What is Brovana: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Brovana overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Brovana

Generic Names:

  • Brovana

Uses:

  • Treats breathing problems caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This medicine is a bronchodilator.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Bronchodilator

Forms:

  • Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By breathing

What form(s) does Brovana come in

  • Liquid

What are common Brovana doses?

  • Plas Cont 2ML of 15MCG/2ML

Common Brovana prescriptions

  • Brovana
    2ml of 15mcg/2ml ampule

  • Brovana
    2ml of 15mcg/2ml plas cont

How to take Brovana

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • You will use this medicine with a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. Do not open a sealed foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Twist the top of the vial to open the medicine. Squeeze all of it into the nebulizer reservoir, then connect it to the mouthpiece or face mask. Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.

  • To inhale the medicine, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, then turn on the compressor. Breathe in deeply and steadily until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer reservoir. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes for each treatment.

  • Clean the nebulizer after each use.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in its foil pouch inside the refrigerator. You may also keep the unopened foil pouches at room temperature, away from heat or direct light for up to 6 weeks. Throw away any unused medicine after 6 weeks.

  • Clean the nebulizer after each use.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • You will use this medicine with a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. Do not open a sealed foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Twist the top of the vial to open the medicine. Squeeze all of it into the nebulizer reservoir, then connect it to the mouthpiece or face mask. Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • To inhale the medicine, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, then turn on the compressor. Breathe in deeply and steadily until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer reservoir. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes for each treatment.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in its foil pouch inside the refrigerator. You may also keep the unopened foil pouches at room temperature, away from heat or direct light for up to 6 weeks. Throw away any unused medicine after 6 weeks.

Brovana contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to arformoterol or formoterol. Do not use this medicine during an acute COPD attack. Do not use this medicine by itself to treat asthma. You should only use indacaterol for asthma if you also use another medicine to control your asthma.

Brovana warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalance.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of worsening asthma, which may lead to hospitalization, intubation, and death in patients with asthma who take this medicine without an inhaled steroidParadoxical bronchospasm (trouble breathing right after use), which can be life-threateningHigh blood pressureHeart rhythm problemsHigh blood sugar levels

  • Tell your doctor if you are also using any other medicine for your COPD. Your doctor may want you to use your other medicine only during a severe COPD attack.

  • Do not use arformoterol if you are having a severe COPD attack or if symptoms of a COPD attack has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an acute COPD attack. If the other medicine does not work as well, tell your doctor right away.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, cold sweat, and bluish skin

  • Stomach pain, flushed, dry skin, and fruit-like breath odor

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems talking or walking

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Tremors or nervousness

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness, trouble sleeping

Brovana interactions

  • Do not use arformoterol together with similar inhaled medicines, including budesonide/formoterol, formoterol, indacaterol, salmeterol, or salmeterol/fluticasone.

  • Some medicines can affect how arformoterol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Aminophylline, theophyllineBeta-blocker medicine (including atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depression (including an MAO inhibitor, TCAs)Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone)

  • Do not use arformoterol if you are having any symptoms of a COPD exacerbation. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use instead. If the other medicine does not work as well, tell your doctor right away.

  • If you have asthma, you may have severe asthma attacks when you use arformoterol. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have.

  • Do not use more medicine or use it more often than directed by your doctor. Too much of this medicine may be life-threatening.

  • This medicine may cause a life-threatening breathing problem called paradoxical bronchospasm.

  • Do not give this medicine to a child unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Brovana side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Increased troubled breathing

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems talking or walking

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

  • Seizures or tremors

  • Red or black stools, or dark urine

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, hunger, or urination, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, cold sweat, and bluish skin

  • Stomach pain, flushed, dry skin, and fruit-like breath odor

  • Tremors or nervousness

  • Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body

  • Confusion, drowsiness, restlessness, or fast, deep breathing

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness, trouble sleeping

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Back pain

  • Diarrhea