The
following information is a summary about Singulair. It
is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Singulair USES
Singulair is a prescription medicine approved to help
control asthma in adults and children as young as 12
months and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies
in adults and children as young as 2 years.
Singulair will NOT replace fast-acting inhalers for
sudden symptoms. You should still have rescue medication
available and continue to take your other asthma medications
unless your doctor tells you to stop. For asthma, Singulair
should be taken once a day, in the evening as prescribed,
whether or not you have asthma symptoms. If your symptoms
get worse or you need to increase the use of your rescue
inhaler, call your doctor at once.
Singulair DIRECTIONS
Singulair comes as a tablet and as a chewable tablet
to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the
evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take Singulair exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it
more often than prescribed by your doctor. Singulair
controls asthma but does not cure it. Continue to take
Singulair even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Singulair
without talking to your doctor..
Singulair SIDE EFFECTS
Although side effects from Singulair are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away: * headache * dizziness
* heartburn * upset stomach * tiredness * stomach pain
* tooth pain * stuffy nose * cough If you experience
either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* increased difficulty breathing * severe rash * fever
* flu-like symptoms
Singulair PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Singulair, * tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Singulair or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
phenobarbital (Solfoton), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane),
and vitamins. * tell your doctor if you have or have
ever had phenylketonuria or liver disease. * tell your
doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
Singulair, call your doctor.
Singulair DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep,
antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as fluoxetine
or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine),
psychiatric medicine (e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type
drugs, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine.
Also, report use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Singulair OVERDOSE
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center
at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is
not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Singulair NOTES
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Call your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve
or worsen. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to
check your response to Singulair. Singulair will not
stop an acute attack that has already started. Continue
to use the medication prescribed for your acute attacks.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Singulair as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
Singulair STORAGE
Store Singulair at room temperature between 36 and 77
degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
