Xopenex ratings & reviews

Levalbuterol
Company: Akorn
Brand: Xopenex
Drug class: Respiratory System
+3 more
Respiratory System, Agents for Reactive and Obstructive Airway Diseases, Beta-2 Agonists, Respiratory Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABA)

Sermo AI Overview

  • Xopenex is generally viewed positively for its efficacy in treating asthma, with an average physician rating of 4.1. However, some specialists question its added benefits compared to albuterol, considering higher costs as a significant factor.
  • Physicians' views on Xopenex efficacy vary across specialties, with emergency medicine reporting a mixed experience, while pulmonology specialists express higher confidence. This split opinion affects overall prescribing practices.
  • Despite its positive safety profile, with a trustworthiness score of 4.2, some physicians express concerns over Xopenex's cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives like albuterol, highlighting a perceived lack of clear additional benefits.
  • Patient adherence to Xopenex shows variability, with an average adherence rating of 3.6. This indicates that some patients may face challenges in using the medication consistently as prescribed, impacting treatment outcomes.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Xopenex's active ingredient is levalbuterol hydrochloride, a form of (R)-albuterol hydrochloride. It acts as a selective beta-adrenergic receptor agonist. Xopenex is formulated as an inhalation solution in unit-dose vials and is administered by nebulization. The solution contains inactive ingredients such as edetate disodium, sodium chloride, and sulfuric acid.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose and into your lungs. Do not mix this medication with other medications in the nebulizer. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed. This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you take this medication on a regular basis, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication 2 weeks after opening the foil pouch or after it expires, whichever is first. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing -Increase in blood pressure -Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat -Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Dizziness -Headache -Tremors or shaking -Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: -Diabetes -Heart disease -High blood pressure -Irregular heartbeat or rhythm -Kidney disease -Pheochromocytoma -Seizures -Thyroid disease -An unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalbuterol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat -Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions -Diuretics -MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If your symptoms get worse or if you are using this medication more than normal, call your care team right away. You and your care team should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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