Aerocrom Syncroner is a metered dose pressurised aerosol with a spacer device delivering 200 inhalations each containing 1 mg sodium cromoglycate and salbutamol sulphate 120.5 microgrammes (equivalent to 100 microgrammes salbutamol base) The inactive ingredients are: sorbitan trioleate and propellants 12 and 114.

Manufactured by Fisons plc, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 8BE for the Product Licence holder: Fisons plc Pharmaceutical Division, Coleorton Hall, Leicestershire, LE67 8GP.

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

Tell your doctor if:

• you have suffered from heart conditions or high blood pressure (hypertension) or have an overactive thyroid.
• you know that you are allergic to this type of medicine or any of the ingredients. The ingredients are listed at the start of this leaflet

you are pregnant, or think you may become pregnant, or are breast feeding a baby.

• you are taking other anti-asthma medicines, diuretics (water tablets), steroids and beta blockers (e.g propranolol)

• If you get a sudden very bad attack of asthma contact your doctor straight away

• This medicine is not for use in children unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

• Your doctor may suggest you take one of your normal doses of Aerocrom Syncroner before any activity which may set off an attack, for example exercise. Your doctor may also advise you to take an extra 2 puffs if you find you become wheezy or breathless sometimes. However, if you become wheezy or breathless regularly or have a bad asthma attack tell your doctor.

• If you have not used Aerocrom Syncroner before you may find you need to take it for several days before you start to get better You may need to take it for several weeks for it to have its best effect. To prevent attacks, you need to take it every 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 puff as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.

• Don t take more puffs of Aerocrom Syncroner than your doctor has told you to. If you do accidentally take too much you may feel shaky and your heart may beat a little faster than normal These effects should wear off within a few hours but you should tell your doctor as soon as possible if these effects last longer.

• Full instructions on how to use Aerocrom Syncroner are given overleaf.

Some people find their throat feels dry after using Aerocrom Syncroner. Drinking a small glass of water afterwards may be helpful.

• As with all other inhaled medicines, this medicine may cause coughing or wheezing, but this is usually 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 shortness of breath, swelling

of eyelids, face or lips, skin lumps or hives. If you get any of these severe effects stop taking your inhaler and contact your doctor straight away.

• If your asthma seems to be getting worse or your inhaler does not seem to be as effective tell your doctor.

• Other side effects which are uncommon but which you may notice include mild tremor, headache, dizziness, transient muscle cramps and rash. These effects are usually seen when you first start treatment If you notice these effects, tell your doctor.

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other unwanted effects.

• Your Aerocrom Syncroner should be stored in a cool 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 medicine 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.

5. Holding the Syncroner as shown, place it in your mouth and close your lips around it.
6. Start to breathe in SLOWLY and deeply through your mouth. then immediately press the metal canister down firmly whist continuing to breathe in.
7. Remove the Syncroner from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable, then breathe out slowly.
8. If you are to take a second puff, wait for about 1 minute before repeating steps 3 to 7 once more.
9. After use, always close the Syncroner and replace the mouthpiece cover to keep out dust and fluff

This Syncroner will help you check your inhalation technique. If you are not using the Syncroner correctly, a fine mist will escape as in the photograph. You may check your technique by taking your medicine in front of a mirror or by asking a friend or relative to help you.

Escaping mist may be from either

1. pressing the metal canister down before you have started to breathe in, or
2. pressing the metal canister down after you have finished breathing in, or
3. not breathing deeply enough.

If mist has escaped when you take your first puff think carefully about your breathing while you repeat steps 4 to 7 of the instructions