Xopenex HFA Side Effects

Worsening asthma, sore throat, and irritated or runny nose are the most common side effects seen in adults and children taking Xopenex HFA. Side effects that have been reported in children ages 4 to 11 include vomiting, sore throat, and bronchitis. In most cases, the side effects of Xopenex HFA are minor and either don't require treatment or can be treated easily. However, some serious side effects may require immediate medical attention, such as irregular heart rhythm, very fast heart rate, or high blood pressure.

Xopenex HFA Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Xopenex HFA® (levalbuterol HFA). However, not everyone who uses the inhaler will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Xopenex HFA well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Xopenex HFA. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Xopenex HFA side effects with you.)
 

Common Xopenex HFA Side Effects

Xopenex HFA has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Xopenex HFA side effects in adults and adolescents included:
 
  • Worsening asthma -- in up to 9.4 percent of people
  • Sore throat -- up to 7.9 percent
  • Irritated or runny nose -- up to 7.4 percent
  • Pain -- up to 4 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 2.7 percent.
     
In children (ages 4 to 11), common side effects included:
 
  • Vomiting -- in up to 10.5 percent of children
  • Accidental injury -- up to 9.2 percent
  • Sore throat -- up to 6.6 percent
  • Bronchitis -- up to 2.6 percent.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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