Generic name: ciclesonide (inhalation) [ sye-KLES-oh-nide ]
Drug class: Inhaled corticosteroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 20, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Alvesco HFA?

Alvesco HFA is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Alvesco HFA is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children who are at least 12 years.

Alvesco HFA may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Alvesco HFA will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don''t work as well.

Before taking this medicine

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Alvesco HFA.

To make sure Alvesco HFA is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• tuberculosis;

• an infection of your mouth or throat (such as oral thrush);

• glaucoma or history of cataracts;

• herpes infection of your eyes; or

• a personal or family history of osteoporosis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Alvesco HFA 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 ciclesonide inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Alvesco HFA can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Alvesco HFA.

How should I use Alvesco HFA?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Alvesco HFA will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don''t work as well.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the inhaler device. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Alvesco HFA is most often used once daily, in the morning or evening. Follow your doctor''s instructions. Rinse your mouth after inhaling this medication.

The inhaler device must be primed before your first use or any time you have not used the inhaler for 10 days or longer. For instructions on how to prime the inhaler, refer to the patient instructions provided with your medication.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Your dose needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor''s advice.

Call your doctor right away if you feel that Alvesco HFA makes your condition worse.

You should not stop using Alvesco HFA suddenly. Follow your doctor''s instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of Alvesco HFA is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using ciclesonide inhalation?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Alvesco HFA side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alvesco HFA may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);

• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat;

• vision problems, such as tunnel vision or blurred vision; or

• worsening asthma symptoms.

Common side effects of Alvesco HFA may include:

• unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• dry mouth, burning or irritation in your mouth;

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;

• hoarse voice;

• mild itching or skin rash;

• joint pain, back pain; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Alvesco HFA?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Alvesco HFA, especially:

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;

• an antifungal medication--clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole;

• HIV/AIDS medicine--atazanavir, delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir (Norvir); or

• an antidepressant such as nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ciclesonide inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01.

Alvimopan

Generic name: alvimopan [ AL-vi-MOE-pan ]
Brand name: Entereg
Dosage form: oral capsule (12 mg)
Drug class: Peripheral opioid receptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 1, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is alvimopan?

Alvimopan reduces certain side effects of opioid medicine used to prevent pain after surgery. Some side effects of opioid medicine (stomach pain, bloating, constipation) can delay recovery after surgery on your stomach or intestines.

Alvimopan will not reduce the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.

Alvimopan is also used to help restore normal digestive functioning after surgery to remove a portion of your intestine.

Alvimopan is available only under a special program, and you will receive only 15 doses. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of alvimopan.

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

Warnings

You should not use alvimopan if you have severe liver or kidney disease, or if you have used an opioid medicine for more than 7 days in a row just before your surgery.

Some people had heart attacks while taking alvimopan long-term during clinical studies. It is not clear whether alvimopan is the actual cause of heart attack. alvimopan should not be used for longer than 7 days after your surgery.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use alvimopan if you have severe liver or kidney disease.

Do not take alvimopan if you have used opioid medicine for more than 7 days in a row just before your intestinal surgery. Opioid medicines include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and many others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart disease or prior heart attack;

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• a colostomy or ileostomy;

• a pancreas disorder; or

• if you have recently used any type of opioid medicine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is alvimopan given?

Alvimopan is given only in a hospital for a short period of time.

You will receive your first dose of alvimopan before your surgery. You will then be given additional doses 2 times per day for up to 7 days.

alvimopan should not be used for longer than 7 days after your surgery.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving alvimopan?

Follow your doctor''s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Alvimopan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people had heart attacks while taking alvimopan long-term. It is not clear whether alvimopan is the actual cause of a heart attack. Call your doctor at once if you have heart attack symptoms, such as:

• chest pain or pressure;

• pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;

• anxiety, nausea, sweating.

Common side effect may include indigestion.

You may be more likely to have unpleasant effects on your stomach if you used any type of opioid medicine shortly before your surgery.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alvimopan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Gastrointestinal Surgery:

FOR HOSPITAL USE ONLY:
Initial dose: 12 mg orally ONCE, administered 30 minutes to 5 hours prior to surgery
Maintenance dose: 12 mg orally 2 times a day, beginning the day after surgery
Maximum dose: Up to 15 doses
Duration of treatment: 7 days OR until discharge

Comment:
-This drug is contraindicated in patients who have taken therapeutic doses of opioids for more than 7 consecutive days immediately prior.

Use: To accelerate the time to upper and lower gastrointestinal recovery following surgeries that include partial bowel resection with primary anastomosis

What other drugs will affect alvimopan?

Other drugs may affect alvimopan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have used opioid medicine within the past 7 days. Opioid medicine is usually given to treat moderate to severe pain. Some prescription cough medications also contain opioids.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01.