Onbrez breezhaler contains the active ingredient indacaterol, which a type of medicine called a long-acting beta 2 agonist.

 

What is Onbrez breezhaler used for?

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • This inhaler is used regularly on a daily basis to help keep the airways open.

How does Onbrez breezhaler work?

  • Onbrez breezhaler contains the active ingredient indacaterol, which a type of medicine called a long-acting beta 2 agonist.
  • Indacaterol acts on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. It stimulates these receptors and causes the muscles in the airways to relax. This allows the airways to open.
  • In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, eg emphysema and chronic bronchitis), it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.
By opening the airways, indacaterol makes it easier to breathe.
  • Indacaterol doesn't open the airways as quickly as short-acting beta 2 agonists such as salbutamol or terbutaline, however, it does keep the airways open for much longer. The effects of indacaterol last for about 24 hours, whereas those of salbutamol or terbutaline last for about 3 to 5 hours. This means indacaterol can be used to help keep airways open in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Indacaterol is taken using an inhaler device called a breezhaler. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it were taken by mouth.
  • How do I use Onbrez breezhaler?

    • Onbrez breezhaler comes with capsules that contain the medicine in powder form. These capsules are put in the chamber in the inhaler. You then use the inhaler to pierce the capsule and breathe in the powder. Do not swallow the capsules.
    • It is important to follow the instructions provided with the breezhaler carefully, and talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are unsure how to use the device, or have any problems using it.
    • The usual dose of Onbrez is one 150mg or one 300mg capsule to be inhaled once daily. The daily dose should be taken at the same time each day. The effect of the medicine lasts for 24 hours.
    • If you forget to take a dose at your usual time just leave out that dose and take your next dose at your usual time the following day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
    • You should not suddenly stop using this inhaler, even if you don't currently have any symptoms, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. This is because stopping treatment is likely to make your breathing problems come back.
    • Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine.
    • Each Onbrez breezhaler should be disposed of after 30 days of use, preferably by returning it to your pharmacy.

    Important information about Onbrez breezhaler

    • Do not swallow the capsules. The powder in the capsules should be inhaled using the breezhaler device provided with your medicine. Follow the instructions provided carefully and talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are unsure how to use the device, or have any problems using it. Do not use Onbrez breezhaler capsules with any other inhaler, and do not use Onbrez breezhaler to take any other capsule medicine.
    • Onbrez breezhaler should not be used to relieve sudden attacks of wheezing or breathing difficulties, as it won't work quickly enough. Instead, it should be used regularly each day to keep the airways open and help prevent breathing difficulties. You should keep your reliever inhaler (short-acting bronchodilator, eg salbutamol or terbutaline) with you at all times in case you need to relieve wheezing or shortness of breath.
    • If this inhaler does not seem to prevent wheezing or chest tightness as well as usual, or for as long as usual, or if you find you need to use your reliever inhaler (eg salbutamol or terbutaline) more often than normal, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. It may be that your COPD is getting worse and your doctor might need to give you another medicine.
    • Inhalers may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing (paradoxical bronchospasm) straight after using them. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately and consult your doctor. The medicine should be stopped and an alternative treatment found.
    • People with severe COPD should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in their blood. This is because low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various COPD medicines, including this one, can lower blood potassium levels.

    Onbrez breezhaler should be used with caution by

    • People with severe liver disease.
    • People with diabetes.
    • People with an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis).
    • People with heart disease.
    • People with abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
    • People with high blood pressure (hypertension).
    • People with epilepsy.
    • People with low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia).

    Onbrez breezhaler should not be used by

    • Children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
    • People with known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient, including lactose.
    • People with asthma.
    • Women who are breastfeeding.
    • This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

    If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

    Pregnancy and breastfeeding

    Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

    • The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
    • It is not known if indacaterol passes into breast milk. This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

    Possible side effects of Onbrez breezhaler

    Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

    Common

    • Headache.
    • Dizziness.
    • Upper respiratory tract infections such as coughs and colds.
    • Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis).
    • Sore throat.
    • Runny nose or blocked nose.
    • Chest pain (angina). Tell your doctor if you experience this.
    • Swelling of the legs and ankles due to excess fluid retention (peripheral oedema).
    • Muscle spasms.

    Uncommon 

    • Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations).
    • Faster than normal heartbeat.
    • Irregular heartbeat caused by very rapid contraction of the top two chambers of the heart (atrial fibrillation).
    • Pins and needles sensation (paraesthesia).
    • Pain in the muscles or bones.
    • Rash or itching.
    • Raised blood sugar levels and diabetes.

    The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

    If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it’s necessary they'll report it for you.

    How can Onbrez breezhaler affect other medicines?

    It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.

    This inhaler should not be used in conjunction with any other medicines that contain long-acting beta-agonists, for example salmeterol or formoterol.

    This medicine should not usually be used in combination with beta-blocker medicines, such as atenolol, propranolol or timolol. This is because beta-blockers have an opposite action to this medicine and cause the airways to narrow. This can result in breathing difficulties for people with COPD. This problem has sometimes been seen with eye drops containing beta-blockers, eg used for glaucoma.

    Indacaterol can potentially cause a decrease in the levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalaemia), which may result in adverse effects. This effect can be increased by the following medicines, which can also lower potassium in the blood:

    • xanthine derivates, such as theophylline or aminophylline
    • corticosteroids, such as beclometasone and prednisolone
    • other beta 2 agonists, such as salbutamol
    • diuretics, such as bendroflumethiazide and furosemide.

    This is why people with severe COPD, who may be taking several of these medicines, should have their blood potassium levels monitored regularly.

    References:

    https://www.drugs.com/uk/onbrez-breezhaler.html

    http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/lungs/a8758/onbrez-breezhaler-indacaterol/

    https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/23260

    http://www.medicines.ie/medicine/14594/SPC/Onbrez+Breezhaler+300+microgram+inhalation+powder,+hard+capsules/#MACHINEOPS

    http://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/onbrez-breezhaler

     

    Health Reference: COPD