1. Why am I using Atrovent Nasal Forte?

Atrovent Nasal Forte contains the active ingredient ipratropium bromide monohydrate. Atrovent Nasal Forte is an anticholinergic medicine. It belongs to one of several types of medicines used to treat the symptoms of rhinitis (runny nose) and the common cold. Atrovent Nasal Forte relieves a runny nose by acting directly on the mucous glands of the nose to decrease watery secretions.

Atrovent Nasal Forte is used to relieve the symptoms of a persistent runny nose associated with allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and non-allergic non-seasonal rhinitis and the common cold.

2. What should I know before I use Atrovent Nasal Forte?

Warnings

Do not use Atrovent Nasal Forte if:

1. you are allergic to ipratropium bromide, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
2. you are allergic to any other medicine, particularly atropine or other anticholinergic medicines.
3. the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
4. it is past the expiry date printed on the pack.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have any other medical conditions, especially:
• an eye problem called "glaucoma"
• enlargement of the prostate gland
• problems with passing urine
• cystic fibrosis
• are uncertain as to whether you have, or have had, any of these conditions.

• take any medicines for any other condition.

Atrovent Nasal Forte spray contains the (antimicrobial) preservative benzalkonium chloride which may cause irritation of the nasal lining (mucosa).

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Care is recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first three months.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Care is also recommended if you are breastfeeding as it is not known if the active ingredient in Atrovent Nasal Forte may pass into breast milk.

The benefits of Atrovent Nasal Forte must be assessed against any risks. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Atrovent Nasal Forte while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Children

• There is not enough information available to recommend the use of Atrovent Nasal Forte in children under 12 years of age.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

In particular, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine containing ipratropium bromide or another anticholinergic agent such as atropine, hyoscine or hyoscyamine.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Atrovent Nasal Forte.

4. How do I use Atrovent Nasal Forte?

How much to use

• Atrovent Nasal Forte is to be used by adults and children 12 years of age and over only.
• The usual dose for treating symptoms of a runny nose in rhinitis is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril two or three times daily (at regular intervals).
• The usual dose for treating symptoms of a runny nose in the common cold is 2 sprays into each nostril three or four times daily (at regular intervals).
• Atrovent Nasal Forte should not be used for longer than 4 days in patients with the common cold.
• If your doctor or pharmacist has changed this dose you should ask for further information from your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not use extra doses of Atrovent Nasal Forte without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

When to use Atrovent Nasal Forte

• Atrovent Nasal Forte should be used two or three times daily (at regular intervals) in rhinitis (hayfever).
• Atrovent Nasal Forte should be used three or four times daily (at regular intervals) in the common cold.
• If you are not sure when to use it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use Atrovent Nasal Forte

Important Information:

• Read complete directions carefully and use only as directed.
• Do not spray in or around your eyes.
• Do not pierce the nozzle or attempt to enlarge the hole. The hole in the nozzle is a special size to allow the correct dose of Atrovent Nasal Forte to enter your nostril when you depress the spray pump.
• Do not shake the bottle.

To Use:

1. Remove protective cap.
2. Before using the spray pump for the first time, rapidly activate the spray pump 5 to 7 times until an even spray mist is released (see Figure 1). Your Atrovent Nasal Forte is now primed and ready for use.

(Figure 1)

3. With subsequent use, the spray pump is immediately functional. However, if the spray pump has not been used for more than 24 hours, it will require repriming by performing step 2 above.
4. Blow nose thoroughly before using the nasal spray.
5. Keeping the bottle upright, insert the spray adaptor into the nostril and activate the spray pump firmly while breathing in gently through the nose (see Figure 2).

Administer the number of sprays as recommended or as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist and then repeat in the other nostril.

(Figure 2)

6. Replace protective cap after use.
7. Store upright
8. To Clean:

(Figure 3)

If the nasal tip becomes clogged, remove protective cap. Hold the nasal tip under running, warm tap water (see Figure 3) for about a minute. Dry the nasal tip, reprime the nasal pump spray (step 2 above), and replace the protective cap.

If you forget to use Atrovent Nasal Forte

Atrovent Nasal Forte should be used as directed. If you miss your dose at the usual time, use it as soon as you remember.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you use too much Atrovent Nasal Forte

If you think that you have used too much Atrovent Nasal Forte, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

• phone the Poisons Information Centre
  (by calling 13 11 26), or
• contact your doctor, or
• go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Signs of overdose may include increased heart rate, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

5. What should I know while using Atrovent Nasal Forte?

Things you should do

• Follow the Directions For Use carefully and avoid contact with the eyes. If the spray from Atrovent Nasal Forte comes into direct contact with the eyes, it may cause eye pain, blurring of vision and increased sensitivity to light.

It may also cause a more serious eye problem, known as glaucoma, to develop or worsen. The following symptoms may be associated with glaucoma: red eyes, eye pain or discomfort, sight disturbances (blurred vision, visual halos or coloured images).

• Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Atrovent Nasal Forte.
• If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are using Atrovent Nasal Forte.
• If you become pregnant, while using Atrovent Nasal Forte, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

• experience eye pain or discomfort, or any disturbances with your sight (blurred vision, visual halos or coloured images) during or after using Atrovent Nasal Forte.

Remind any doctor or dentist you visit that you are using Atrovent Nasal Forte.

Things you should not do

• Never spray Atrovent Nasal Forte in or around your eyes.

If you accidentally spray Atrovent Nasal Forte into your eyes, you may have temporary blurring of vision and increased sensitivity to light, lasting up to a few hours.

Contact your doctor immediately for advice as to what treatment is needed.

• Do not use Atrovent Nasal Forte when the medicine is running out and it is no longer possible to obtain a firm spray.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Atrovent Nasal Forte affects you.

Atrovent Nasal Forte may cause dizziness in some people.

If side effects are experienced such as dizziness, blurred vision or dilated pupils (mydriasis) whilst using Atrovent Nasal Forte do not drive or operate machinery.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Looking after your medicine

• Atrovent Nasal Forte should be kept in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
• Do not store in direct sunlight or heat and protect from freezing.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

It is recommended that the spray adaptor be cleaned after use.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

• in the bathroom or near a sink, or
• in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

When to discard your medicine

Discard the medicine if it has been 12 months after first opening or if the expiry date has passed.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use Atrovent Nasal Forte anymore or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Serious side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

What Atrovent Nasal Forte contains

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Atrovent Nasal Forte looks like

Atrovent Nasal Forte is a clear, colourless solution in amber glass bottles. Each bottle contains 10 mL or 15 mL of solution which provides at least 120 or 180 metered doses. (Aust R 67490).

Who distributes Atrovent Nasal Forte

Distributed in Australia by:

Sanofi Consumer Healthcare,

87 Yarraman Place, Virginia,

QLD 4014 Australia.

Toll-free: 1800 818 806

This leaflet was prepared in February 2021.

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