Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Combivent Respimat.
Cystic Fibrosis: People with cystic fibrosis may be more likely to have stomach discomfort (due to changes in how quickly food moves through the stomach and intestines) while using Combivent Respimat.
Diabetes: Ipratropium – salbutamol inhalation solution may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Combivent Respimat.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Combivent Respimat may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Combivent Respimat, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dizziness/blurred vision: Ipratropium - salbutamol may cause dizziness or blurred vision, affecting your ability to safely drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you know how Combivent Respimat affects you.
Heart conditions: Combivent Respimat can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, making certain heart conditions worse. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, heart failure, or have had a recent heart attack, discuss with your doctor how Combivent Respimat may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Combivent Respimat, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Inhalation-induced bronchospasm: Inhaled forms of medications may cause spasms of the airways, which make breathing difficult. If you experience this problem when using ipratropium - salbutamol, stop using Combivent Respimat immediately. Speak to your doctor if you experience any problems with breathing while taking this or other inhaled medications.
Pheochromocytoma: If you have been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland), discuss with your doctor how Combivent Respimat may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Combivent Respimat, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Potassium levels: Decreases in blood levels of potassium may occur with the use of Combivent Respimat. This rarely causes problems, but potassium levels should be monitored by your doctor. If you experience unexplained muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, or constipation, contact your doctor.
Thyroid disease: People who have an over-active thyroid gland may be more sensitive to the effects of ipratropium - salbutamol. If you have thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how Combivent Respimat may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Combivent Respimat, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Urinary tract problems: Ipratropium – salbutamol inhalation solution can cause difficulty with starting urine flow. If you have an enlarged prostate or bladder retention, discuss with your doctor how Combivent Respimat may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Combivent Respimat, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vision concerns: Combivent Respimat may cause symptoms of glaucoma or cause existing glaucoma to become worse. Avoid spraying Combivent Respimat into your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with clear water immediately. Report any changes in your vision, including blurred vision, halos, and eye pain, to your doctor immediately.
Worsening symptoms: If Combivent Respimat does not begin to help your symptoms quickly, or you find that you have increased difficulty breathing, or you need to use Combivent Respimat more frequently, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: The safety of ipratropium – salbutamol inhalation solution use during pregnancy has not been determined. Although Combivent Respimat should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, sometimes the benefit to the mother does outweigh risks to the developing baby. If you become pregnant while taking Combivent Respimat, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if ipratropium – salbutamol inhalation solution passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Combivent Respimat, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Combivent Respimat have not been established for children.
