Ventolin HFA
(Albuterol (Salbutamol) Sulfate)

What Ventolin HFA is and what it is used for

Ventolin Evohaler contains a medicine called salbutamol. This belongs to a group of medicines called fast acting bronchodilators.
• Bronchodilators help the airways in your lungs to stay open. This makes it easier for air to get in and out.
• They help to relieve chest tightness, wheezing and cough. Ventolin Evohaler is used to treat breathing problems in people with asthma and similar conditions. This includes relieving and preventing asthma brought on by exercise or other “triggers”. These are things, which bring on asthma symptoms in some people.

Common triggers include house dust, pollen, cats, dogs and cigarette smoke. Ventolin Evohaler contains a propellant called HFA 134a. This is less harmful to the environment than older inhalers. Older inhalers may taste differently to Ventolin Evohaler. This will make no difference to how your medicine works.

How to take Ventolin HFA

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure. Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over
• to relieve asthma
•One or two puffs.
• to prevent asthma
•Two puffs 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a “trigger”.
• for regular treatment
•Two puffs up to 4 times a day.
• the maximum dose is 8 puffs in a 24 hour period. Children under 12 years of age
• to relieve asthma
•One puff. Two puffs if required.
• to prevent asthma
•One puff 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a “trigger”. Two puffs if required.
• for regular treatment
•Two puffs up to 4 times a day.
• the maximum dose is 8 puffs in a 24 hour period. Instructions for use
• To help identify that the inhaler is Ventolin, there is an embossed letter V on the plastic case.
• Ventolin Evohaler produces a fine mist, which you inhale through your mouth into your lungs. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist should show you how to use your inhaler. If you are not sure ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• Each Evohaler canister provides 200 puffs. Do not use your inhaler more often than the doctor told you to. Tell your doctor if your medicine does not seem to be working as well as usual, as your chest problem may be getting worse and you may need a different medicine.Your doctor may have told you to take more than this as an emergency treatment if your wheezing or breathing gets very bad. It is very important that you keep to your doctor's instructions as to how many puffs to take and how often to use your inhaler.

Possible side effects

If your breathing or wheezing gets worse straight after taking this medicine, stop using it immediately, and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Allergic Reactions (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Ventolin Evohaler and see a doctor straight away. Signs of an allergic reaction include: swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, itchy rash, feeling faint and light headed, and collapse. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if:
• you feel your heart is beating faster or stronger than usual (palpitations). This is usually harmless, and usually stops after you have used the medicine for a while
• you may feel your heartbeat is uneven or it gives an extra beat
• these may affect up to 1 in 10 people. If any of these happen to you, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Do not stop using this medicine unless told to do so. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following side effects which may also happen with this medicine:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
• feeling shaky
• headache.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
• mouth and throat irritation
• muscle cramps.

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
• a low level of potassium in your blood
• increased blood flow to your extremities (peripheral dilatation).

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
• changes in sleep patterns and changes in behaviour, such as restlessness and excitability.

The following side effects can also happen but the frequency of these are not known:
• chest pain, due to heart problems such as angina. Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if this occurs. Do not stop using this medicine unless told to do so.

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 via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine

How to Store Ventolin HFA

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store below 30°C. Protect from frost and direct sunlight.
• If the inhaler gets very cold, take the metal canister out of the plastic case and warm it in your hands for a few minutes before use. Never use anything else to warm it up.
• The metal canister is pressurised. Do not puncture, break or burn it even when apparently empty.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 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 to protect the environment. 6 Contents of the