This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Atemur is a combination "controller" medicine. It improves lung function and makes breathing easier by reducing airway swelling and irritation and by causing muscle relaxation. It is used for long-term prevention and treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases. It should not be used to treat a sudden symptom of shortness of breath (eg, sudden severe onset or worsening of wheezing, cough, chest tightness) because it does not work right away. It may also be used to treat other breathing conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

Adults and Children 12 and Over: If you are currently using an inhaled bronchodilator, the recommended starting dose is 100 micrograms twice a day. The maximum dose is 500 micrograms twice a day. If you are currently using another steroid inhaler, the starting dose ranges from 100 to 250 micrograms twice daily. The maximum dose is 500 micrograms twice a day. If you are taking oral steroid tablets, the doctor will start you at 1000 micrograms of Atemur twice a day. For children 4 to 11 years old already taking an inhaled bronchodilator or steroid, the recommended starting dose is 50 micrograms twice daily. The maximum dose is 100 micrograms twice a day. Children Under 4: Not recommended.

Warning and Precautions

Some medical conditions may interact with Atemur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline) within the last 14 days

if you have heart disease, liver problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, low potassium levels, depression, recent infection, seizures, thyroid problems, an irregular or fast heartbeat, tumors on your adrenal gland, tuberculosis (TB) or a positive TB skin test, diarrhea, measles, or chickenpox, shingles

if you have a fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; an untreated lung infection; or eye problems or a herpes eye infection

if you have had a recent vaccination.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you habitually use too much of the medicine, you run the risk of developing Cushing's syndrome. Contact your local poison control or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chest pain; fainting; muscle cramping; seizures; severe muscle weakness; unusually fast/irregular heartbeat.

Storage

Store Atemur at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a dry place. Store away from direct heat and sunlight, moisture, and light. The inhalation device is not reusable and should be discarded 1 month after removal from the moisture-protective foil overwrap pouch or after all blisters have been used (when the dose indicator reads "0"), whichever comes first. Do not attempt to take the device apart. Do not store Atemur in the bathroom. Keep Atemur out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: abdominal pain, aches and pains, agitation, aggression, anaphylactic reaction, back problems, bad taste in mouth, brittle bones, bronchitis, bruising, cataracts, congestion, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry nose, eye problems, facial changes, fever, flu, headache, hives, hoarseness, indigestion, itching, loss of speech, mouth infection or swelling, nasal congestion, nasal irritation or burning, nasal sores, nausea, nosebleeds, rash, respiratory tract infection, runny nose, shortness of breath, sinus problems, sneezing, sore or irritated throat, stunted growth, swelling of the face and tongue, vomiting, weight gain, wheezing, worsening of asthma.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Atemur. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.