The
following information is a summary about Singulair.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Singulair USES
Singulair is a prescription medicine approved to
help control asthma in adults and children as young
as 12 months and to help relieve the symptoms of
seasonal allergies in adults and children as young
as 2 years.
Singulair will NOT replace fast-acting inhalers
for sudden symptoms. You should still have rescue
medication available and continue to take your other
asthma medications unless your doctor tells you to
stop. For asthma, Singulair should be taken once
a day, in the evening as prescribed, whether or not
you have asthma symptoms. If your symptoms get worse
or you need to increase the use of your rescue inhaler,
call your doctor at once.
Singulair DIRECTIONS
Singulair comes as a tablet and as a chewable tablet
to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day
in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take Singulair
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor. Singulair controls asthma but does not cure
it. Continue to take Singulair even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Singulair without talking to your
doctor..
Singulair SIDE EFFECTS
Although side effects from Singulair are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away: * headache
* dizziness * heartburn * upset stomach * tiredness
* stomach pain * tooth pain * stuffy nose * cough
If you experience either of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately: * increased difficulty
breathing * severe rash * fever * flu-like symptoms
Singulair PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Singulair, * tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to Singulair or any
other drugs. * tell your doctor and pharmacist what
prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially phenobarbital (Solfoton),
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and vitamins. * tell
your doctor if you have or have ever had phenylketonuria
or liver disease. * tell your doctor if you are pregnant,
plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking Singulair, call
your doctor.
Singulair DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid
sleep, antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as
fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric medicine
(e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report
use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Singulair OVERDOSE
In case of overdose, call your local poison control
center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed
or is not breathing, call local emergency services
at 911.
Singulair NOTES
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Call your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve
or worsen. Your doctor may order certain lab tests
to check your response to Singulair. Singulair will
not stop an acute attack that has already started.
Continue to use the medication prescribed for your
acute attacks. Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Singulair as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Singulair STORAGE
Store Singulair at room temperature between 36 and
77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture.
