Short Description
It is a combination inhaler containing glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate, prescribed for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps relax the airway muscles and improve airflow to support ongoing respiratory symptom control.
What Is Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate 9 mcg/4.8 mcg?
Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate contains two active ingredients: glycopyrrolate, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). Each actuation delivers 9 mcg of glycopyrrolate and 4.8 mcg of formoterol fumarate.
These bronchodilators work through different mechanisms to relax the muscles surrounding the airways. The 10.7 g inhaler is designed for regular maintenance treatment of COPD.
Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate is not indicated for treating asthma or relieving sudden breathing difficulties.
Uses
Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate 9 mcg/4.8 mcg may be prescribed to:
Maintain airflow in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Manage COPD associated with chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Help reduce respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness and airflow limitation during ongoing treatment.
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional according to the patient's condition and applicable prescribing guidance.
How Does Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate Work?
Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate works through two complementary mechanisms:
Glycopyrrolate blocks muscarinic receptors in the airway muscles, helping prevent these muscles from tightening.
Formoterol stimulates beta-2 receptors, relaxing the airway muscles and helping keep the airways open.
Together, these medicines help improve airflow and reduce COPD symptoms. Bronchodilator effects may begin within minutes, but individual responses vary. Regular use is necessary to maintain the treatment effect.
How to Take Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate
Take Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Frequency: The labelled regimen for Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate Aerosphere is two inhalations twice daily, in the morning and evening. Follow the instructions for your specific product.
Administration: Shake the inhaler well before use. Breathe out gently, place the mouthpiece between your lips, and inhale slowly and deeply while pressing the canister, following the supplied instructions.
Preparation: Prime the inhaler before first use and after periods of non-use as directed in the patient information leaflet.
Cleaning: Clean the inhaler according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent the mouthpiece from becoming blocked.
Missed dose: Take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take extra inhalations to make up for a missed dose.
Treatment changes: Do not increase the dose, use additional long-acting bronchodilators or stop treatment without professional advice.
Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate is not a rescue inhaler. Use your prescribed reliever treatment for sudden breathing difficulties and seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are severe or worsening.
Important Safety Information
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medicines, supplements and herbal products you use before starting Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate.
Use particular caution if you have:
Heart disease or high blood pressure: Formoterol may affect heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure.
Glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma: Glycopyrrolate may worsen symptoms if the medicine reaches the eyes.
Urinary retention or an enlarged prostate: Glycopyrrolate may make it more difficult to pass urine.
Diabetes or thyroid disorders: Formoterol may affect blood glucose and cardiovascular function.
Seizure disorders: Formoterol may require additional precautions.
Kidney problems: Severe renal impairment may affect the suitability of treatment.
Important medicine interactions include:
Other anticholinergic medicines, which may increase side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention.
Other long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs), which may increase the risk of excessive dosing and cardiovascular side effects.
Beta-blockers, which may reduce formoterol's effect or worsen bronchospasm.
Certain antidepressants, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, which may increase cardiovascular effects.
Diuretics and other medicines that lower potassium, which may increase the risk of low blood potassium.
Check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before combining treatments.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before starting Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate or changing your treatment.
There is limited information about the use of glycopyrrolate and formoterol together during pregnancy. Your healthcare professional should weigh the potential benefits of maintaining COPD control against possible risks to the pregnancy.
It is not fully established how much of both ingredients passes into breast milk or what effects they may have on a breastfed infant. Your doctor can assess whether treatment is appropriate based on your respiratory condition and available evidence. Do not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common or recognised side effects may include:
Cough.
Urinary tract infection.
Dry mouth.
Headache.
Muscle cramps.
Seek prompt medical attention for sudden worsening of breathing immediately after inhalation, chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe allergic symptoms, or eye pain and blurred vision. Difficulty passing urine or an inability to urinate also requires prompt medical assessment.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Storage
Store Generic Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep the inhaler in its original packaging as directed.
Protect the canister from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Do not puncture the pressurised canister or expose it to fire or high temperatures.
Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Monitor the dose counter and do not use the inhaler after the labelled number of inhalations has been used.
Do not use after the expiry date.
The labelled Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Fumarate Aerosphere product should be discarded three months after opening its foil pouch or when the dose counter reaches zero, whichever occurs first. Check the instructions supplied with your specific product, as storage and discard requirements may vary.