Umeclidinium bromide is used for the maintenance therapy of 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. Umeclidinium bromide treats airflow obstruction by relaxing the airways in your lungs, and relieving chest tightness, wheezing, and cough so 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 this medicine at the same time each day.
Umeclidinium bromide is available as a dry powder inhaler for oral inhalation.
To use the dry powder inhaler, follow these steps:
- Open the cover of the inhaler only when you are ready to use it. Opening and closing the cover without inhaling will lead to a lost dose. Slide the cover down fully to expose the mouthpiece. You should hear a clicking sound and the counter will count down by 1. If the counter does not count down when you hear the clicking sound, inform your pharmacist. Do not shake the inhaler.
- While holding the inhaler away from your mouth, breathe out completely.
- Place the mouthpiece between your lips and close your lips firmly around it. Take 1 long, steady and deep breath in through your mouth. Do not breathe in through your nose or block the air vent 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 using a dry tissue and slide the cover upwards 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.
Do not share your inhaler with others as it could spread infection.
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 the 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.
Do not use Umeclidinium bromide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- asthma
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- heart disease, particularly heart rhythm problems
- bladder problems e.g. obstruction in the bladder, difficulty passing urine
- prostate enlargement
- severe liver disease
Do not use Umeclidinium bromide to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness. This medicine cannot relieve sudden 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.
- Routine tests (e.g. lung function) may be done before and while you are being treated 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, stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat, constipation, stomach pain, dry mouth, changes in taste, and joint or muscle pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- signs and symptoms of breathing problems e.g. sudden chest pain or tightness, worsening shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing after using this medicine
- irregular or rapid heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed
- eye pain, 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 taking other medicines for breathing problems, such as ipratropium bromide or tiotropium bromide.
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.
Keep inhaler in their original package to protect from moisture, heat or sunlight.
Throw away the inhaler 6 weeks after opening the foil tray or when the indicated number of doses is used up.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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