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This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information.
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.
This PIL is in PDF format and so you must have a PDF reader installed on your device to read it.
Text only version for the visually impaired
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information leaflet. The original may contain images or tables and can be viewed in PDF format using the link above. This PIL may be available from the RNIB in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information please call the RNIB Medicine Leaflet line on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is/are: EU/1/12/778/002 .
Eklira Genuair 322 micrograms inhalation powder
Package leaflet: Information for the patient
Eklira Genuair 322 micrograms inhalation powder
Aclidinium (aclidinium bromide)
▼This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. See the end of section 4 for how to report side effects.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
What is in this leaflet:
1. What Eklira Genuair is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Eklira Genuair
3. How to use Eklira Genuair
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Eklira Genuair
6. Contents of the pack and other information
7. The Genuair Inhaler: Instructions for use
1. What Eklira Genuair is and what it is used for
What Eklira Genuair is
The active ingredient of Eklira Genuair is aclidinium bromide, which belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators. Bronchodilators relax airways and help keep bronchioles open. Eklira Genuair is a dry powder inhaler that uses your breath to deliver the medicine directly into your lungs. This makes it easier for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to breathe.
What Eklira Genuair is used for
Eklira Genuair is indicated to help open the airways and relieve symptoms of COPD, a serious, long-term lung disease characterised by breathing difficulties. Regular use of Eklira Genuair can help you when you have ongoing shortness of breath related to your disease and will help you to minimise the effects of the disease on your everyday life.
2. What you need to know before you use Eklira Genuair
Do not use Eklira Genuair
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Eklira Genuair:
Eklira Genuair is indicated for maintenance treatment and should not be used to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness or wheezing. If your COPD symptoms (breathlessness, wheezing, cough) do not improve or get worse you should contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible.
Dry mouth, which has been observed with medicines like Eklira Genuair, may after using your medicine for a long time, be associated with tooth decay. Therefore, please remember to pay attention to oral hygiene.
Stop taking Eklira Genuair and seek medical help immediately:
Children and adolescents
Eklira Genuair is not for use in children or adolescents below 18 years of age.
Other medicines and Eklira Genuair
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Inform your doctor if you have been or are using similar medicines for breathing problems, such as medicines containing tiotropium, ipratropium. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The use of Eklira Genuair with these medicines is not recommended.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. You should not use Eklira Genuair if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding unless your doctor tells you so.
Driving and using machines
Eklira Genuair may have minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. This medicine may cause headache, dizziness or blurred vision. If you are affected by any of these side effects do not drive or use machinery until the headache has cleared, the feeling of dizziness has passed and your vision has returned to normal.
Eklira Genuair contains lactose
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
3. How to use Eklira Genuair
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The recommended dose is one inhalation twice a day in the morning and evening.
The effects of Eklira Genuair last for 12 hours; therefore, you should try to use your Eklira Genuair inhaler at the same time every morning and evening. This ensures that there is always enough medicine in your body to help you breathe more easily throughout the day and night. It will also help you to remember to use it.
The recommended dose can be used for elderly patients and for patients with kidney or liver problems. No dose adjustments are necessary.
COPD is a long-term disease; therefore, it is recommended that Eklira Genuair is used every day, twice a day and not only when breathing problems or other symptoms of COPD are experienced.
Route of administration
The medicine is for inhalation use.
Refer to Section 7 at the end of the package leaflet for instructions on how to use the Genuair inhaler. If you are not sure of how to use Eklira Genuair, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
You can use Eklira Genuair any time before or after food or drink.
If you use more Eklira Genuair than you should
If you think you may have used more Eklira Genuair than you should, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to use Eklira Genuair
If you forget a dose of Eklira Genuair, inhale the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop using Eklira Genuair
This medicine is for long-term use. If you want to stop treatment, first talk to your doctor, as your symptoms may worsen.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Allergic reactions may rarely occur (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people). Stop using the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you develop swelling of your face, throat, lips or tongue (with or without difficulty breathing or swallowing), dizziness or fainting, faster heart rate or if you get raised severely itchy bumps on your skin (hives) as these may be symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The following side effects may occur whilst using Eklira Genuair:
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
5. How to store Eklira Genuair
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the inhaler label and carton after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day that month.
Keep the inhaler inside the pouch until the administration period starts.
To be used within 90 days of opening the pouch.
Do not use the Eklira Genuair if you notice that the pack is damaged or shows signs of tampering.
After you have taken the last dose, the inhaler has to be disposed of. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Eklira Genuair contains
What Eklira Genuair looks like and contents of the pack
Eklira Genuair is a white or almost white powder.
The Genuair inhaler device is white coloured with an integral dose indicator and a green dosage button. The mouthpiece is covered with a removable green protective cap. It is supplied in a plastic pouch.
Pack sizes supplied:
Carton containing 1 inhaler with 30 doses.
Carton containing 1 inhaler with 60 doses.
Carton containing 3 inhalers each with 60 doses.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Manufacturer:
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder:
This leaflet was last revised inApril 2017.
RSP 17 0025
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: http://www.ema.europa.eu/.
7. The Genuair inhaler: instructions for use
This section contains information on how to use your Genuair inhaler. If you have any questions about how to use your inhaler, please ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse for assistance.
Before using the Genuair inhaler, please read the full instructions.
Becoming familiar with Eklira Genuair: Remove the Genuair inhaler from the pouch and become familiar with its components.
How to Use Eklira Genuair
Summary
To use your Genuair inhaler there are 2 steps you need to perform after removing the cap:
Step 1: Press and RELEASE the green button and breathe out completely, away from the inhaler.
Step 2: Place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and inhale STRONGLY and DEEPLY through the inhaler.
After inhalation, remember to replace the protective cap.
Getting Started
Hold with the green button facing straight up. DO NOT TILT.
STEP 1: PRESS the green button all the way down and then RELEASE it (see images 3 and 4)
DO NOT CONTINUE TO HOLD THE GREEN BUTTON DOWN.
Stop and Check: Make sure dose is ready for inhalation
IF THE COLOURED CONTROL WINDOW STAYS RED, PLEASE REPEAT PRESS AND RELEASE ACTIONS (SEE STEP 1).
STEP 2: Put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece of the Genuair inhaler and inhale STRONGLY and DEEPLY through the mouthpiece (see image 6).
ATTENTION: DO NOT HOLD THE GREEN BUTTON DOWN WHILE YOU ARE INHALING.
Note: Some patients may experience a mild sweet or slightly bitter taste, or grainy sensation, depending on the patient, when inhaling the medicine. Do not take an extra dose if you do not taste or feel anything after inhaling.
Stop and Check: Make sure you have inhaled correctly
IF THE COLOURED CONTROL WINDOW IS STILL GREEN, PLEASE REPEAT INHALING STRONGLY AND DEEPLY THROUGH THE MOUTHPIECE (SEE STEP 2).
Make sure you have RELEASED the green button and take a STRONG deep breath in through the mouthpiece.
Note: If you are unable to inhale correctly after several attempts, consult your doctor.
When should you get a new Genuair inhaler?
When a red-striped band appears in the dose indicator (see image A), this means you are nearing your last dose and you should obtain a new Genuair inhaler.
Dose indicator goes down by intervals of 10: 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 0.
Note: If your Genuair inhaler appears to be damaged or if you lose the cap, your inhaler should be replaced. You DO NOT NEED to clean your Genuair inhaler. However, if you wish to clean it you should do so by wiping the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry tissue or paper towel.
NEVER use water to clean the Genuair inhaler, as this may damage your medicine.
How do you know that your Genuair inhaler is empty?