Frequently Asked Questions About Xopenex HFA® (levalbuterol tartrate)

Xopenex HFA is a prescription rescue inhaler used to treat and prevent asthma attacks in people 4 years of age and older. It is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in the airways to quickly improve airflow to the lungs during an asthma attack.¹

Xopenex HFA contains levalbuterol, which is a purified form of albuterol made up only of the active molecule that targets airway receptors, whereas albuterol contains a mix of active and inactive molecules.¹

Yes. Before your first use, prime the inhaler by shaking it for at least 5 seconds and pumping 4 test sprays into the air away from your face. You should also re-prime it if it has not been used for more than 3 days. Always shake the canister well just before each spray.¹

Yes, Xopenex HFA is approved for children 4 years of age and older. However, Xopenex HFA has not been shown to be safe and effective in children under the age of 4.¹

Xopenex HFA can cause serious side effects, including sudden shortness of breath, worsening asthma, heart problems, death, serious allergic reactions, and low potassium levels in your blood.

In children ages 4 to 11, the most commonly reported side effects were vomiting, pharyngitis (sore throat), and bronchitis.¹

The most common side effects of Xopenex HFA include accidental injury, bronchitis, dizziness, pain, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, palpitations, chest pain, fast heart rate, tremors, and nervousness. Contact your doctor if any side effects worsen or become concerning.¹

The typical recommended dose of Xopenex HFA for adults and children 4 years of age and older is 2 puffs (inhalations), used as needed and repeated every 4 to 6 hours. In some patients, 1 puff (inhalation) every 4 hours may be sufficient. More frequent administration or a larger number of puffs is not routinely recommended.¹

Yes, a savings card is available through xopenexhfa.com. With the savings card, patients covered by commercial insurance may pay $25 for their prescription, and patients not using insurance may pay $40. The card is not valid for patients covered by government-funded programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, and eligibility requirements apply.

You should not use Xopenex HFA if you are allergic to levalbuterol, racemic albuterol, or any of the ingredients in the inhaler.

You should also use it with caution if you have underlying cardiovascular conditions, and always inform your doctor of all medications you take, as Xopenex HFA can interact with drugs like beta blockers.¹

Clean your inhaler once a week by removing the canister and rinsing the mouthpiece under warm running water for at least 30 seconds, then shake out excess water and allow it to air dry completely before reassembling.

Store the inhaler at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.¹

Priming ensures the inhaler delivers a full, accurate dose of medication with each spray. You need to prime before the very first use and again any time the inhaler has not been used for more than 3 days by shaking and releasing 4 test sprays into the air away from your face.¹

Xopenex HFA works within minutes to help open the airways and make breathing easier. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after use, contact your healthcare provider.¹

How often you need a refill will depend on how frequently you use your inhaler. Since each Xopenex HFA inhaler contains a fixed number of doses, you should monitor your usage and plan to refill your prescription before you run out. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after use, contact your healthcare provider.

Xopenex HFA may be used before exercise to help prevent breathing symptoms in some patients. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when and how to use your inhaler for this purpose.¹