About your Salbutamol-GA ampoules
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you use your medicine.
This leaflet does not have the complete information about your medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist (also known as a chemist).
All medicines have some risks. Sometimes new risks are found even when a medicine has been used for many years.
If there is anything you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you want more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine is only one part of a general plan to help you manage your asthma or other chest condition. You should discuss this plan with your doctor. Ask your doctor to check your treatment regularly.
1. What is the name of my medicine?
The name of your medicine is Salbutamol-GA. Your Salbutamol-GA ampoules are used in a device called a nebuliser.
2. What is in my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
Salbutamol-GA are plastic ampoules which contain a medicine called salbutamol sulfate as a liquid. The liquid is changed into a fine mist of droplets by the nebuliser.
Salbutamol-GA ampoules are made in two strengths:
- 2.5 mg of salbutamol sulfate in 2.5 ml of liquid per ampoule
- 5 mg of salbutamol sulfate in 2.5 ml of liquid per ampoule.
The liquid in your Salbutamol-GA ampoules also contains sodium chloride and water, and does not contain a preservative.
Your Salbutamol-GA ampoules are packed in strips of 5 which are wrapped in foil. There are 30 ampoules in a box.
3. What do my Salbutamol-GA ampoules do?
Your Salbutamol-GA ampoules help you to breathe more easily. When your chest is tight or when you are wheezing, the salbutamol opens up the breathing tubes in your lungs. Your medicine is known as a bronchodilator. Because the medicine in your Salbutamol-GA ampoules gives fast relief from your chest symptoms, it is often called a 'reliever'.
4. Is there anything I should tell my doctor before starting my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
Tell your doctor:
- the names of all other medicines you are already taking, including those from the pharmacy and supermarket
- if you have had to stop taking this or any other asthma medicine
- if you are allergic to any medicine
- if you are having treatment for a thyroid problem
- if you are having treatment for high blood pressure
- if you have a heart problem
- if you have a liver problem
- if you have a kidney problem
- if you have sugar diabetes.
5. What if I am pregnant or breast feeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Your doctor will tell you if you should take your medicine. It is important that asthma is managed well during pregnancy and you should not stop your medicine without asking your doctor.
6. How do I use my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
Do not swallow the liquid in your Salbutamol-GA ampoules. The medicine in your Salbutamol-GA ampoules is taken by inhalation only, using a nebuliser. A nebuliser delivers the medicine in the form of a mist which you breathe into your lungs. You breathe in the mist through the face mask which is connected to the nebuliser.
You will find the instructions on how to use your Salbutamol-GA ampoules in a nebuliser on the back of this leaflet. Follow the instructions carefully.
The pharmacist's label will usually tell you how many ampoules to use and how often to use them. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will decide what dose you should take, how often you should take it and what strength ampoule you should use. If your chest condition suddenly gets worse, your doctor may tell you to increase your dose. If you increase your dose and do not get relief, tell your doctor immediately.
It is wise to visit your doctor or pharmacist from time to time to check that you are using your nebuliser in the right way. You should also contact the manufacturer of your nebuliser to check that your nebuliser is working properly. If you are not breathing the medicine in correctly, the medicine may not be helping you as much as it could.
After using the nebuliser, discard any liquid left in the nebuliser bowl, rinse and dry.
7. What should I do if my Salbutamol-GA ampoules does not have the usual effect?
IMPORTANT: If your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult just after you have used your Salbutamol-GA ampoules, tell your doctor immediately.
If your Salbutamol-GA ampoules do not help your breathing as much as usual, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If the effect of your Salbutamol-GA ampoules does not last as long as usual or lasts less than 3 hours, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
These may be signs that your chest condition is getting worse.
Your doctor may decide to add another medicine to your treatment if your Salbutamol-GA ampoules are not having the same effect as before.
8. Are there any side-effects with my Salbutamol-GA ampoules and what should I do if I have any side-effects after using my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
Like all other medicines, your Salbutamol-GA ampoules may cause some side-effects. Most of the side-effects will be minor and temporary, but some may be serious. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have.
If you have any of the following side-effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist but do not stop using your Salbutamol-GA ampoules:
Common side-effects
- headache
- nausea
- shaky or tense feeling
- your heart beats faster than usual
- 'warm' feeling
- mouth or throat irritation.
Rare side-effects
- muscle cramps
- restlessness.
If you have a hypersensitivity reaction, for example, skin rash, angioedema (sudden swelling under the skin), or faint or dizzy feeling, you should stop using your Salbutamol-GA ampoules and tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
In a few people, the medicine in Salbutamol-GA ampoules may affect their blood potassium levels. Your doctor may do tests to check this.
If you use a combination of nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium bromide, be careful not to let the liquid or mist get in your eyes. If you have red eyes or misty vision with headache after using this combination, tell your doctor immediately.
If you have any other problems after using your Salbutamol-GA ampoules, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
9. What if I use too much Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
You should only use the number of ampoules that you have been told.
As with any medicine, in the event of an overdose, you should contact your nearest hospital emergency department without delay.
10. Where should I keep my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
Keep your Salbutamol-GA ampoules in a place where children cannot reach them.
Keep your Salbutamol-GA ampoules in a cool place (store below 30°C) and protect from light.
You will find an expiry (or use by) date printed on the manufacturer's label on the foil lid and on the cardboard box. Do not use your Salbutamol-GA ampoules after this date.
Once you have opened each foil pack, write down the date of opening on the foil lid. Add three months to this date and write it down in the "Discard After" space on the lid. Do not use any ampoules left in that foil tray after the "Discard After" date.
11. If I have been told to use my Salbutamol-GA ampoules regularly, what should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose at the normal time or earlier if you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest.
12. Can I let someone else use my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
Your Salbutamol-GA ampoules are only for you. You should not give this medicine to someone else.
13. Are there different types of asthma medicines?
Yes. Salbutamol-GA ampoules contain the type of asthma medicine known as a 'reliever'. There are other types of medicines that prevent wheezing or chest tightness. These medicines are called 'preventers' and must be used every day. Your doctor may tell you to use a 'preventer' medicine in addition to your Salbutamol-GA ampoules.
Salbutamol-GA ampoules are not the only form of salbutamol available. Your doctor will decide which form of salbutamol is right for you.
14. Is there anything else I should know about my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
If you have any other questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
15. Who supplies my Salbutamol-GA ampoules?
Your Salbutamol-GA is supplied by:
Ascent Pharma Pty. Ltd.
151 – 153 Clarendon Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Do not throw this leaflet away. You may need to read it again
Date of preparation: October 2012
Salbutamol-GA
2.5 mg in 2.5 ml, AUST R 199798
5 mg in 2.5 ml, AUST R 199799
Version 1.0