Like some (but not all) COPD medications, Brovana is inhaled using a nebulizer, a device that changes liquid medications into fine droplets that are inhaled into the lungs.
(Click Brovana Uses for more information on what Brovana is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Brovana is made by Sepracor, Inc.
In normal, healthy lungs, air can move easily in and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, certain lung diseases (such as COPD) cause the muscles around these airways to tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called bronchospasm.
Brovana is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs. Brovana also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
Beta agonists are usually divided into two categories: short-acting and long-acting beta agonists. Brovana is a long-acting beta agonist. As a long-acting beta agonist, it is used on a scheduled basis to help prevent symptoms; it is not used as a "rescue" medication (to be used when needed).
In a study for
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, Brovana was compared to a nebulizer solution with no active ingredient (a placebo). People taking Brovana experienced improved lung function, compared to those taking the placebo. Also, this study showed that Brovana started working within seven minutes and lasted for several hours.
When and How to Take Brovana
Some general considerations for when and how to take Brovana include the following:
- Brovana comes in a liquid form that is used in a nebulizer. You will need to purchase or rent a nebulizer in order to use Brovana.
- Brovana is usually used twice a day. Try to separate the two doses by about 12 hours.
- Unlike some other nebulizer medications, Brovana vials are used without being diluted. It is not known whether it is safe to mix Brovana together with other nebulizer solutions.
- Make sure you know exactly how to measure the dose and how to use and clean the nebulizer.
- For Brovana to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard recommended dose of Brovana, regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your Brovana dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Brovana. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When Brovana side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Brovana include, but are not limited to:
(Click Brovana Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Brovana, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Brovana
Brovana can potentially interact with several other medicines.
Brovana: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Brovana if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much Brovana may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fatigue
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Brovana, seek medical attention immediately.
Brovana should be stored under refrigeration, although it can be stored at room temperature for up to six weeks if necessary (after six weeks, you must discard it). Either way, keep the vials in their original foil packages until just before use. If for some reason you open a foil pouch but do not use the vial, return the vial to the pouch and store in the fridge. If you open a vial but cannot use it right away, you must discard the vial.
Keep Brovana and all medications out of the reach of children.
Brovana: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Brovana as scheduled, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule as usual. Taking two doses too close together can increase the risk of side effects. Never double the dose of Brovana.
Brovana comes in single-dose vials, with 15 mcg of Brovana (in 2 mL of solution) in each vial.
Currently, there are no generic versions of Brovana available.
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