Cayston inhalation

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then wait at least 4 hours before using your next dose. Even if you miss a dose, you should still try to get all of your scheduled doses for the day, as long as they are spaced at least 4 hours apart. Do not use two doses at one time or use extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

This medication is used to treat people with a certain inherited condition (cystic fibrosis) who have a persistent lung infection with a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). People with cystic fibrosis produce thick, sticky mucus that can plug up the tubes, ducts and passageways in the lungs. This can result in serious breathing problems and infections in the lungs.

Aztreonam belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-lactams. Aztreonam inhalation solution works by stopping the growth of a certain bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that commonly infects the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. This effect decreases lung infections and damage, decreases the use of other antibiotics, and helps to improve breathing.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as the common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to use Cayston Vial For Nebulizer

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Learn and follow all instructions for the use of this medication and the nebulizer. Children may need help from an adult to use this medication properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

Before treatment with inhaled aztreonam, you should inhale a bronchodilator (such as albuterol, formoterol, salmeterol). Ask your pharmacist or doctor how soon to pre-treat with the specific bronchodilator you are using.

Use this medication with the nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually three times a day (every 8 hours). Each treatment lasts about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not swallow or inject this medication. This medicine is usually used for 28 days in a row, followed by 28 days without this medication, repeating the cycle until your doctor directs you to stop.

Each vial of aztreonam is for one-time use. Inspect each vial before use. Discard the vial if the prepared solution is cloudy or has particles in it, or if it has expired or has been stored at room temperature for longer than 28 days. Use all of the contents of the vial for each dose immediately after mixing the medication. Do not mix aztreonam with any other medicines in the nebulizer.

Do not use other forms of aztreonam in the nebulizer. Other forms of aztreonam may contain arginine which can cause breathing problems if inhaled.

For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Cayston (aztreonam) is an antibiotic that fights severe or life-threatening infection caused by bacteria.

Cayston inhalation is used to improve breathing symptoms in people who have cystic fibrosis and a certain bacteria in their lungs. This medication is for use in adults and children who are at least 7 years old.

Cayston may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Cayston if you are allergic to aztreonam.

Before using Cayston, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any type of antibiotic, especially:

• cephalosporins such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex), and others;

• penicillins such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag), ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), penicillin (Bicillin L-A, PC Pen VK, Pfizerpen), and others; or

• similar antibiotics such as ertapenem (Invanz), imipenem (Primaxin), or meropenem (Merrem).

FDA pregnancy category B. Cayston is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Aztreonam can pass into breast milk. Do not use Cayston without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use Cayston exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Cayston inhalation should be used only with an Altera brand nebulizer. Do not use any other type of nebulizer or inhaler device with this medication. Do not mix other medicines with Cayston in the nebulizer.

Cayston inhalation is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) just before using it. Be sure you understand how to properly mix the medication before pouring it into the nebulizer.

Prepare Cayston in the nebulizer only when you are ready to give yourself a dose. Swirl the mixture gently until the powder has dissolved, then pour the mixture into the handset of the nebulizer. Use the medicine right away after placing it in the nebulizer. Do not save it for later use.

Do not use the medication if it looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Each vial (bottle) of Cayston and each ampule of diluent are for one use only. Throw away the empty bottle and ampule after mixing one dose, even if there is diluent left in the ampule.

Cayston inhalation is usually given 3 times daily for 28 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Your doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart.

You may need to use a bronchodilator medication before each dose of Cayston inhalation. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type of bronchodilator to use and when to use it.

Use Cayston for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Cayston will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Do not give this medication to another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Store the powder and diluent in the refrigerator, do not freeze. After taking the powder and diluent out of the refrigerator, you may store them at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. This medicine must be used within 28 days if you keep it at room temperature.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Common side effects of Cayston include: fever. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to aztreonam: inhalation powder for solution

Other dosage forms:

• powder for solution, solution

Along with its needed effects, aztreonam (the active ingredient contained in Cayston) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aztreonam:

• Chest discomfort
• cough
• difficulty with breathing or troubled breathing
• fever

• Noisy breathing
• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest

Some side effects of aztreonam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• sore throat
• stuffy nose
• vomiting

• Rash