Medication FAQs
What is Xopenex (levalbuterol HCI inhalation solution)?
Xopenex (Zoe-pen-eks) is a new prescription medication to prevent and treat bronchospasm in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older. Bronchospasm is the sudden tightening of the airways, usually caused by something you are allergic to such as pollen or cat hair, or by an asthma trigger such as cold air. BACK TO TOP
How does Xopenex work?
Medicines like Xopenex called bronchodilators, relax the tightened muscles around the airways during an asthma attack and allow the airways to open.
Patients can take bronchodilator medications in many different ways including by nebulizer (NEB-yoo-ly-zer), hand-held inhaler, syrup or tablets. Xopenex comes in a liquid form that is turned into a vapor-like mist in a nebulizer and then inhaled. BACK TO TOP
What is a nebulizer?
A nebulizer is a machine, or compressor, that converts liquid into a mist. This mist is easily inhaled through a tube or mask so that the medication is delivered effectively to the lungs. There are many different types of nebulizers. In general, they are made of three parts-a cup, a mouthpiece or mask attached to a T-shaped part, and thin plastic tubing that connects to the compressor. BACK TO TOP
What types of patients use a nebulizer?
Nebulizers are mainly used by three types of patients who have bronchospasm (contraction of the lungs' air passages), for instance, bronchospasm due to asthma:
- People, such as young children or the elderly, who find that nebulizers are easier or better to use
- People who experience a sudden asthma attack
- People with severe asthma
Why do some people need to use a nebulizer to take their medication?
Nebulizers have been an important part of asthma care for many years because they can deliver the medicine deep into the breathing tubes and onto the surfaces of the lungs. Because the compressor part of the nebulizer turns the medication into extremely small particles, even a person who cannot take a deep breath can easily get medicine into his or her lungs. When used at home properly, nebulizers may help cut down on emergency asthma-related hospital or doctor visits.
Be sure to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you do not understand how to use your nebulizer. BACK TO TOP
What is the EpiPen /EpiPen Jr. auto-injector?
The EpiPen auto-injector is a disposable drug delivery system featuring spring activation and a concealed needle. It is designed for self-administration of epinephrine in acute allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). It provides a rapid, convenient dose of epinephrine for individuals needing protection from potentially fatal allergic reactions. BACK TO TOP
Why Might I need an EpiPen /EpiPen Jr. auto-injector?
The EpiPen auto-injector is commonly prescribed for individuals who are anaphylactic- that is, who have had prior severe allergic reactions or those who may be at high risk (e.g., a family history of severe reactions or a highly allergic / individual). These reactions can be caused by a number of things. For example, some people have severe allergic reactions to certain foods-nuts, shellfish, eggs, etc.-or to certain food additives. Some people react to drugs such as penicillin. For others, a sting from insects-bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc.-might trigger a severe allergic reaction. Some people also develop a reaction from exercise or items containing latex-balloons, elastic, or other rubber items. An allergic reaction to any of these may be so severe that it can be life-threatening very quickly and could occur when no physician or hospital is nearby. With an EpiPen auto-injector, an emergency injection of epinephrine is immediately available. The EpiPen injection can help stabilize you temporarily until you can reach the emergency room for follow-up by a physician. BACK TO TOP
When should Antibiotics be taken?
Antibiotics kill bacteria. Some bacteria can defend themselves against antibiotics. These bacteria are called antibiotic resistant. Infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria may be more difficult to treat and may spread to friends and family.
Some infections, such as strep throat, are best treated with antibiotics. However, taking antibiotics when you don't need them, such as for a cold or the flu, can increases your risk of getting a resistant infection. BACK TO TOP