Arcapta Neohaler (Indacaterol maleate) for COPD

Overview

Arcapta is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arcapta is not indicated for asthma or acute bronchospasms. Arcapta is also known by its drug name, Indacaterol maleate.

Arcapta is a bronchodilator, a drug that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Arcapta is believed to work by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways. Arcapta is considered a long-acting bronchodilator.

How do I take it?
Arcapta is inhaled orally once a day. Arcapta should be taken at the same time each day. The effects of Arcapta last for 24 hours.

Arcapta comes in capsules containing powder, which are sealed in a blister packet. The contents of the capsules must be inhaled using the specialized Neohaler inhaler. Do not open the blister packet until you are ready to take your dose. Never swallow Arcapta capsules.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Arcapta.

Results
Indacaterol maleate (Arcapta) was approved on the basis of six confirmatory trials involving a total of 5,474 people with COPD. Indacaterol maleate was consistently proven to improve lung function significantly compared with the placebo.

Side effects
Medications containing drugs similar to Arcapta have been shown to increase the risk of death in people with asthma. Arcapta is not indicated for the treatment of asthma.

Common side effects of Arcapta include cough, headache, pain in the mouth, sinuses or throat, stuffy nose, muscle pain, and nausea.

Inform your doctor if you experience chest tightness or pain, seizures, extreme thirst, fruity-smelling breath, increased urination, fainting, lightheadedness, skin rash, fast heart rate (tachycardia), swelling in your ankles or feet, or worsening COPD symptoms while taking Arcapta.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions which, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips or tongue.