Ultibro® is used to improve breathing problems caused by COPD, eg, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Ultibro is long-acting which means that it works throughout the day.
It should be used every day to reduce your symptoms over the long term.
Ultibro contains glycopyrronium and indacaterol powder in a capsule which is for inhalation.
Don't swallow the capsules. The powder from the capsule is breathed into your lungs using the Breezhaler® device.
Using an inhaler device enables the medicine to go straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but very little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body.
In Aotearoa New Zealand Ultibro comes as indacaterol 110 microgram together with glycopyrronium 50 microgram capsules for inhalation.
Ultibro Breezhaler does not give immediate relief from wheezing, tight chest and shortness of breath. If you need quick relief from these symptoms, use your ‘reliever’ medicine, eg, salbutamol or terbutaline.
The dose of Ultibro is 1 capsule inhaled once a day.
Don't swallow the capsules.
Inhale the powder in the capsule using the Breezhaler device.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
Here are some things to know when you're using Ultibro. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.
Keep using your Ultibro Breezhaler every day. Don't stop using it, even if you feel better. Since COPD is a long-term condition, prevention with Ultibro Breezhaler is ongoing and it will need to be used every day.
Try to use your inhaler at the same time each day, to help you to remember to use it regularly.
Driving: Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take your next dose at the right time.
To get the most benefit, it’s important to use the correct technique. Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use a Breezhaler device.
The video below provides some guidance on how to use a Breezhaler device. The Breezhaler is the name of the device used to deliver the medicine to your lungs and airways. There are different names for each Breezhaler depending on the medicines inside the device.
Your Breezhaler may be a different colour to the one in the video below. It's important to know the name and colour of your Breezhaler, eg, Seebri®, Onbrez® or Ultibro®. Read more about understanding your medicines.
Video: How to use your Breezhaler device
(Healthify He Puna Waiora & Auckland District Health Board, NZ, 2018)
Using a Breezhaler device
Open: Remove the cover to expose the mouthpiece. Pull back the mouthpiece to reveal the capsule chamber.
Insert the capsule: The capsules come packaged in a foil wrapping. Pull back the foil edges to release 1 capsule. Don't remove the capsule by pushing it through the foil – this will damage the capsule. Place the capsule into the capsule chamber. Close the mouthpiece until you hear a click.
Pierce the capsule: Hold the inhaler upright and press both side buttons at the same time. You should hear a click as the capsule is pierced. Then release the side buttons.
Inhale your dose: Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal your lips firmly around it. Breathe in rapidly and deeply until your lungs are full and hold your breath for 10 seconds. You will hear the sound of the capsule vibrating in the chamber.
Take 2 breaths from 1 capsule: To get your full daily dose, you must use your inhaler twice from the same capsule.
Discard the used capsule: After inhaling your dose, open the mouthpiece and throw away the used capsule. Close the mouthpiece and the lid of the inhaler.
Cleaning and storing a Breezhaler: You can clean the device by wiping the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue. Don't wash the mouthpiece or allow it to get wet when you're cleaning it. You'll get a new Breezhaler with your repeat prescription every month. Close the device when it's not in use. Store it in a cool dry place, away from heat and moisture.
Like all medicines Ultibro can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.
Side effects
What should I do?
A different taste in your mouth
Dry mouth
Nausea (feeling sick)
Headache
Cough, sore throat, cold-like symptoms
These are quite common when you first start using Ultibro Breezhaler, and usually go away with time.
If you have trouble with a dry mouth, cough or different taste in your mouth, rinse your mouth out after use.
Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Dizziness
This is common.
Don't drive or use machinery.
Don't drink alcohol.
Tell your doctor if this bothers you.
Fast heart rate
Feeling nervous, restless, agitated
Trembling or shakiness
Problems sleeping
Diarrhoea (runny poos)
Sore stomach
These are not common.
Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Difficulty urinating (peeing)
This is common.
Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Difficulty breathing or worsening of your breathing problem
This is rare.
Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
