Accolate - Talk Medical

Generic Name: zafirlukast

Brands: Accolate

What is the most important information I should know about Accolate?

· Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, unexplained fatigue or tiredness, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, or upper left stomach pain. These may be early signs of liver problems.

· Accolate will not stop an asthma attack that has already begun. It is used to prevent asthmatic attacks.

· Use Accolate on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.

· Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

· Discuss with your doctor the use of alcohol while taking Accolate. Alcohol and Accolate can both affect the liver.

What is Accolate?

· Accolate is a leukotriene (loo-koe-try-een) inhibitor. Leukotrienes are substances in the body that are associated with the inflammation and constriction of airway muscles and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, all of which occur during an asthma attack.

· Accolate is used to prevent asthma attacks.

· Accolate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Accolate?

· Before taking Accolate, tell your doctor if you ·have liver disease; or ·drink alcohol.

· You may not be able to take Accolate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Talk to your doctor before taking Accolate if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin), which is used to reduce the risk of blood clot formation. Taking these drugs together increases the risk of bleeding and special monitoring may be required.

· Accolate is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Accolate passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take Accolate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Accolate. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

· Accolate is not approved for use by children younger than 5 years of age.

How should I take Accolate?

· Take Accolate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Take this medication on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

· Do not stop taking Accolate without first talking to your doctor. It may be some time before you begin to notice effects from this medication.

· Continue taking any other asthma medications, as directed by your doctor.

· Accolate will not stop an asthma attack that has already begun. Keep another medication on hand to treat attacks.

· Store Accolate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· The symptoms of an overdose of Accolate are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Accolate?

· Avoid items or activities that are known allergens or that make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.

· Discuss with your doctor the use of alcohol while taking Accolate. Alcohol and Accolate can both affect the liver.

What are the possible side effects of Accolate?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Accolate and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·numbness, tingling, or pain; ·a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; or ·worsening respiratory symptoms.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Accolate and talk to your doctor if you experience ·dizziness; ·headache; or ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Accolate?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: ·aspirin; ·erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others); ·warfarin (Coumadin); or ·theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others).

· You may not be able to take Accolate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Accolate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Accolate written for health professionals that you may read.

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