Before using sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

Before using sodium cromoglicate for inhalation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly. If you are not sure, ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to show you.
• Use your inhaler at regular intervals (usually three or four times daily) to get the best effects from your medicine.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It may take four to six weeks after beginning treatment with this medicine before your condition improves.
• Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop using sodium cromoglicate without speaking to your doctor first, as stopping it suddenly may cause your asthma symptoms to recur.
• Sodium cromoglicate is not a reliever, it does not work quickly enough to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor will prescribe another inhaled medicine for you to use if you get an attack. Make sure that you keep it with you all the time.
• Sodium cromoglicate, if taken half an hour before exercise, can prevent an exercise induced asthma attack.
• Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
• If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with sodium cromoglicate.

Can sodium cromoglicate for inhalation cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If your breathing gets worse immediately after using your inhaler speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Intal® CFC-free Inhaler, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2007.
• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)