Bevespi (glycopyrrolate and formoterol) is a broncho-inhaler that can be prescribed for long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There’s a more detailed explanation of the symptoms, causes, and treatments of COPD
here.
Bevespi combines formoterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicine, and glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic [LAMA]. There is a risk of serious asthma-related events when LABA medicines such as formoterol are used alone. By combining glycopyrrolate and formoterol, this risk is reduced significantly.
Bevespi is not a rescue inhaler and is not used to treat sudden attacks of difficulty in breathing. For this, a rescue inhaler such as
Ventolin is required. Bevespi is also not intended to treat asthma. For this, a specialized medication such as
QVAR is recommended.
Dosage
The usual treatment that is prescribed is two puffs of Bevespi twice each day. Do not use it more than twice a day. The inhaler delivers 120 puffs, which corresponds to 30 days.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.Â
Call a doctor or 911 right away, or go to an emergency room immediately if a sudden allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs immediately after taking a puff, such as swelling of the face, tongue or throat makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, or there is wheezing, hives, rash, or sloughing of the skin,Â
Bevespi can cause serious side effects, including:
- Sudden breathing problems immediately after inhaling a dose
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Tremors
- Nervousness
- Eye pain or discomfort, visual disturbances causing nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, seeing halos or bright colors around lights, and red eyes.
- Urinary retention, difficulty urinating, painful, interrupted, or frequent urination.
If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking the medicine and call a doctor as soon as possible.
Some other possible mild side effects are:
- Indigestion
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation of the throat and nasal passages (nasopharyngitis)
- Cough
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Urinary tract infection
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is mainly caused by emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
The early symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, chronic coughs, recurrent respiratory tract infection, production of excessive phlegm (mucus), and wheezing sounds when breathing. As the condition worsens, the symptoms may include fatigue due to difficulty breathing and cyanosis (lack of oxygen in the blood.)