Pulmonary and Cardiac Medications: Inhalers, Anticoagulants, and Diabetes Drugs

IPRATROPIUM/ALBUTEROL

Brand: Combivent Respimat, Class: Anticholinergic/Selective β2-Agonist Combination Indications: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Counseling: Instruct patient on appropriate inhaler technique. Wash the mouthpiece in warm water and air-dry thoroughly daily Store the inhaler at room temperature; avoid excessive humidity; do not freeze.

FLUTICASONE/SALMETEROL

Brand: Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, AirDuo RespiClick, Wixela Inhub, Class: Inhaled Corticosteroid and Long-Acting β2-Adrenergic Agonist Combination, Indications:Asthma, COPD, Counseling: rinse mouth with water after each use to prevent oral infections.

BUDESONIDE/FORMOTEROL

Brand: Symbicort, Class: Inhaled Corticosteroid/Bronchodilator Combination, Indications: Asthma, COPD, Counseling: If >1 inhalation is prescribed, wait 1 min after initial inhalation and shake the inhaler again before the next inhalation. After administration, rinse mouth with water and spit, and wash face to minimize risk of developing oral candidiasis. Wash the mouthpiece and air-dry thoroughly at least once a week.

TIOTROPIUM

Brand: Spiriva HandiHaler, Spiriva Respimat, Class: Anticholinergic Bronchodilator, Indications: Asthma, COPD, Counseling: This drug may cause increased HR, dry mouth, constipation, urinary difficulty and retention, respiratory tract infection, and sinusitis. When using HandiHaler, patients should inhale the contents of each capsule twice to ensure drug delivery.

ALBUTEROL

Brand: ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, ProAir Respiclick, Class: Selective β2-Adrenergic Agonist. Indications: Asthma (acute exacerbation)(bronchospasm) , pulmonary disease. Counseling: priming and shaking well before using. Wash the mouthpiece and air dry thoroughly at least once a week. When inhaling contents, hold breath for at least 10 s, if possible, to allow albuterol to travel deeper into the lungs.

MONTELUKAST

Brand: Singulair, Various. Class: Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist. Indications: Asthma, Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, Seasonal allergic rhinitis. Counseling: Report increased use of short-acting inhaled bronchodilators and advise patients not to discontinue or decrease the dose of other asthma medications unless instructed by a HCP. Patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis should take dose in the evening.

METFORMIN

Brand: Glucophage. Class: Biguanide, Hypoglycemic. Indications: Diabetes mellitus type 2. Counseling: Take with meals. Drink plenty of liquids to improve elimination of metformin. Avoid alcohol; this increases the risk of lactic acidosis.

GLIPIZIDE

Brand: Glucotrol. Class: Second-Generation Sulfonylurea, Antidiabetic. Indications: Diabetes mellitus. Counseling: Monitor blood glucose in frequent intervals, eat candy or sugar and contact HCP. Use a sunscreen and avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Do not drink alcohol; may cause a disulfiram reaction. Take 30 min before morning meal. Do not chew or crush extended-release formulation.

Empagliflozin

LIRAGLUTIDE

Brand: Victoza, Saxenda. Class: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-Receptor Agonist. Indications: Diabetes mellitus type 2, Chronic weight management. Counseling: Monitor blood glucose periodically eat non-sugar-free candy, glucose tablets, or drink a glass of juice and contact prescriber. Administer in upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Change needle for each injection; do not share pens, even if needle is changed. If also using insulin, administer with separate injection in a nonadjacent area. Can be injected without regard to meals.

Aspirin

Clopidogrel

Brand: Plavix, Class: Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors: Blood clots, Counseling: Report signs/symptoms of bleeding, do not stop abruptly

Ticagrelor

Brand: Brilinta, Class: Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors: , Counseling: Heart issues, Counseling: Report signs/symptoms of bleeding, Do not stop therapy abruptly

Enoxaparin

Brand: Lovenox, Class: Anticoagulant, Indications: After surgery Cousneling: Do not mix with other injectable medications. Monitor for signs of thrombosis and bleeding complications. In order to minimize bruising, do not rub injection site after administration.

Rivaroxaban

Brand: Xarelto, Class: Anticoagulant Indications: Prevention of thromboembolism in patients after orthopedic surgery Counseling: signs and symptoms of bleeding and interactions with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, including OTC medications. Warn of risks of epidural (spinal) anesthesia while taking rivaroxaban. Doses ≥15 mg should be taken with food. If taking for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, take with evening meal.

Apixaban

Brand: Eliquis, Class: Factor Xa Inhibitor, Indications: Atrial fibrillation, Hip or knee replacement surgery Counseling: Seek medical attention if any unexpected bleeding or trouble breathing. Take with or without food. Do not stop taking apixaban without talking with your HCP

Warfarin

Brand: Coumadin, Indications: Anticoagulation Prevention of transient ischemic attacks Counseling: Report signs/symptoms of hemorrhage, skin and tissue necrosis. Avoid situations/activities in which cuts, bruising, or injury is likely to occur. Many significant drug-drug interactions; consult health-care professional prior to new prescription or OTC use. Avoid alcohol, cranberry products, and drastic changes in vitamin K consumption from diet

Ondansetron

Brand: Zofran, Class: Antiemetic, Indications: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting Counseling: Dry hands before handling disintegrating tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Do not push the oral disintegrating tablet through the foil. Place tablet in mouth, allow to melt, swallow, or drink water. Drinking water while taking is not required.