Chemical Name: ZAFIRLUKAST (za-FIR-loo-kast)
Common uses
Accolate is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the prevention and long term treatment of asthma in patients 5 years of age and older. Accolate may be used for other conditions as determined by your physician.
Prior to Use
Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Accolate. Take Accolate on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Try to take Accolate at the same time each day. Store Accolate at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Even if you are feeling better, you should continue taking Accolate. Make sure that you do not skip a dose of Accolate. Should you skip or forget a dose of Accolate, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule.
Warnings
Accolate will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, be sure to always carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. Contact your physician if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse while you are using Accolate. Do not stop using Accolate without first checking with your physician. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Accolate. If your physician says you have had liver damage due to Accolate, never take Accolate again. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Women, Accolate is excreted in breast milk. do not breast-feed while taking Accolate.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, headache, or diarrhea. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Contact your physician immediately if you experience itching, fever, joint or muscle aches and pains, or loss of appetite. Rarely, serious liver disease may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, fatigue, or yellowing eyes or skin. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.
Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Accolate. Do not take Accolate to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function) should be performed to monitor your progress and possible side effects. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Accolate for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
