Dulera is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack.
Formoterol when used alone may increase the risk of death in people with asthma. However, this risk is not increased when formoterol and mometasone are used together as a combination product.
Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Dulera if you are allergic to formoterol or mometasone.
Mometasone can weaken your immune system. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you've had within the past several weeks.
To make sure Dulera is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease, high blood pressure;
a seizure;
a weak immune system;
liver disease;
osteoporosis;
glaucoma, cataracts, or other vision problems;
diabetes;
a drug allergy;
pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
a thyroid disorder; or
an aneurysm (a weakened or damaged blood vessel that could tear and cause severe bleeding).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether formoterol and mometasone will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Dulera is not approved for use by anyone younger than 5 years old.
How should I use Dulera?
Dulera inhalers come with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the inhaler device. Follow these directions carefully. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using too much of this medicine can cause life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Dulera is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each use of your Dulera inhaler.
Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without help from an adult.
It may take up to 1 or 2 weekss before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Your doctor may tell you to stop using Dulera once your asthma is well controlled.
Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.
If you use a peak flow meter at home, tell your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal.
Your vision and your bone mineral density may need to be checked often.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.
The 120-inhalation Dulera inhaler does not require specific storage orientation. For the 60-inhalation Dulera inhaler, after priming, store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down or on its side. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.
Once your asthma is under control, your doctor may want you to stop using this medicine. Do not stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
