Combivent UDVs

What is Combivent UDVs?

Combivent UDVs is a treatment for COPD which is inhaled through a nebuliser. COPD is not a single disease – it’s an umbrella term for multiple diseases of the lungs and airways. These include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The symptoms of these diseases are usually shortness of breath when you exercise, a phlegmy cough, and recurrent problems with chest infections. Combivent UDVs can help reduce these symptoms as it contains two active constituents (salbutamol and ipratropium) which help your airways to dilate, making it easier for you to breathe.

How do Combivent UDVs work?

The two active ingredients in Combivent UDVs (salbutamol and ipratropium) work together to dilate your airways. Salbutamol is a short acting beta agonist which is able to relax your airways by stimulating your Beta 2 receptors. As that’s happening, ipratropium (an antimuscarinic medication) works to relax your airways and prevent the production of mucus by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

When these two actions happen, they reduce the symptoms of COPD. This is because COPD usually occurs as a result of inflammation in the airways, making it a lot harder for you to inhale and exhale. When your airways dilate, it becomes a lot easier for air to pass through them and into your lungs – reducing the symptoms of COPD.

What doses of Combivent UDVs are there?

Each dose of Combivent UDV is 2.5 ml, containing 500 micrograms of ipratropium bromide and three micrograms of salbutamol sulphate. It can be taken three to four times a day, depending on what treatment has been recommended by your clinician

How to use Combivent UDVs

In order to take Combivent UDVs you’ll need to use a nebuliser. Simply:

• Get your nebuliser ready by following the instructions that will have been provided by the manufacturer. If you’re not sure on how to use it then ask your clinician.
• Open the pouch and remove the strip of unit dose vials. Carefully separate a new dose unit from the strip (don’t use the dose if it’s already open or if the liquid on the inside is discoloured).
• Twist off the top of the dose (make sure you hold it upright as you do this so that none of the medicine falls out).
• Squeeze all of the contents of the dose into the nebuliser chamber. Your clinician should have told you the amount that you should be taking. If they’ve said that your medicine needs to be diluted, you’ll be given some sterile sodium chloride 0.9% solution. Your clinician will tell you exactly how you should be using this.
• Use your nebuliser to take the medication as you’ve been told by your doctor.
• Once you’ve finished you should dispose of any of the leftover medicine carefully. The leaflet will contain instructions on how you can keep your nebuliser clean. It’s important to follow these.

If you have any issues, or you struggle to use Combivent UDVs, get in touch with your clinician.

How long does it take for Combivent UDVs to work?

You should find that Combivent UDVs provides you with some immediate relief from your symptoms. Salbutamol can provide quick and continued relief over several hours.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Combivent UDVs?

If any of the liquid or mist accidentally gets in your eyes when you’re taking the medication, you might experience a painful stinging sensation. You might also get dilated pupils, blurred vision, or see strange colours or lights. If any of this occurs, then you should contact your doctor straight away for advice.

If you accidentally take more of this medication than you need, it’s important that you seek urgent medical help immediately.

If you forget to take a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip the forgotten one. You shouldn’t double-dose in order to make up for missed doses.