Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Formoterol inhalation is used to prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airways disease, including symptoms of night-time asthma. It is also used in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Formoterol inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use formoterol inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Formoterol may increase the risk of asthma-related death. Use only the prescribed dose of this medication, and do not use it for longer than your doctor recommends. Follow all patient instructions for safe use. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits of using formoterol inhalation.

Asthma is often treated with a combination of different drugs. If you use formoterol inhalation to treat asthma, you must use it together with another asthma control medication. Use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if your medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Formoterol capsules are for use only in the Foradil Aerolizer device. Use only one capsule at a time. Do not take the capsules by mouth. Never place a capsule in the mouthpiece of the inhaler.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to formoterol. If you have asthma, formoterol inhalation should not be your only asthma medication. You must use it together with at least one other asthma control medication.

To make sure you can safely use formoterol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• a food or drug allergy;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• diabetes; or

• a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether formoterol inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use formoterol inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.