Product Details: Singulair (Monteleukast)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Merck Frosst

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is used for the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma. It is also used to treat allergy symptoms. Montelukast works by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes. Blocking leukotrienes improves asthma and seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Generally, if this medicine is being taken for asthma, it is taken once daily in the evening. If taking for hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), take the medicine at about the same time each day (either morning or evening). If you are taking for both asthma and hay fever, take the medicine in the evening. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE use it as soon as your remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always carry the inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice on all drug therapy. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR PROMPTLY IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse while you are using this medicine. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR PROMPTLY if your short-acting inhaler use increases or if use exceeds the 24-hour maximum prescribed by the doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE, or other asthma medicines, without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include unusual weakness, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, cough, headache, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, or mouth pain. If they continue or are bothersome, contact your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience hallucinations, fever, persistent sore throat or earache, or flu symptoms. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of these highly unlikely but serious side effects including stomach pain, muscle aches/cramps, irregular heartbeat, yellowing eyes/skin, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling, or seizures. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, severe swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Monteleukast