What is this medication?

ZAFIRLUKAST (za FIR loo kast) prevents and treats the symptoms of asthma. It works by decreasing inflammation of the airways, making it easier to breathe. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Accolate

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Churg-Strauss syndrome
• Liver disease
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• An unusual or allergic reaction to zafirlukast, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cisapride
• Pimozide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aspirin
• Carbamazepine
• Cyclosporine
• Dofetilide
• Erythromycin or clarithromycin
• Medications for lowering heart rate or blood pressure like diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, quinidine, or verapamil
• Phenytoin
• Theophylline
• Tolbutamide
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Let them know if your symptoms do not improve. Take your medication even when you do not have symptoms.

Talk to your care team about what to do in an acute asthma attack. Always have your inhaled rescue medication for asthma attacks with you.

Patients and their families should watch for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. Any worsening of mood or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your care team right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
• Unusual weakness or fatigue, fever, headache, skin rash, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.