Viloresp Pulmicaps

VILORESP PULMICAPS

VILORESP PULMICAPS, manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Limited, is a combination medication designed for respiratory conditions. It is available in different strengths, such as Viloresp 100/25 Pulmicaps and Viloresp 200 Pulmicaps.

Composition VILORESP PULMICAPS contains a combination of two active ingredients:

• Fluticasone Furoate: An inhaled corticosteroid, typically 100mcg or 200mcg.
• Vilanterol: A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), typically 25mcg. Fluticasone Furoate works by inhibiting the release of chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions, while Vilanterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles and opens the airways of the lungs, making breathing easier.

Uses VILORESP PULMICAPS is prescribed for the long-term management and prevention of symptoms associated with:

• Asthma: It helps control symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath by reducing inflammation and improving lung function.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where it helps improve airflow obstruction and reduce exacerbations. This medicine is for maintenance treatment and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks; a quick-relief inhaler should be used in such instances.

Dosage and Administration VILORESP PULMICAPS is for inhalation use only and should be used as advised by a doctor. The dosage and duration of treatment will be recommended based on the patient's condition. To maximize its effectiveness, it is crucial to use the correct inhaler technique and take it regularly, even if symptoms are not present. Rinsing the mouth with water and spitting it out or brushing teeth after each inhalation is recommended to prevent fungal infections.

Side Effects Common side effects may include:

• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Headache
• Cough
• Low fever
• Chest tightness
• Stuffy nose
• Fungal infection in the mouth (oral candidiasis)
• Nausea, stomach upset, vomiting
• Dizziness, nervousness
• Nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis
• Back pain, pneumonia, bronchitis, oropharyngeal pain, joint pain. If side effects persist or worsen, medical consultation is advised.

Precautions

• Avoid use if allergic to any components.
• Inform your doctor if you have other lung infections, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, or kidney/liver problems.
• Caution is advised if taking immunosuppressant medicines.
• Not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before use.
• Regular monitoring of potassium and blood sugar levels is recommended during treatment.
• This medicine should not be used for life-threatening conditions of asthma or COPD.

Storage Store VILORESP PULMICAPS in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should be kept below 25°C or 30°C and out of the sight and reach of children.

Viloresp Pulmicaps, manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Limited, is an inhalation medicine containing a combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. It is primarily used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Here are some frequently asked questions about Viloresp Pulmicaps:

What is Viloresp Pulmicaps used for?

Viloresp Pulmicaps is used to control and prevent symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, and to manage symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps improve lung function and reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD. It is not intended for the relief of sudden asthma attacks; a quick-relief inhaler (reliever) should be used for acute symptoms.

How does Viloresp Pulmicaps work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients: Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol. Fluticasone Furoate is an inhaled corticosteroid that works by inhibiting the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions, thereby reducing inflammation and allergies in the lungs. Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles and opens the airways of the lungs, making breathing easier.

What is the usual dosage?

For the treatment of asthma and COPD, the typical adult dosage is one inhalation once a day. Each inhalation usually contains 100 or 200 micrograms (mcg) of fluticasone and 25 mcg of vilanterol. For children aged 12 to 17 years, one inhalation once a day, typically containing 100 mcg of fluticasone and 25 mcg of vilanterol, is recommended. For children aged 5 to 11 years, the dose is one inhalation once a day, with 50 mcg of fluticasone and 25 mcg of vilanterol. The precise dose and duration of treatment should always be as advised by your doctor. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose of one inhalation per day.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of Viloresp Pulmicaps may include nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), upper respiratory tract infection, headache, fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush), back pain, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus inflammation, cough, oropharyngeal pain, joint pain, high blood pressure, influenza, sore throat, and fever. To help prevent fungal infections in the mouth, it is advised to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each inhalation.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Limited data is available on the effect of Viloresp Pulmicaps during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to inform your doctor. Your doctor will assess the potential benefits against the risks before prescribing this medicine.

Can it be taken with other medications?

It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and other inhaled medicines. Viloresp Pulmicaps should be used with caution if you are taking immunosuppressant medicines, as this can increase the risk of serious infections. Strong CYP 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, indinavir) may increase the systemic exposure and potential side effects of the corticosteroid and vilanterol components. Your doctor should be consulted regarding potential drug interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Avoid Viloresp Pulmicaps if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have other lung infections, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, kidney/liver disease, or if you are taking immunosuppressant medicines. Regular monitoring of potassium and blood sugar levels may be recommended. It is crucial to use proper inhaler technique to ensure the medicine works effectively. Do not stop using the medicine without consulting your doctor, as this may worsen your condition. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited while on this medication, and you should not smoke.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should it be stored?

Viloresp Pulmicaps should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. The recommended storage temperature is between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not open and close the cover unnecessarily, as this can lead to loss of the medicine.