Indacaterol is used to manage breathing problems caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe).
It belongs to a group of medicines called "bronchodilators", which help open the airways. This medicine treats airflow obstruction by relaxing the airways in your lungs, and relieving chest tightness, wheezing, and cough so you can breathe more easily.
Use Indacaterol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to use this medicine at the same time each day.
Indacaterol is available as a capsule for inhalation, where an inhaler device will be used. Do not swallow the capsule.
To use this medicine, follow these steps:
- Pull off the cap of the inhaler. To open the inhaler, hold the base of the inhaler firmly and tilt the mouthpiece.
- Remove the capsule from the blister and place it in the capsule chamber. Only remove the capsule from the blister before use.
- Close the inhaler until you hear a clicking sound.
- Hold the inhaler upright and pierce the capsule by pressing the side buttons (located at the base of the inhaler) at the same time. You will hear another clicking sound as the capsule is being pierced. Release the side buttons fully. Only pierce the capsule once.
- Breathe out, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, then breathe in rapidly but steadily and as deeply as you can.
- Hold your breath for up to 5 seconds while removing the inhaler from your mouth, then breathe out.
- Open the inhaler and check if the capsule is empty. If there is powder left in the capsule, repeat steps 5-6. This will ensure you receive the full dose.
- Remove the empty capsule from the chamber and throw it in the household waste.
- Close the inhaler and replace the cap.
Make sure you know how to use your inhaler. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it.
Do not share your inhaler with others as it could spread infection.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Indacaterol must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease or blood vessel problems e.g. narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart, recent heart attack, heart rhythm problems, increased blood pressure
- asthma
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- diabetes
- overactive thyroid gland
- low potassium level in the blood
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. lung function, blood sugar or potassium levels) may be done while you are being treated with Indacaterol. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
Indacaterol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, runny or stuffy nose, throat irritation, muscle spasm or pain, and joint or bone pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of severe breathing problems e.g. sudden chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- muscle weakness or cramps, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- chest pain or pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other similar medicines for breathing problems e.g. salmeterol, formoterol, theophylline
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- certain medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, verapamil
- certain medicines to treat depression e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, amitriptyline, imipramine
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines) e.g. prednisolone
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Indacaterol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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