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Duaklir® Genuair®

This product is manufactured by AstraZeneca Canada Inc. and is a combination of two ingredients, formoterol fumarate and aclidinium bromide.

This product is inhaled into the lungs using the Genuair®.


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Genuair®


Why is it prescribed?

  • Duaklir® Genuair® is combination long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) indicated as a long-term maintenance bronchodilator for COPD, including chronic bronchitis, and/or emphysema.
  • Duaklir® Genuair® is NOT indicated for the relief of an acute deterioration of COPD.
  • Duaklir® Genuair® is NOT indicated for the treatment of asthma.

  • Duaklir® is a dry powder for oral inhalation delivered by the Genuair® inhaler device.
    • Duaklir® Genuair® is a multidose inhaler that uses your breath to deliver the medicine directly into your lungs.
    • Each device delivers 60 doses, with each dose containing 400mcg of aclidinium bromide and 12 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydratel.
    • To be used within 60 days of opening the pouch.
  • Duaklir® Genuair® is used long term to help open the airways in adults with breathing difficulties due to COPD.
  • Duaklir® Genuair® is NOT for treating asthma or sudden, severe symptoms of COPD.
  • The effects of Duaklir® Genuair last for 12 hours; therefore, you should try to use Duaklir® Genuair at the
    same time each morning and evening as this will ensure that there is always enough medicine in your body to help you breathe more easily throughout the day and night. Taking your medicine at regular times will also help you to remember to use it.
  • If you forget a dose of Duaklir Genuair, just take it as soon as possible and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • This medicine is for long-term use. If you want to stop treatment, first talk to your doctor, as your symptoms may worsen.

Alternatives

See other products used in the treatment of •bronchospasm associated with COPD •chronic bronchitis (COPD) •COPD •emphysema (COPD) •asthma •

  • The recommended dose of Duaklir® Genuair® is one inhalation of 400/12mcg twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.  It is indicated for use in adults only.

  • Duaklir® Genuair® contains two active ingredients, aclidinium bromide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate.
    • Aclidinium bromide is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)
    • Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA)
  • Both belong to a group of medicines called bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help to open and relax the muscles of the airways. This allows more air to get in and out of the lungs. This makes it easier for patients with COPD to breathe and helps prevent shortness of breath and wheezing.

  • Like all medicines, Duaklir® Genuair® can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
  • Side effects may include:
    • inflammation or irritiation of the nose and throat
    • headache
    • urinary tract infection
    • throat pain
    • dizziness
    • muscle pain, cramps, spasms
    • flu
    • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
    • tooth infection
    • chest pain
    • shaking/tremor
    • cough
    • diarrhea, nausea
    • dry mouth
    • anxiety, agititation
    • rash, skin itching
    • distorted sense of taste
    • blurred vision
    • increased blood pressure
    • swelling of the hands or feet
  • If any of these affects you severely, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Before you use Duaklir® Genuair® talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:
    • have heart problems, such as rapid or irregular heart beat or an abnormal electrical signal called "prolongation fo the QT interval"
    • have high blood pressure
    • have diabetes
    • have low levels of potassium in your blood
    • have seizures
    • have thyroid gland problems or disease
    • have a tumor in one of your adrenal glands (phaeochromocytoma)
    • are taking similar medicines for your lung disease
    • are taking any medications including eye drops, this includes medications you can buy without prescription
    • have eye problems such as glaucoma, eye pain, blurred vision, see halos around lights or colored images
    • have an enlarged prostate, problems passing urine or painful urination
    • have severe allergy to milk proteins
  • Duaklir® Genuair® should not be used more frequently than twice daily. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
  • This medication has been prescribed for you and should not be given to other people.
  • Remember to tell any other doctor, dentis, or pharmacist you consult that you are taking this medication.

Drug Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:

  • Any medicines that may be similar to Duaklir Genuair to treat breathing difficulties.
  • Medicines that lower the amount of potassium in your blood. These include:
    •  corticosteroids that you take by mouth (such as prednisolone),
    •  diuretics(suchasfurosemideorhydrochlorothiazide),
    •  certainmedicinesusedtotreatbreathingconditions(suchastheophylline).
  •  Medicines called beta blockers that may be used to treat high blood pressure or other heart problems (such as atenolol or propranolol) or to treat glaucoma (such as timolol).
  •  Medicines which can cause a type of change in the electrical activity of the heart known as QT interval prolongation (observed in an electrocardiogram). These include medicines for the treatment of:
    •  depression(suchasmonoamineoxidaseinhibitorsortricyclicantidepressants),
    •  bacterial infections (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin)

Use in pregnancy and lactation:  Human data is limited.  Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.