Asthma is a chronic disease (one that cannot be cured). When you have asthma, the air passages in your lungs are very sensitive and can be inflamed and swollen. In addition, certain triggers can cause the muscles of the air passages to squeeze, resulting in narrowed air passages. This process is called bronchoconstriction. Triggers can also cause the air passages to produce extra mucus, making it harder to breathe.
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by particles known as allergens as well as irritants in the air. For many people, allergens are usually harmless. For many people with asthma, however, it is a different story. The body reacts to these particles as dangerous invaders. Symptoms can worsen, resulting in an asthma attack.
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 indoor and outdoor allergies (outdoor allergies in adults and children as young as 2 years, and indoor allergies in adults and children as young as 6 months).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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.
Side effects are generally mild and vary by age, and may include headache, ear infection, sore throat, and upper respiratory infection. Side effects generally did not stop patients from taking SINGULAIR. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing. SINGULAIR should be taken once a day, as prescribed. SINGULAIR is available by prescription only.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For additional safety information, please see Patient Product Information.