Albuterol Sulfate 90 ug Aerosol, Metered — NDC 85534-0039-0 (Billing 85534-0039-00)

WARNINGS Paradoxical Bronchospasm Inhaled albuterol sulfate can produce paradoxical bronchospasm that may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted. It should be recognized that paradoxical bronchospasm, when associated with inhaled formulations, frequently occurs with the first use of a new canister.

Deterioration of Asthma Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient needs more doses of albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires re-evaluation of the patient and treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids. Use of Anti-inflammatory Agents The use of beta-adrenergic-agonist bronchodilators alone may not be adequate to control asthma in many patients.

Early consideration should be given to adding anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., corticosteroids, to the therapeutic regimen. Cardiovascular Effects Albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol, like other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued.

In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce ECG changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Therefore, albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Do Not Exceed Recommended Dose: Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma. The exact cause of death is unknown, but cardiac arrest following an unexpected development of a severe acute asthmatic crisis and subsequent hypoxia is suspected. Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of albuterol sulfate, as demonstrated by rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reaction information concerning albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol is derived from a 12-week, double-blind, double-dummy study which compared albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol, a CFC 11/12 propelled albuterol inhaler, and an HFA-134a placebo inhaler in 565 asthmatic patients. The following table lists the incidence of all adverse events (whether considered by the investigator drug related or unrelated to drug) from this study which occurred at a rate of 3% or greater in the albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol treatment group and more frequently in the albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol treatment group than in the placebo group.

Overall, the incidence and nature of the adverse reactions reported for albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol and a CFC 11/12 propelled albuterol inhaler were comparable. Adverse Experience Incidences (% of patients) in a Large 12-week Clinical Trial* Body System/ Adverse Event (Preferred Term) Albuterol SulfateInhalation Aerosol (N=193) CFC 11/12 Propelled Albuterol Inhaler (N=186) HFA-134a Placebo Inhaler (N=186) *This table includes all adverse events (whether considered by the investigator drug related or unrelated to drug) which occurred at an incidence rate of at least 3.0% in the albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol group and more frequently in the albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol group than in the HFA-134a placebo inhaler group.

Application Site Disorders Inhalation Site Sensation 6 9 2 Inhalation Taste Sensation 4 3 3 Body as a Whole Allergic Reaction/Symptoms 6 4 <1 Back Pain 4 2 3 Fever 6 2 5 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Tremor 7 8 2 Gastrointestinal System Nausea 10 9 5 Vomiting 7 2 3 Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorder Tachycardia 7 2 <1 Psychiatric Disorders Nervousness 7 9 3 Respiratory System Disorders Respiratory Disorder (unspecified) 6 4 5 Rhinitis 16 22 14 Upper Resp Tract Infection 21 20 18 Urinary System Disorder Urinary Tract Infection 3 4 2 Adverse events reported by less than 3% of the patients receiving albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol, and by a greater proportion of albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol patients than placebo patients, which have the potential to be related to albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol include: dysphonia, increased sweating, dry mouth, chest pain, edema, rigors, ataxia, leg cramps, hyperkinesia, eructation, flatulence, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, anxiety, depression, somnolence, rash.

Palpitation and dizziness have also been observed with albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol. Adverse events reported in a 4-week pediatric clinical trial comparing albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol and a CFC 11/12 propelled albuterol inhaler occurred at a low incidence rate and were similar to those seen in the adult trials. In small, cumulative dose studies, tremor, nervousness, and headache appeared to be dose related.

Rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, and oropharyngeal edema have been reported after the use of inhaled albuterol. In addition, albuterol, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse reactions such as hypertension, angina, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, insomnia, headache, metabolic acidosis, and drying or irritation of the oropharynx. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

PRECAUTIONS General Albuterol sulfate, as with all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension; in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus; and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Clinically significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been seen in individual patients and could be expected to occur in some patients after use of any beta-adrenergic bronchodilator.

Large doses of intravenous albuterol have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis. As with other beta-agonists, albuterol may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease is usually transient, not requiring supplementation Information for Patients See illustrated Patient's Instructions for Use.

SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING. Patients should be given the following information: It is recommended to prime the inhaler before using for the first time and in cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 weeks by releasing four “test sprays” into the air, away from the face. KEEPING THE PLASTIC MOUTHPIECE CLEAN IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PREVENT MEDICATION BUILDUP AND BLOCKAGE.

THE MOUTHPIECE SHOULD BE WASHED, SHAKEN TO REMOVE EXCESS WATER, AND AIR DRIED THOROUGHLY AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. INHALER MAY CEASE TO DELIVER MEDICATION IF NOT PROPERLY CLEANED. The mouthpiece should be cleaned (with the canister removed) by running warm water through the top and bottom for 30 seconds at least once a week.

The mouthpiece must be shaken to remove excess water, then air dried thoroughly (such as overnight). Blockage from medication buildup or improper medication delivery may result from failure to thoroughly air dry the mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece should become blocked (little or no medication coming out of the mouthpiece), the blockage may be removed by washing as described above.

If it is necessary to use the inhaler before it is completely dry, shake off excess water, replace canister, test spray twice away from face, and take the prescribed dose. After such use, the mouthpiece should be rewashed and allowed to air dry thoroughly. The action of albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol should last up to 4 to 6 hours.

Albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol should not be used more frequently than recommended. Do not increase the dose or frequency of doses of albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol without consulting your physician. If you find that treatment with albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol becomes less effective for symptomatic relief, your symptoms become worse, and/or you need to use the product more frequently than usual, medical attention should be sought immediately.

While you are taking albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol, other inhaled drugs and asthma medications should be taken only as directed by your physician. Common adverse effects of treatment with inhaled albuterol include palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness. If you are pregnant or nursing, contact your physician about use of albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol.

Effective and safe use of albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol includes an understanding of the way that it should be administered. Use albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol only with the actuator supplied with the product. Discard the canister after 200 sprays have been used.

In general, the technique for administering albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosolto children is similar to that for adults. Children should use albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosolunder adult supervision, as instructed by the patient's physician. (See Patient's Instructions for Use .) Drug Interactions Beta-Blockers Beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking agents not only block the pulmonary effect of b… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]