Arcapta Neohaler (Indacaterol)

Brand name: Arcapta Neohaler, Onbrez Breezhaler
Generic name: Indacaterol
Used for: To control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
Availability: Brand Arcapta Neohaler (Novartis), 75mcg, 150 mcg, 300 mcg

How Indacaterol Works

Arcapta Neohaler is used long term in controlling symptoms of a certain ongoing lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Indacaterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). LABA medicines such as Arcapta Neohaler help the muscles around the airways in your lungs stay relaxed to prevent symptoms, such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Arcapta Neohaler is not for use to treat sudden symptoms of COPD. Always have a short-acting beta2-agonist medicine with you to treat sudden symptoms. It is not known if Arcapta Neohaler is safe and effective in people with asthma. Arcapta Neohaler should not be used in children. Do not swallow Arcapta capsules. Arcapta capsules should always be used with the Neohaler inhaler only.

Indacaterol Possible Side Effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own.
• Cough;
• Chest pain;
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations);
• Increased blood pressure;
• Low blood potassium (muscle spasm, muscle weakness or abnormal heart rhythm);
• High blood sugar;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Runny nose;
• Serious allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling of the tongue, lips and face, difficulties in breathing or swallowing;
• Sore throat;
• Sudden shortness of breath that may be life-threatening

Indacaterol Guidelines

Do not use Arcapta Neohaler if you have asthma; have had an allergic reaction to indacaterol or any of the ingredients in Arcapta Neohaler. Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including if you have heart problems; have high blood pressure; have seizures; have thyroid problems; have diabetes; are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; are breastfeeding; are allergic to Arcapta Neohaler or any of its ingredients, any other medicines, or food products. Arcapta Neohaler contains lactose (milk sugar) and a small amount of milk proteins. It is possible that allergic reactions may happen in patients who have a severe milk protein allergy. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Arcapta Neohaler and certain other medicines may interact with each other. Arcapta Neohaler has been approved for COPD only. Therefore, Arcapta Neohaler is not to be used in asthma. Get emergency medical care if breathing problems worsen quickly or if you use your rescue inhaler medicine, but it does not relieve your breathing problems. Do not use Arcapta Neohaler more often than prescribed or more medicine than prescribed for you, or with other LABA medicines.