Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Beclometasone dipropionate, Formoterol fumarate dihydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for Proxor is a pressurised inhalation solution containing two active substances which are inhaled through your mouth and delivered directly into your lungs. The two active substances are beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Beclometasone dipropionate belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids which have an anti-inflammatory action reducing the swelling and irritation in your lungs. Formoterol fumarate dihydrate belongs to a group of medicines called long-acting bronchodilators which relax the muscles in your airways and helps you to breathe more easily. Together these two active substances make breathing easier, by providing relief from symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough in patients with asthma or COPD and also help to prevent the symptoms of asthma. Asthma Proxor is indicated in the regular treatment of asthma in adult patients in whom: e asthma is not adequately controlled by using inhaled Corticosteroids and "as needed" short-acting bronchodilators
or e asthma is responding well to treatment with corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators.
both
COPD Proxor can also be used to treat the symptoms of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult patients. COPD is a long term disease of the airways in the lungs which is primarily caused by cigarette smoking.
e Proxor Do not use Proxor: e if you are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or formoterol fumarate dihydrate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Proxor: e lf you have any heart problems, such as angina (heart pain, pain in the chest), a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction), heart failure, narrowing of the arteries around your heart (coronary heart disease), valvular heart disease or any other known abnormalities of your heart or if you have a condition known as hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (also known as HOCM, a condition where the heart muscle is abnormal). If you have narrowing of the arteries (also known as arteriosclerosis), if you have high blood pressure or if you know that you have an aneurysm (an abnormal bulging of the blood vessel wall). If you have disorders of your heart rhythm such as increased or irregular heart rate, a fast pulse rate or palpitations or if you have been told that your heart trace is abnormal. If you have an overactive thyroid gland. If you have low blood levels of potassium. If you have any disease of your liver or kidneys. If you have diabetes (if you inhale high doses of formoterol your blood glucose may increase and therefore you may need to have some additional blood tests to check your blood sugar when you start using this inhaler and from time to time during treatment). If you have a tumour of the adrenal gland (known as a phaeochromocytoma). If you are due to have an anaesthetic. Depending on the type of anaesthetic, it may be necessary to stop taking Proxor at least 12 hours before the anaesthesia. If you are being, or have ever been, treated for tuberculosis (TB) or if you have a known viral or fungal infection of your chest. e lf you must avoid alcohol for any reason. If any of the above applies to you, always inform your doctor before you use Proxor. If you have or had any medical problems or any allergies or if you are not sure as to whether you can use Proxor talk to your doctor, asthma nurse or pharmacist before using this medicine. Treatment with a beta-2-agonist like the formoterol contained in Proxor can cause a sharp fall in your serum potassium level (hypokalaemia). If you have severe asthma, you should take special care. This is because a lack of oxygen in the blood and some other treatments you may be taking together with Proxor, such as medicines for treating heart disease or high blood pressure, known as diuretics or "water tablets" or other medicines used to treat asthma can make the fall in potassium level worse. For this reason, your doctor may wish to measure the potassium levels in your blood from time to time. If you take higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids over long periods, you may have more of a need for corticosteroids in situations of stress. Stressful situations might include being taken to hospital after an accident, having a serious injury or before an operation. In this case, the doctor treating you will decide whether you may need to increase your dose of corticosteroids and may prescribe some steroid tablets or a steroid injection. Should you need to go to the hospital, remember to take all of your medicines and inhalers with you, including Proxor and any medicines or tablets bought without a prescription, in their original packaging, if possible. Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Children and adolescents Proxor should not be used in children and adolescent less than 18 years old, until further data becomes available. Other medicines and Proxor: Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines including medicines obtained without a prescription. Some medicines may increase the effects of Proxor and your doctor may wish to monitor you carefully if you are taking these medicines (including some medicines for HIV: ritonavir, cobicistat). Do not use beta blockers with this medicine. Beta blockers such as atenolol, propranolol and sotalol are used to treat a number of conditions including high blood pressure and heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure; timolol is used to treat glaucoma. If you need to use beta blockers, and including beta blockers in eye-drops, the effect of formoterol may be reduced or formoterol may not work at all. On the other hand, using other beta adrenergic medicinal products (medicines which work in the same way as formoterol) may increase the effects of formoterol. Using Proxor together with: © medicines for treating abnormal heart rhythms (quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide), medicines used to treat allergic reactions (antihistamines), medicines for treating symptoms of depression or mental disorders such as monoaminoxidase inhibitors (for example phenelzine and isocarboxazid), tricyclic antidepressants (for example amitryptiline and imipramine), phenothiazines can cause some changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG, heart trace). They may also increase the risk of disturbances of heart rhythm (ventricular arrhythmias). ¢ medicines for treating Parkinson's Disease (L-dopa), to treat an underactive thyroid gland (L-thyroxine), medicines containing oxytocin (which causes uterine contraction) and alcohol can lower your heart's tolerance to beta-2 agonists, such as formoterol. © monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including medicines with similar properties like furazolidone and procarbazine, used to treat mental disorders, can cause a rise in blood
pressure. ¢ medicines for treating heart disease (digoxin) can cause a fall in your blood potassium level. This may increase the likelihood of abnormal heart rhythms. e other medicines used to treat asthma (theophylline, aminophylline or steroids) and diuretics (water tablets) may Cause a fall in your potassium level.
e Some anaesthetics can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Pregnancy, breast- feeding and fertility There are no Clinical data on the use of Proxor during pregnancy. Proxor must not be used if you are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding, unless you are advised to do so by your doctor. Driving and using machines Proxor is unlikely to affect your ability to drive and use machines. However, if you experience side effects such as dizziness and/or trembling, your ability to drive or operate machinery may be affected. Proxor contains alcohol This medicine contains 7 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each
actuation which is equivalent to 0.19 mg/kg per dose of two actuations. The amount in of this medicine is equivalent to less than1 ml beer or1 ml wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects. 3. How to use Proxor Proxor is for inhalation use. Proxor should be inhaled via your mouth into your lungs. Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The pharmacist's label will tell you how many puffs to take and how often they must be taken.
Dose Asthma Your doctor will give you a regular check-up to make sure you are taking the optimal dose of Proxor. Your doctor will adjust your treatment to the lowest dose that best controls your symptoms. Proxor can be prescribed by your doctor in two different ways: a)Use Proxor every day to treat your asthma together with a separate "reliever" inhaler to treat sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, such as shortness of
breath, wheezing and cough Adults and the elderly: The recommended dose of this medicine is one or two puffs twice daily. The maximum daily dose is 4 puffs. Remember: You should always have your quick-acting "reliever" inhaler with you at all times to treat worsening symptoms of asthma or a sudden asthma attack. b) Use Proxor every day to treat your asthma and also use Proxor to treat sudden worsening of your asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough Adults and the elderly: The recommended dose is one puff in the morning and one puff in the evening. You should also use Proxor as a "reliever" inhaler to treat sudden asthma symptoms. lf you get asthma symptoms, take one puff and wait a few minutes. If you do not feel better, take another puff. Do not take more than 6 Proxor "reliever" puffs per day. The maximum daily dose of Proxor as your only asthma inhaler is 8 puffs. lf you feel you need more puffs each day to control your asthma symptoms, contact your doctor to seek his advice. He may need to change your treatment. Use in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age: Children and adolescents aged less than 18 years must NOT take this medicine.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Adults and the elderly: The recommended dose is two puffs in the morning and two puffs in the evening. At-risk patients: Older people do not need to have their dose adjusted. No information is available regarding the use of Proxor in people with liver or kidney problems. Proxor is effective for the treatment of asthma in a dose of beclometasone dipropionate which may be lower than that of some other inhalers containing beclometasone dipropionate. If you have been using a different inhaler containing beclometasone dipropionate previously, your doctor will advise you on the exact dose of Proxor you should take for your asthma. Do not increase the dose If you feel that the medicine is not very effective, always talk to your doctor before increasing the dose. If you use more Proxor than you should: e Taking more formoterol than you should can have the following effects: feeling sick, being sick, heart racing, palpitations, disturbances of heart rhythm, certain changes in the electrocardiogram (heart trace), headache, trembling, feeling sleepy, too much acid in the blood, low blood potassium levels, high levels of glucose in the blood. Your doctor may wish to carry out some blood tests to check your blood potassium and blood glucose levels. e Taking too much beclometasone dipropionate can lead to short-term problems with your adrenal glands. This will get better within a few days however your doctor may need to carry out some blood tests to check your serum cortisol levels. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. If you forget to use Proxor: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the dose you have missed, just take the next dose at the correct time. Do not double the dose. If you stop using Proxor: Do not lower the dose or stop using the medication. Even if you are feeling better, do not stop taking Proxor or lower the dose. If you want to do this, talk to your doctor. It is very important for you to use Proxor regularly even though you may have no symptoms. If your breathing gets worse: If you develop worsening shortness of breath or wheezing (breathing with an audible whistling sound), straight after inhaling your medicine, stop using Proxor inhaler immediately and use your quick-acting "reliever" inhaler straightaway. You should contact your doctor straightaway. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and if necessary may start you on a different course of treatment. See also section 4. Possible side effects If your asthma gets worse: If your symptoms get worse or are difficult to control (e.g. if you are using a separate "reliever" inhaler or Proxor as reliever inhaler more frequently) or if your "reliever" inhaler or Proxor does not improve your symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Your asthma may be getting worse and your doctor may need to increase your dose of Proxor or prescribe alternative treatment. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Method of administration: This medicine is contained in a pressurised canister in a plastic casing with a mouthpiece. There is a counter for the 120 doses actuations and a dose indicator for the 180 actuations on the back of the inhaler, which tells you how many doses are left. For the pack size containing 120 actuations, each time you press the canister, a puff of medicine is released and the counter will count down by one. Take care not to drop the inhaler as this may cause the counter to count down. For the pack size containing 180 actuations, the dose indicator will show the approximate number of actuations (sprays) remaining in the canister. The dose-indicator window displays the number of sprays left in the inhaler in units of twenty (e.g., 180, 120, 100, 80, etc). When 20 actuations remain, so that the display shows the number 20 it indicates that the canister is closer to its end of life. When 180 actuations have been discharged, the display shows the number 0. The indicator will stop moving at "0". Testing your inhaler Before using the inhaler for the first time or if you have not used the inhaler for 14 days or more, you should test your inhaler to make sure that it is working properly. 1. Remove the protective cap from the mouthpiece 2. Hold your inhaler upright with the mouthpiece at the bottom 3. Direct the mouthpiece away from yourself 4. If you are using the inhaler for the first time firmly depress the canister 1 time to release a puff to depress the canister. 5. If you have not used the inhaler for 14 days or more firmly depress the canister once to release one puff. 6. For the pack size containing 120 actuation check the dose counter. Check the dose counter. If you are testing your inhaler for the first time, the counter should read 120. 7. For the pack size containing 180 actuation check the dose indicator. Check the dose counter. If you are testing your inhaler for the first time, the counter should read 180.
DOSE COUNTER
DOSE INDICATOR
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your inhaler Whenever possible, stand or sit in an upright position when
inhaling.
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1. Remove the protective cap from the mouthpiece and check that the mouthpiece is clean and free from dust and dirt or any other foreign objects. 2. Breathe out as slowly and deeply as possible. 3. Hold the canister vertically with its body upwards and put your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not bite on the mouthpiece. 4. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth and, just after starting to breathe in press down firmly on the top of the inhaler to release one puff. If you have weak hands, it may be easier to hold the inhaler with both hands: hold the upper part of the inhaler with both index fingers and its lower part with both thumbs. 5. Hold your breath for as long as possible and, finally, remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out slowly. Do not breathe into the inhaler. If you need to take another puff, keep the inhaler in the vertical position for about half a minute, then repeat steps 2 to 5. Important: Do not perform steps 2 to 5 too quickly. After use, close with the protective cap and check the dose counter for the pack size containing 120 doses and the dose indicator for the pack size containing 180 actuations. To lower the risk of a fungal infection in the mouth and throat, rinse your mouth, gargle with water or brush your teeth each time you use your inhaler. When to replace your inhaler You should get a replacement when the counter or the dose indicator shows the number 20. Stop using the inhaler when the counter or the dose indicator shows 0 as any puffs left in the device may not be enough to give you a full dose. If you see 'mist' coming from the top of the inhaler or the sides of your mouth, this means that Proxor will not be getting into your lungs as it should. Take another puff, following the instruction starting again from step 2. If you think the effect of Proxor is too much or not enough, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you find it difficult to operate the inhaler while starting to breathe in you may use the AeroChamber Plus spacer device. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or a nurse about this device. It is important that you read the package leaflet which is supplied with your AeroChamber Plus spacer device and that you follow the instructions on how to use and how to clean it, carefully. Cleaning You should clean your inhaler once a week. When cleaning, do not remove the canister from the actuator and do not use water or other liquids to clean your inhaler. To clean your inhaler: 1. Remove the protective cap from the mouthpiece by pulling it away from your inhaler. 2. Wipe inside and outside of the mouthpiece and the actuator with a clean, dry cloth or tissue. 3. Replace the mouthpiece cover 4, Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. As with other inhaler treatments there is a risk of worsening shortness of breath and wheezing immediately after using Proxor and this is known as paradoxical bronchospasm. If this occurs, you should STOP using Proxor immediately and use your quick-acting "reliever" inhaler straightaway to treat the symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing. You should contact your doctor straightaway. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any hypersensitivity reactions like skin allergies, skin itching, skin rash, reddening of the skin, swelling of the skin or mucous membranes especially of the eyes, face, lips and throat. Other possible side effects are listed below according to their frequency. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): e fungal infections (of the mouth and throat), headache, hoarseness, sore throat Pneumonia in COPD patients: Tell your doctor if you have any of the following while taking Proxor as they could be symptoms of a lung infection: ¢ fever or chills e increased mucus production, change in mucus colour increased cough or increased breathing difficulties Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Palpitations, unusually fast heart beat and heart rhythm disorders, some changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG), flu like symptoms, fungal infections of the vagina, sinus inflammation rhinitis, inflammation of the ear, throat irritation, cough and productive cough, asthma attack. Nausea, abnormal or impaired sense of taste, burning of the lips, dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhoea. Pain in muscle and muscle cramps, reddening of the face, increased blood flow to some tissues in the body, excessive sweating, trembling, restlessness, dizziness, nettle rash or hives. Alterations of some constituents of the blood: fall in the number of white blood cells, increase in the number of blood platelets, fall in the level of potassium in the blood, increase in blood sugar level, increase in the blood level of insulin, free fatty acid and ketones. The following side effects have also been reported as "uncommon" in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: e reduction of the amount of cortisol in the blood; this is caused by the effect of corticosteroids on your adrenal gland e irregular heart beat Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Chest tightness, missed heartbeat (caused by premature contraction of the heart's ventricles), decrease and increase in blood pressure, kidney inflammation, swelling of skin and mucous membrane persisting for several days Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Shortness of breath, worsening of asthma, a fall in the number of blood platelets, swelling of the hands and feet Using high-dose inhaled corticosteroids over a long time can cause in very rare cases systemic effects. These include: Problems with how your adrenal glands work (adreno-suppression), decrease in bone mineral density (thinning of the bones), increased pressure in your eyes (glaucoma), cataracts, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density (thinning of the bones) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): ¢ Sleeping problems, depression or feeling worried, restless, nervous, over-excited or irritable. These events are more likely to occur in children e Blurred vision Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Proxor 6. Contents of the pack and other information
Proxor Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Before use: store the inhaler in a refrigerator (at 2-8°C) for a maximum of 18 months. After first use: Use the inhaler for a maximum of three months and do not store above 25 °C. Do not use the inhaler after this period and never use it after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and label after "EXP". Expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not freeze. If the inhaler has been exposed to severe cold, warm it with your hands for a few minutes before using. Never warm it by artificial means. Warning: The canister contains a pressurised liquid. Do not expose the canister to temperatures higher than 50 °C. Do not pierce the canister. Do not throw away any medicines via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away any medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
micrograms
of formoterol
fumarate
dihydrate.
This
corresponds to a delivered dose from the mouthpiece of 84.6 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate and 5.0 micrograms of formoterol fumarate dihydrate. The other ingredients are: ethanol anhydrous, hydrochloric acid and norflurane (HFA -134a). This medicine contains fluorinated greenhouse gases. Each inhaler of 120 actuation contains 8.15 g of HFC-134a corresponding to 0.012 tonne CO2 equivalent (global warming potential GWP = 1,430). Each inhaler of 180 actuation contains 11.2 g of HFC-134a
corresponding to 0.016 tonne C02 equivalent (global warming potential GWP = 1,430). To help protect the environment, the inhaler contains the CFC-free propellant, HFA-134a, which replaces completely the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants present in some other inhalers and appears to have a less damaging effect on the ozone layer. What Proxor looks like and contents of the pack: Proxor is a pressurised inhalation solution contained in an aluminium canister with a metering valve, fitted in a plastic actuator which incorporates a dose counter (120 actuations pack) or a dose indicator (180 actuations pack) with a pink plastic protective cap. Each pack contains: 1 pressurised container which provides 120 actuations (puffs)
or 2 pressurised containers which provide 120 actuations each
or 3 pressurised containers which provide 120 actuations each
or 1 pressurised container which provides 180 actuations Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing authorisation holder:
STADA, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5QH, UK Manufacturer responsible for batch release: Genetic S.p.A., Contrada Canfora, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy. This leaflet was last revised in October 2024.
What Proxor contains: The active substances are: beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Each actuation/metered dose from the inhaler contains 100 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate and
6
Proxor 100/6 microgram per actuation pressurised inhalation solution comes as inhaler containing 6mcg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Proxor 100/6 microgram per actuation pressurised inhalation solution is beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate dihydrate.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: BIBECFO 100/6 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation solution, BIBECFO 200/6 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation solution, Fostair 100/6 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation solution. In total there are 9 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Proxor 100/6 microgram per actuation pressurised inhalation solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Asthma
Proxor is indicated in the regular treatment of asthma where use of a combination product (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist) is appropriate:
- patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' inhaled rapid-acting beta2-agonist or
- patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2- agonists.
COPD
Symptomatic treatment of patients with severe COPD (FEV1< 50% predicted normal) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular therapy with long-acting bronchodilators.
Proxor is for inhalation use.
Posology
Asthma
Proxor is not intended for the initial management of asthma. The dosage of the active substances of Proxor is individual and should be adjusted to the severity of the disease. This should be considered not only when treatment with combination products is initiated but also when the dose is adjusted. If an individual patient should require a combination of doses other than those available in the combination inhaler, appropriate doses of beta2-agonists and/or corticosteroids by individual inhalers should be prescribed.
Beclometasone dipropionate in Proxor is characterised by an extrafine particle size distribution which results in a more potent effect than formulations of beclometasone dipropionate with a non-extra fine particle size distribution (100 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate extrafine in Proxor are equivalent to 250 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate in a non-extrafine formulation). Therefore, the total daily dose of beclometasone dipropionate administered in Proxor should be lower than the total daily dose of beclometasone dipropionate administered in a non-extrafine beclometasone dipropionate formulation.
This should be taken into consideration when a patient is transferred from a beclometasone dipropionate non-extrafine formulation to Proxor; the dose of beclometasone dipropionate should be lower and will need to be adjusted to the individual needs of the patients.
There are two treatment approaches:
A. Maintenance therapy: Proxor is taken as regular maintenance treatment with a separate as needed rapid-acting bronchodilator.
B. Maintenance and reliever therapy: Proxor is taken as regular maintenance treatment and as needed in response to asthma symptoms.
A. Maintenance therapy
Patients should be advised to have their separate rapid-acting bronchodilator available for rescue use at all times.
Dose recommendations for adults 18 years and above:
One or two inhalations twice daily.
The maximum daily dose is 4 inhalations.
B. Maintenance and reliever therapy
Patients take their daily maintenance dose of Proxor and in addition take Proxor as needed in response to asthma symptoms. Patients should be advised to always have Proxor available for rescue use.
Proxor maintenance and reliever therapy should especially be considered for patients with:
• not fully controlled asthma and in need of reliever medication
• asthma exacerbations in the past requiring medical intervention
Close monitoring for dose-related adverse effects is needed in patients who frequently take high numbers of Proxor as-needed inhalations.
Dose recommendations for adults 18 years and above:
The recommended maintenance dose is one inhalation twice daily (one inhalation in the morning and one inhalation in the evening).
Patients should take one additional inhalation as needed in response to symptoms. If symptoms persist after a few minutes, an additional inhalation should be taken.
The maximum daily dose is 8 inhalations.
Patients requiring frequent use of rescue inhalations daily should be strongly recommended to seek medical advice. Their asthma should be reassessed and their maintenance therapy should be reconsidered.
Dose recommendations for children and adolescents under 18 years:
The safety and efficacy of Proxor in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established. Data available with beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol in children between 5 and 11 years of age and adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age are described in section 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2, but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Patients should be regularly reassessed by a doctor, so that the dosage of Proxor remains optimal and is only changed on medical advice. The dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is maintained. When control of symptoms is maintained with the lowest recommended dosage, then the next step could include a test of inhaled corticosteroid alone.
Patients should be advised to take Proxor every day even when asymptomatic.
COPD
Dose recommendations for adults 18 years and above:
Two inhalations twice daily.
Special patient groups:
There is no need to adjust the dose in elderly patients. There are no data available for use of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol in patients with hepatic or renal impairment (see section 5.2).
Method of administration
For Inhalation use
To ensure proper administration of the medicinal product, the patient should be shown how to use the inhaler correctly by a physician or other health professional. Correct use of the pressurised metered dose inhaler is essential in order that treatment is successful. The patient should be advised to read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully and follow the instructions for use as given in the Leaflet.
Proxor inhaler is provided with a dose counter for the packs of 120 actuations and a dose indicator for the packs of 180 actuations both on the back of the actuator, which shows how many doses are left. For the 120 doses presentation each time the patient presses the canister, a puff of medicine is released and the counter counts down by one. For the 180 presentation, each time the patient presses the canister the counter rotates by a small amount and the number of puffs remaining is displayed in intervals of 20. Patients should be advised not to drop the inhaler as this may cause the counter to count down.
Testing the inhaler
Before using the inhaler for the first time or if the inhaler has not been used for 14 days or more, the patient should release one actuation into the air in order to ensure that the inhaler is working properly.
After testing the inhaler for the first time, the counter should read 120 or 180.
Whenever possible patients should stand or sit in an upright position when inhaling from their inhaler.
Use of the inhaler:
1. Patients should remove the protective cap from the mouthpiece and check that the mouthpiece is clean and free from dust and dirt or any other foreign objects.
2. Patients should breathe out as slowly and deeply as possible.
3. Patients should hold the canister vertically with its body upwards and put the lips around the mouthpiece without biting the mouthpiece.
4. At the same time, patients should breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouth. After starting to breathe in, they should press down on the top of the inhaler to release one puff.
5. Patients should hold the breath for as long as possible and, finally, they should remove the inhaler from the mouth and breathe out slowly. Patients should not breathe out into the inhaler.
To inhale a further puff, patients should keep the inhaler in a vertical position for about half a minute and repeat steps 2 to 5.
IMPORTANT: patients should not perform steps 2 to 5 too quickly.
After use, patients should close the inhaler with protective cap and check the dose counter or dose indicator.
Patients should be advised to get a new inhaler when the dose counter or indicator shows the number 20. They should stop using the inhaler when the counter shows 0 as any puffs left in the device may not be enough to release a full dose.
If mist appears following inhalation, either from the inhaler or from the sides of the mouth, the procedure should be repeated from step 2.
For patients with weak hands it may be easier to hold the inhaler with both hands. Therefore, the index fingers should be placed on the top of the inhaler canister and both thumbs on the base of the inhaler.
Patients should rinse their mouth or gargle with water or brush the teeth after inhaling (see section 4.4).
Cleaning
Patients should be advised to read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully for cleaning instructions. For the regular cleaning of the inhaler, patients should remove the cap from the mouthpiece and wipe the outside and inside of the mouthpiece with a dry cloth. They should not remove the canister from the actuator and should not use water or other liquids to clean the mouthpiece.
Patients who find it difficult to synchronise aerosol actuation with inspiration of breath, may use the AeroChamber Plus® spacer device. They should be advised by their doctor, pharmacist or a nurse in the proper use and care of their inhaler and spacer and their technique checked to ensure optimum delivery of the inhaled medicinal product to the lungs. This may be obtained by the patients using the AeroChamber Plus® by one continuous slow and deep breath through the spacer, without any delay between actuation and inhalation.
Hypersensitivity to beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate dihydrate or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Proxor should be used with caution (which may include monitoring) in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, especially third degree atrioventricular block and tachyarrhythmias (accelerated and/or irregular heart beat), idiopathic subvalvular aortic stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, severe heart disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, occlusive vascular diseases, particularly arteriosclerosis, arterial hypertension and aneurysm.
Caution should also be observed when treating patients with known or suspected prolongation of the QTc interval, either congenital or drug induced (QTc > 0.44 seconds). Formoterol itself may induce prolongation of the QTc interval.
Caution is also required when Proxor is used by patients with thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, phaeochromocytoma and untreated hypokalaemia.
Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta2-agonist therapy. Particular caution is advised in severe asthma as this effect may be potentiated by hypoxia. Hypokalaemia may also be potentiated by concomitant treatment with other medicinal products which can induce hypokalaemia, such as xanthine derivatives, steroids and diuretics (see Section 4.5). Caution is also recommended in unstable asthma when a number of “rescue” bronchodilators may be used. It is recommended that serum potassium levels are monitored in such situations.
The inhalation of formoterol may cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Therefore, blood glucose should be closely monitored in patients with diabetes.
If anaesthesia with halogenated anaesthetics is planned, it should be ensured that Proxor is not administered for at least 12 hours before the start of anaesthesia as there is a risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
As with all inhaled medication containing corticosteroids, Proxor should be administered with caution in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis, fungal and viral infections in the airways.
It is recommended that treatment with Proxor should not be stopped abruptly.
If patients find the treatment ineffective medical attention must be sought. Increasing use of rescue bronchodilators indicates a worsening of the underlying condition and warrants a reassessment of the asthma therapy. Sudden and progressive deterioration in control of asthma or COPD is potentially life- threatening and the patient should undergo urgent medical assessment. Consideration should be given to the need of increased treatment with corticosteroids, either inhaled or oral therapy, or antibiotic treatment if an infection is suspected.
Patients should not be initiated on Proxor during an exacerbation, or if they have significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma. Serious asthma-related adverse events and exacerbations may occur during treatment with Proxor. Patients should be asked to continue treatment but to seek medical advice if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled or worsen after initiation on Proxor.
As with other inhalation therapy paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing and rapidness of breath after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Proxor should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed and alternative therapy instituted if necessary.
Proxor should not be used as the first treatment for asthma.
For treatment of acute asthma attacks patients should be advised to have their rapid-acting bronchodilator available at all times, either Proxor (for patients using Proxor as maintenance and reliever therapy) or a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator (for patients using Proxor as maintenance therapy only).
Patients should be reminded to take Proxor daily as prescribed even when asymptomatic. The reliever inhalations of Proxor should be taken in response to asthma symptoms but are not intended for regular prophylactic use, e.g. before exercise. For such use, a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator should be considered.
Once asthma symptoms are controlled, consideration may be given to gradually reducing the dose of Proxor. Regular review of patients as treatment is stepped down is important. The lowest effective dose of Proxor should be used (see also section 4.2).
Systemic effects may occur with any inhaled corticosteroid, particularly at high doses prescribed for long periods. These effects are much less likely to occur with inhaled than with oral corticosteroids. Possible systemic effects include: Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, decrease in bone mineral density, growth retardation in children and adolescents, cataract and glaucoma and more rarely, a range of psychological or behavioural effects including psychomotor hyperactivity, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression or aggression (particularly in children).
Therefore, it is important that the patient is reviewed regularly, and the dose of inhaled corticosteroid is reduced to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.
Single dose pharmacokinetic data (see section 5.2) have demonstrated that the use of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol with Aerochamber Plus® spacer device in comparison to the use of standard actuator, does not increase the total systemic exposure to formoterol and reduces the systemic exposure to beclometasone-17-monopropionate, while there is an increase for unchanged beclometasone dipropionate that reaches systemic circulation from the lung; however, since the total systemic exposure to beclometasone dipropionate plus its active metabolite does not change, there is no increased risk of systemic effects when using beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol with the named spacer device.
Prolonged treatment of patients with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids may result in adrenal suppression and acute adrenal crisis. Children aged less than 16 years taking/inhaling higher than recommended doses of beclometasone dipropionate may be at particular risk. Situations which could potentially trigger acute adrenal crisis, include trauma, surgery, infection or any rapid reduction in dosage. Presenting symptoms are typically vague and may include anorexia, abdominal pain, weight loss, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, decreased level of consciousness, hypoglycaemia, and seizures. Additional systemic corticosteroid cover should be considered during periods of stress or elective surgery.
Care should be taken when transferring patients to Proxor therapy, particularly if there is any reason to suppose that adrenal function is impaired from previous systemic steroid therapy.
Patients transferring from oral to inhaled corticosteroids may remain at risk of impaired adrenal reserve for a considerable time. Patients who have required high dose emergency corticosteroid therapy in the past or have received prolonged treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids may also be at risk. This possibility of residual impairment should always be borne in mind in emergency and elective situations likely to produce stress, and appropriate corticosteroid treatment must be considered. The extent of the adrenal impairment may require specialist advice before elective procedures.
Pneumonia in patients with COPD
An increase in the incidence of pneumonia, including pneumonia requiring hospitalisation, has been observed in patients with COPD receiving inhaled corticosteroids. There is some evidence of an increased risk of pneumonia with increasing steroid dose but this has not been demonstrated conclusively across all studies. There is no conclusive clinical evidence for intra-class differences in the magnitude of the pneumonia risk among inhaled corticosteroid products. Physicians should remain vigilant for the possible development of pneumonia in patients with COPD as the clinical features of such infections overlap with the symptoms of COPD exacerbations. Risk factors for pneumonia in patients with COPD include current smoking, older age, low body mass index (BMI) and severe COPD.
Patients should be advised to rinse the mouth or gargle with water or brush the teeth after inhaling the prescribed dose to minimise the risk of oropharyngeal candida infection.
Visual disturbance
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
Alcohol content
Proxor contains 7 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each actuation which is equivalent to 0.19 mg/kg per dose of two actuations. The amount in of this medicine is equivalent to less than 1 ml beer or 1 ml wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects.
Pharmacokinetic interactions
Beclometasone dipropionate undergoes a very rapid metabolism via esterase enzymes.
Beclometasone is less dependent on CYP3A metabolism than some other corticosteroids, and in general interactions are unlikely; however, the possibility of systemic effects with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat) cannot be excluded, and therefore caution and appropriate monitoring is advised with the use of such agents.
Pharmacodynamic interactions
Beta- blockers (including eye drops) should be avoided in asthmatic patients. If beta-blockers are administered for compelling reasons, the effect of formoterol will be reduced or abolished.
On the other hand, concomitant use of other beta-adrenergic drugs can have potentially additive effects, therefore caution is required when theophylline or other beta-adrenerigic drugs are prescribed concomitantly with formoterol.
Concomitant treatment with quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, phenothiazines, antihistamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants can prolong the QTc-interval and increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
In addition, L-dopa, L-thyroxine, oxytocin and alcohol can impair cardiac tolerance towards beta2- sympathomimetics.
Concomitant treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors including agents with similar properties such as furazolidone and procarbazine may precipitate hypertensive reactions.
There is an elevated risk of arrhythmias in patients receiving concomitant anaesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons.
Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, or diuretics may potentiate a possible hypokalaemic effect of beta2-agonists (see section 4.4.). Hypokalaemia may increase the disposition towards arrhythmias in patients who are treated with digitalis glycosides.
Proxor contains a small amount of ethanol. There is a theoretical potential for interaction in particularly sensitive patients taking disulfiram or metronidazole.
There is no experience with or evidence of safety of propellant HFA-134a in human pregnancy or lactation. However, studies of the effect of HFA-134a on reproductive function and embryofetal development in animals have revealed no clinically relevant adverse effects.
Pregnancy
There are no relevant clinical data on the use of Proxor in pregnant women. Animal studies using beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol combination showed evidence of toxicity to reproduction after high systemic exposure (see 5.3 Preclinical safety data). Because of the tocolytic actions of beta2- sympathomimetic agents particular care should be exercised in the run up to delivery. Formoterol should not be recommended for use during pregnancy and particularly at the end of pregnancy or during labour unless there is no other (safer) established alternative.
Proxor should only be used during pregnancy if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Breast-feeding
There are no relevant clinical data on the use of Proxor in lactation in humans.
Although no data from animal experiments are available, it is reasonable to assume that beclometasone dipropionate is secreted in milk, like other corticosteroids.
While it is not known whether formoterol passes into human breast milk, it has been detected in the milk of lactating animals.
Administration of Proxor to women who are breast-feeding should only be considered if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Fertility
There are no data in humans. In animal studies in rats, the presence of beclometasone dipropionate at high doses in the combination was associated with reduced female fertility and embryotoxicity (see section 5.3).
Proxor is has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
As Proxor contains beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, the type and severity of adverse reactions associated with each of the compounds may be expected. There is no incidence of additional adverse events following concurrent administration of the two compounds.
Undesirable effects which have been associated with beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol administered as a fixed combination (Proxor) and as single agents are given below, listed by system organ class. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 < 1/1,000) and very rare (≤1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data.
Common and uncommon ADRs were derived from clinical trials in asthmatic and COPD patients.
System Organ Class
Adverse Reaction
Frequency
Infections and Infestations
Pharyngitis, oral candidiasis, pneumonia* (in COPD patients)
Common
Influenza, oral fungal infection, oropharyngeal candidiasis, oesophageal candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, gastroenteritis, sinusitis, rhinitis,
Uncommon
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Granulocytopenia
Uncommon
Thrombocytopenia
Very rare
Immune system disorders
Dermatitis allergic
Uncommon
Hypersensitivity reactions, including erythema, lips, face, eye and pharyngeal oedema
Very rare
Endocrine disorders
Adrenal suppression
Very rare
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia
Uncommon
Psychiatric disorders
Restlessness
Uncommon
Psychomotor hyperactivity, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, aggression, behavioural changes (predominantly in children)
Not known
Nervous system disorders
Headache
Common
Tremor, dizziness
Uncommon
Eye disorders
Glaucoma, cataract
Very rare
Vision, blurred (see also section 4.4)
Not known
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Otosalpingitis
Uncommon
Cardiac disorders
Palpitations, electrocardiogram QT corrected interval prolonged, electrocardiogram change, tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia, atrial fibrillation*,
Uncommon
Ventricular extrasystoles, angina pectoris
Rare
Vascular disorders
Hyperaemia, flushing
Uncommon
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dysphonia
Common
Cough, productive cough, throat irritation, asthmatic crisis
Uncommon
Bronchospasm paradoxical
Rare
Dyspnoea, exacerbation of asthma
Very rare
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhoea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, dysphagia, burning sensation of the lips, nausea, dysgeusia
Uncommon
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus, rash, hyperhidrosis, urticaria
Uncommon
Angioedema
Rare
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Muscle spasms, myalgia
Uncommon
Growth retardation in children and adolescents
Very rare
Renal and urinary disorders
Nephritis
Rare
General disorders and administration site conditions
Oedema peripheral
Very rare
Investigations
C-reactive protein increased, platelet count increased, free fatty acids increased, blood insulin increased, blood ketone body increased, blood cortisol decrease*
Uncommon
Blood pressure increased, blood pressure decreased
Rare
Bone density decreased
Very rare
* One related non serious case of pneumonia was reported by one patient treated with beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol in a pivotal clinical trial in COPD patients. Other adverse reactions observed with beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol in COPD clinical trials were: reduction of blood cortisol and atrial fibrillation.
As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur (see 4.4 'Special Warnings and Precautions for Use').
Among the observed adverse reactions those typically associated with formoterol are:
hypokalemia, headache, tremor, palpitations, cough, muscle spasms and prolongation of QTc interval.
Adverse reactions typically associated with the administration of beclomethasone dipropionate are:
oral fungal infections, oral candidiasis, dysphonia, throat irritation.
Dysphonia and candidiasis may be relieved by gargling or rinsing the mouth with water or brushing the teeth after using the product. Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy whilst continuing the treatment with Proxor.
Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids (e.g. beclometasone dipropionate) may occur particularly when administered at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods, these may include adrenal suppression, decrease in bone mineral density, growth retardation in children and adolescents, cataract and glaucoma (see also 4.4).
Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria pruritus, erythema and oedema of the eyes, face, lips and throat may also occur.
Paediatric Population
In a 12-week study in adolescent asthma patients, the safety profile of a medicinal containing beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol was not different to that of beclomethasone dipropionate monotherapy.
Beclometasone/Formoterol paediatric experimental formulation of beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate 50/6 micrograms per actuation administered to asthmatic children aged 5-11 years over 12 weeks tratement period, showed a safety profile similar to the approved marketed formoterol and beclometasone dipropionate single agents.
However, the same paediatric formulation of Beclometasone/Formoterol 50/6 micrograms administered to asthmatic children aged 5-11 years over 2 weeks did not demonstrate non-inferiority to the free combination of marketed formoterol and beclometasone dipropionate single agents in terms of lower leg growth rate.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Inhaled doses of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol up to twelve cumulative actuations (total beclometasone dipropionate 1200 micrograms, formoterol 72 micrograms) have been studied in asthmatic patients. The cumulative treatments did not cause abnormal effect on vital signs and neither serious nor severe adverse events were observed.
Excessive doses of formoterol may lead to effects that are typical of beta2-adrenergic agonists: nausea, vomiting, headache, tremor, somnolence, palpitations, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, prolongation of QTc interval, metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia.
In case of overdose of formoterol, supportive and symptomatic treatment is indicated. Serious cases should be hospitalised. Use of cardio selective beta-adrenergic blockers may be considered, but only subject to extreme caution since the use of beta-adrenergic blocker medication may provoke bronchospasm. Serum potassium should be monitored.
Acute inhalation of beclometasone dipropionate doses in excess of those recommended may lead to temporary suppression of adrenal function. This does not need emergency action as adrenal function recovers in a few days, as verified by plasma cortisol measurements. In these patients treatment should be continued at a dose sufficient to control asthma.
Chronic overdose of inhaled beclometasone dipropionate: risk of adrenal suppression (see section 4.4.). Monitoring of adrenal reserve may be necessary. Treatment should be continued at a dose sufficient to control asthma.
Ask anything about Proxor 100/6 microgram per actuation pressurised inhalation solution. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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