COPD and Your Loved Ones

Whether you’re a spouse, relative, companion, or friend, discover the many ways you can help your loved one stay on treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can help your loved one:

  • stay on treatment
  • manage doctor appointments
  • find new interests, hobbies, and activities

…or just by being there to listen.

Keep in mind: You and your loved one are not alone. From support groups and instructional videos to informative blogs and online forums, it’s good to know you have a lifeline to a community of dedicated COPD caregivers. The following list will help you start exploring the resources available to people living with COPD and their loved ones.

PATIENT RESOURCES

American Lung Association

http://www.lungusa.org/

EFFORTS: Emphysema Foundation for Our Right to Survive

http://www.emphysema.net/default.asp

COPD Foundation

http://www.copdfoundation.org/

EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
National Jewish Medical and Research Center

http://www.nationaljewish.org/

Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation

http://perf2ndwind.org/

The National Emphysema Foundation

http://www.emphysemafoundation.org/

GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

http://www.cdc.gov/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

http://www.aaaai.org/

American College of Chest Physicians

http://www.chestnet.org/accp/

American Thoracic Society

http://www.thoracic.org/

COPD International

http://www.copd-international.com/

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease™ (GOLD)

http://www.goldcopd.org/

Next: Related Health Conditions >>

Important Safety Information

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is indicated for use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a regular aerosol bronchodilator who continue to have evidence of bronchospasm and who require a second bronchodilator.

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol should not be used in patients who:

  • Are allergic to soya lecithin or related food products such as soybeans and peanuts
  • Are allergic to any of the ingredients in COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol or to atropine or other similar drugs

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol can cause the narrowing of the airways to get worse (paradoxical bronchospasm) in some patients, which may be life threatening. If this happens, stop taking COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol at once and call your doctor or get emergency help.

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol can cause serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing), skin rash, hives, bronchospasm (airway narrowing), or anaphylaxis. If you experience any of these symptoms stop taking COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol at once and call your doctor or get emergency help.

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol can cause serious heart-related side effects, such as an increase in pulse, blood pressure, and/or related symptoms.

Deaths have been reported with similar inhaled medicines in asthma patients who use the medicine too much. Do not use COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol more often than your healthcare provider has directed.

Certain medical conditions may increase your risk of side effects.

Tell your healthcare provider about all your conditions and medicines you take, including if you:

  • Have narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Have prostate or urinary problems
  • Have a history of heart disease (e.g., reduced heart circulation, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure)
  • Have seizures
  • Have a thyroid disorder
  • Have diabetes
  • Have low potassium levels
  • Have kidney disease
  • Have liver disease
  • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
  • Are taking any heart medications or drugs to treat depression

Read the step-by-step Patient's Instructions for use before using this medicine.

Remember to vigorously shake your COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol for 10 seconds before each use or inhalation.

Do not get the spray into your eyes.

The most common side effects reported with use of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol include bronchitis, infection of the ears, nose, and throat, headache, shortness of breath, and cough.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including Patient Instructions for Use.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.