Brovana (arformoterol tartrate) is a prescription drug used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Brovana comes as a liquid solution that’s used in a jet nebulizer device. It’s typically used twice daily.

This section describes the usual dosage of Brovana. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Brovana’s form?

Brovana comes as a liquid solution in vials. It’s used in a jet nebulizer device (a machine that turns Brovana into an aerosol mist that you breathe into your lungs).

What strength does Brovana come in?

Brovana comes in one strength of 15 micrograms (mcg) in 2 milliliters (mL) of solution.

What are the usual dosages of Brovana?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The typical Brovana dosage for adults with COPD is 15 mcg (one vial) of Brovana used twice per day (every 12 hours) in a jet nebulizer. You should not use more than 30 mcg of Brovana (or two vials) in 1 day.

You should only use Brovana as directed to breathe in the medication using a nebulizer machine.

It’s important to note that Brovana is not used to treat asthma or sudden COPD flare-ups.

If you have questions about your dosage of Brovana, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Brovana used long term?

Yes, Brovana is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

Brovana comes as a liquid solution in vials. It’s used in a jet nebulizer, which uses compressed air to turn Brovana into a mist that you inhale into your lungs. You’ll use either a mouthpiece or mask to breathe in the mist for 5–10 minutes twice daily (morning and evening), at least 12 hours apart. Your doctor will likely let you decide whether a mouthpiece or mask works best for you.

Your doctor or pharmacist can explain how to use Brovana in a nebulizer. The drug manufacturer also provides step-by-step instructions.

Remember, Brovana is not used for sudden breathing problems. Your doctor will likely prescribe an inhaler such as albuterol (ProAir) to treat sudden breathing problems.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Brovana, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you miss a dose of Brovana, take your dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses of Brovana at once to make up for a missed dose. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you need help remembering to use Brovana on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not use more Brovana than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you use too much Brovana

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Brovana. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Brovana’s dosage.

Is it safe to use Brovana with budesonide? If so, which drug should I use first?

Yes, these drugs can be used together to treat COPD. But it’s important to note that some drugs containing budesonide, such as budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort), also contain a drug that’s similar to Brovana. Because of this, Symbicort should not be taken with Brovana.

Budesonide on its own may be taken with Brovana, but this may increase the risk of certain side effects. Examples include:

If your doctor prescribes budesonide with Brovana, they’ll explain which medication to use first and the best way to use budesonide and Brovana together.

If you have questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

How long does it take for Brovana to start working?

Brovana starts to work within a few minutes after you take your first dose. The drug relaxes the muscles in your airways, which helps you breathe better. Each dose will help manage your COPD symptoms for 12 hours. This is why you’ll use Brovana twice per day (morning and evening). During your treatment, your doctor will monitor how well the drug is working for your condition.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Brovana treatment, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Brovana for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Brovana without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Brovana exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How does Brovana’s dosage compare with that of Trelegy Ellipta?
  • Will I need a dosage adjustment for Brovana if I’m taking other COPD medications?
  • Is there a drug I could take just once daily to manage my COPD symptoms?

To learn more about Brovana, see this article.

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.