler as shown, place it in your mouth and close your lips around it

    1. Start to breathe in SLOWLY and deeply through your mouth, then immediately press the metal canister down firmly whilst continuing to breathe in.

    1. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable then breathe out slowly.
    3. Wait for about 1 minute before repeating steps 2 to 6 once more.
    4. After use always replace the mouthpiece cover to keep out dust and fluff.

    Check your technique in front of a mirror, or with a pharmacist or doctor from time to time If you see a mist escaping from your mouth or around the sides of the canister, you may not have your lips closed properly around the mouthpiece or you may not have started breathing in before pressing the canister. Next time try to ensure all the mist is breathed in.

    Cleaning instructions

     

     

     

     

    It is very important to keep the plastic body clean to prevent the build-up of spare powder It should be cleaned at least twice a week. No harm will come from washing the plastic body every day

    1. Remove the metal canister and mouthpiece cover, and put them in a safe place.
    2. Wash the plastic body thoroughly in hand hot water from both ends.

    1. Shake off excess water and leave to dry in a clean warm place for a few hours, before replacing the metal canister and mouthpiece cover

     

    Do not put the metal canister into water .

     

    Do not remove the plastic cover from the metal canister.