Brovana: Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Brovana (arformoterol tartrate) is a prescription drug used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Brovana can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include back pain, diarrhea, and leg cramps.
What are the more common side effects of Brovana?
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Brovana treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:
- back or chest pain
- diarrhea
- sinusitis (sinus infection)
- leg cramps
- shortness of breath
What are the mild side effects of Brovana?
Mild side effects have been reported with Brovana. These include:
- shortness of breath
- rash
- swelling in the lower legs or hands
- flu symptoms
- tremor
- back or chest pain
- diarrhea
- sinusitis (sinus infection)
- leg cramps
- chest congestion
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop Brovana treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Brovana may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
What are the serious side effects of Brovana?
Serious side effects have been reported with Brovana. These include, but are not limited to:
- heart problems*
- high blood sugar levels
- low blood potassium levels
- paradoxical bronchospasm*
- bronchitis
If you develop serious side effects while taking Brovana, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Brovana, visit MedWatch.
Allergic reaction
For some people, Brovana can cause an allergic reaction.
But it’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Brovana treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Brovana, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Side effects explained
Learn more about some of the side effects Brovana may cause.
Heart problems
Heart problems were a serious side effect reported in studies of Brovana. Examples include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. These changes may cause symptoms such as:
- dizziness
- chest pain
- trouble breathing
- feelings of a fast or irregular heartbeat
Using Brovana dosage beyond the recommended amount can increase your risk of heart problems. Using Brovana with other medications that work similarly to Brovana can also increase this risk.
What might help
Using Brovana as prescribed will decrease your risk of heart problems. If you experience any of the above side effects while using Brovana, talk with your doctor right away.
Paradoxical bronchospasm
Your risk of paradoxical bronchospasm may increase when using Brovana. Paradoxical bronchospasm is when your airway suddenly tightens immediately after using Brovana, which can be life-threatening. Typically, medications like Brovana cause airway opening. So, this side effect is unexpected. How often this side effect occurred wasn’t reported in studies of Brovana.
Symptoms can include:
- cough
- wheezing (whistling sound when you breathe)
- dizziness
- chest pain or tightness
What might help
If you experience any of the above symptoms after using Brovana, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Brovana treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how your symptoms affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Brovana affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Warnings for Brovana
Below is important information you should consider before taking Brovana.
Warnings
Brovana can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Brovana is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Brovana. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- heart problems
- high blood pressure
- seizure disorders
- thyroid problems
- asthma
- diabetes
- liver problems
- previous allergic reaction to Brovana or a similar drug
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- alcohol consumption
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Certainly! Here’s a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section optimized for SEO and formatted with questions in h3 HTML tags. These are based on the general topic of Brovana, its side effects, and how to manage them:
What is Brovana used for?
Brovana is used as a long-term treatment to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manage their symptoms. It helps in relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
What are the common side effects of Brovana?
Common side effects of Brovana may include cough, chest pain, throat irritation, and leg cramps. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if these side effects persist or worsen.
Can Brovana cause serious side effects?
Yes, Brovana can cause serious side effects. These might include sudden breathing difficulties, heart rhythm changes, and allergic reactions. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any severe symptoms.
How can I manage the side effects of Brovana?
To manage the side effects, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. Ensure you use the medication as prescribed and discuss any concerns about side effects with your doctor. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier may also help alleviate throat irritation.
Who should not use Brovana?
Brovana is not recommended for individuals with certain heart conditions, severe allergies to its ingredients, or those who experience sudden breathing problems. Always consult your doctor to ensure Brovana is safe for you.
Can Brovana be used with other COPD medications?
Yes, Brovana is often used in combination with other COPD medications. However, it should not be used with other long-acting beta agonists. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Brovana?
If you miss a dose of Brovana, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed one.
Is it safe to use Brovana during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The safety of Brovana during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not well established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.
How should Brovana be stored?
Store Brovana at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not freeze or refrigerate the medication and ensure it is disposed of properly when no longer needed or expired.
What should I do if I experience an overdose of Brovana?
In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and feeling light-headed or fainting.
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