Umeclidinium bromide is used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe).
This medicine is a bronchodilator which helps to treat airflow obstruction by relaxing the airways of the lungs, relieving chest tightness, wheezing, and cough so that you can breathe more easily.
Use Umeclidinium bromide 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 it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a dry powder inhaler for oral inhalation.
To use the inhaler, follow these steps:
- Open the cover of the inhaler only when you are ready to use it. Slide the cover down to expose the mouthpiece. You should hear a “click” and the counter will count down by 1 number. If the counter does not count down, inform your pharmacist.
- While holding the device away from your mouth, breathe out completely.
- Place the mouthpiece between your lips and close your lips firmly around it. Take 1 long, steady, deep breath in through your mouth. Do not breathe in through your nose or block the air vents with your fingers while breathing in.
- Hold your breath for about 3-4 seconds or for as long as you can. At the same time, remove the inhaler from your mouth.
- Breathe out slowly and gently. You may not taste or feel the medicine even when using the inhaler correctly.
- Clean the mouthpiece with a dry tissue and slide the cover up as far as it will go to close the inhaler.
Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it.
Umeclidinium bromide 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 your doctor.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- asthma
- heart disease particularly heart rhythm problems
- narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- prostate enlargement
- bladder problems e.g. obstruction in your bladder, difficulty passing urine
- severe liver disease
Do not use this medicine to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness. Umeclidinium bromide cannot relieve acute chest tightness, breathlessness, or an asthma attack. Use a fast-acting reliever as prescribed by your doctor to manage such attacks.
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.
- You may need to have routine tests to check your lung function before and during your treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of eye or bladder problems and allergic reactions may also be needed.
Umeclidinium bromide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, common cold, cough, sore throat, inflamed sinuses, toothache, dry mouth, change in taste, constipation, stomach pain, and joint or muscle pain.
If you develop sudden chest tightness, wheezing, or breathing difficulties after using this medicine, stop using Umeclidinium bromide and inform your doctor immediately.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of heart rhythm problem e.g. fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
- signs of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen face, eyes, tongue or throat
- signs of bladder problems e.g. difficulty passing urine, painful or frequent urination
- signs of a sudden attack of glaucoma e.g. eye pain or discomfort, temporary blurred vision, seeing halos or coloured images, redness of the eyes
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 using other medicines for COPD known as anticholinergic drugs e.g. tiotropium, ipratropium, aclidinium.
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.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture, heat or sunlight.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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