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COPD Resources

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Treating Your COPD There are many effective treatment options for COPD and several different devices available for taking your medication. Learn more.
Doctor Discussion Guide for Patients with COPD Talking with your doctor about your COPD treatment can be difficult. Use this guide to prepare for a conversation with your doctor. Make a plan.

Finding Help with Managing COPD

Managing COPD can be frustrating. As a person that's either living with COPD or caring for someone who is, you may sometimes feel you need more help. It's important to remember that you aren't alone.

There are many people and associations that can provide you with information and support. Click below for a list of groups and valuable sources of information that may be able to get you what you need, or help you find local resources.

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Resources for Those Living with COPD
Resources for Those Caring for Someone with COPD

Resources for Those Living with COPD

People with COPD face many challenges. It is normal to feel worried or anxious, especially if you find yourself less active than you used to be, and dependent on others for help.11,12

Click on the links below to visit the websites of groups that can provide valuable information and support. These groups help people like you live and cope with COPD.

Note that the information provided on any site might not be reviewed by doctors. Talk to your doctor before assuming that what you read is medically accurate, especially if you read it in a chat room or on a message board.

cover of living brochure image

Living with COPD: What You Need to Know

Download this brochure to learn more about COPD. This booklet talks about risk factors, understanding the difference between COPD and asthma, treatment options, avoiding triggers like pollen and dust, exercising, tips for traveling and other helpful information.

Brochure coming soon

The American Lung Association®
The American Lung Association® is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United States, with a national office, and constituent and affiliate associations around the country.

This American Lung Association page provides several tools for COPD patients, including a COPD Action Plan and a Symptoms Journal. They also provide many one-page resources on a variety of topics, as well as resources in Spanish.

Better Breathers Clubs are American Lung Association-sponsored support groups. Better Breathers Clubs meet regularly and feature educational presentations on a wide variety of topics. If you feel alone and isolated, maybe these support groups can help; use this site to find a support group in your state.

Breathing Better, Living Well
Breathing Better Living Well provides pulmonary education and support for people with chronic lung disease. This site was started and run by a respiratory therapist and author of a pulmonary book, and it includes articles, stories, a bookstore and message board.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Facts About COPD
The CDC is the leading federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people—at home and abroad—providing credible information to enhance health decisions and promoting health through strong partnerships.

The COPD Alliance
The COPD Alliance, a formal partnership of five international health care societies, provides access to COPD resources for clinicians and their patients, such as brochures and instructional guides, many of which are free and available for download.

The COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded to increase the effectiveness of COPD treatments while reducing their costs, and to help increase the number of COPD programs open to the public. The COPD Foundation aims to improve the lives of patients with COPD and related diseases. Its mission is to create and support programs that improve the lives of those affected by COPD.

COPD International
COPD International is a site organized and staffed by individuals who have been diagnosed with COPD, caregivers and other individuals interested in COPD. Its primary purpose is to provide a complete resource for COPD patients, caregivers and family through interactive support and education. This site contains chat rooms and message boards, as well as an opportunity to sign up for information and support via email.

COPD News Of The Day
COPD News Of The Day is a site updated daily—Monday through Friday—by a woman with COPD. It includes news and information for those "living a life that includes COPD." News links are archived into easy-to-find categories.

COPD-Support
COPD-Support provides a variety of programs where patients and caregivers can talk to each other, sharing ideas and experiences - as they say, they are a source of "unofficial" information that can be valuable in day-to-day living. Their programs provide ways to ask questions and get answers from other patients and caregivers; they describe their site as an information exchange "similar to a family discussion over the dinner table." They distribute email to subscribers and encourage members to share ideas and solutions.

National Emphysema/COPD Association (NECA)
NECA is a patient-centered, member-driven and member-governed organization. Its mission is to empower patients, families and caregivers to improve the quality of patient care and the quality of their lives.

National Emphysema Foundation
The National Emphysema Foundation aims to improve the quality of life of patients with emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease, asthma and related lung diseases with information and education. The National Emphysema Foundation supports research and works with many physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists who are involved in direct patient care.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: COPD Learn More Breathe Better campaign
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) developed a national campaign called COPD Learn More Breathe Better to help people with COPD and those at risk to become more aware of COPD, get diagnosed early, better understand this disease and live better with it. This site provides information and support.

The National Institutes of Health: COPD
The National Institutes of Health is the steward of medical and behavioral research for the nation. It is an agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Resources for Those Caring for Someone with COPD

People caring for a family member with COPD face many concerns. It is natural to feel stressed, helpless or even resentful sometimes.11 COPD affects you, just as it affects your family member with the condition.

Click on the links below to visit the websites of groups who provide support to people like you who care for loved ones with chronic conditions. You may also want to look at the list of resources for people with COPD if you are seeking more general information about the condition and related topics.

Note that the information provided on any site might not be reviewed by doctors. Talk to your doctor before assuming that what you read is medically accurate, especially if you read it in a chat room or on a message board.

cover of caring brochure image

Caring for Someone with COPD: The Caregivers Guide

Download this brochure to read more about caring for a person with COPD, including suggestions for healthy daily living, recommendations on how to prepare someone with COPD for a visit to the hospital, treatment options and tips for taking care of yourself.

Brochure coming soon

Caring Today
Caring Today is a provider of practical advice and knowledge for family caregivers. Since 2004, Caring Today has addressed the needs of America's 50 million caregivers with expertise, understanding and answers through its quarterly national magazine and this website.

COPD Foundation
The mission of the COPD Foundation is to develop and support programs that improve the quality of life through research, education, early diagnosis and enhanced therapy for persons whose lives are impacted by COPD. This page includes a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions for caregivers of those with COPD.

COPD International
COPD International is a site organized and staffed by individuals who have been diagnosed with COPD, caregivers and other individuals interested in COPD. Its primary purpose is to provide a complete resource for COPD patients, caregivers and family through interactive support and education. This site contains chat rooms and message boards, as well as an opportunity to sign up for information and support via email. This link will take you to a page where caregivers can "share their feelings and concerns in a supportive atmosphere of mutual understanding" in a chat room and on a message board.

COPD News Of The Day
COPD News Of The Day is a site updated daily—Monday through Friday—by a woman with COPD. It includes news and information for those "living a life that includes COPD." News links are archived into easy-to-find categories. This link will take you to an archive of articles written for COPD caregivers.

COPD-Support
COPD-Support provides a variety of programs where patients and caregivers can talk to each other, sharing ideas and experiences - as they say, they are a source of "unofficial" information that can be valuable in day-to-day living. Their programs provide ways to ask questions and get answers from other patients and caregivers; they describe their site as an information exchange "similar to a family discussion over the dinner table." They distribute email to subscribers and encourage members to share ideas and solutions.

Family Caregiver Alliance
The Family Caregiver Alliance provides caregivers with advice and information about all things related to caregiving, including current medical and social issues, and public policy and research. They also offer caregiver newsletters and online support groups.

National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving.

National Family Caregivers Association
The National Family Caregivers Association helps educate, support and empower the millions of Americans who care for loved ones with chronic illnesses, disabilities or old age.

The Well Spouse Foundation
Through a variety of programs and events, the Well Spouse's mission is to provide emotional, peer-to-peer support to the wives, husbands and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled.

Next topic: Treating your COPD

References

  1. PERFOROMIST Prescribing Information. Napa, CA: Dey Pharma, L.P. 2010.
  2. Gross NJ, Nelson HS, Lapidus RJ, et al; Formoterol Study Group. Efficacy and safety of formoterol fumarate delivered by nebulization to COPD patients. Respir Med. 2008;102(2):189-197.
  3. Mannino DM et al. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2002;51:1-13.
  4. National Institutes of Health/U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Diseases and Conditions Index. What is COPD? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html. Accessed July 13, 2011.
  5. Rodriguez-Roisin R, Anzueto A, Bourbeau J, et al; GOLD Executive Committee. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (updated 2009). Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease website: http://www.goldcopd.org/guidelines-global-strategy-for-diagnosis-management.html. Accessed March 8, 2010.
  6. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: National Institutes of Health. When you are diagnosed with COPD. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/breathing-better/taking-action.htm. Accessed July 13, 2011.
  7. American Lung Association. Living with COPD: a life change. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/copd/living-with-copd/life-change.html. Accessed July 13, 2011.
  8. CDC FastStats: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Includes: Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/copd.htm. Accessed April 11, 2011.
  9. CDC Vital and Health Statistics. Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2009. Hyattsville, Maryland. 8/2010.
  10. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Caregiver tip sheet. Available at: http://www.strokecamp.com/content/resourcesCAR/CaregiverTipSheet.pdf. Accessed on July 13, 2011.
  11. Data on file. Evaluation of concepts for Perforomist. Dey #0257 Final research report (market research). LinguiSearch. March 23, 2011.
  12. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/NIH. Living with COPD. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_LivingWith.html. Access July 13, 2011.
  13. Nelson HS, Gross NJ, Levine B, et al. Formoterol Study Group. Cardiac safety profile of nebulized formoterol in adults with COPD: a 12-week, multicenter, ranodmized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo- and active-controlled trial [published correction appears in Clin Ther. 2009;31(4):920].
  14. Proventil HFA Prescribing Information. Kenilworth, NJ: Schering-Plough. 1998.
  15. Atrovent HFA Prescribing Information. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010.
  16. Combivent Prescribing Information. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. September 2010.
  17. Spiriva HandiHaler Prescribing Information. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and New York, NY: Pfizer Inc. 2010.
  18. Dolovich MB, Ahrens RC, Hess DR, et al. Device selection and outcomes of aerosol treatment: evidence-based guidelines. Chest. 2005;127(1):335-371.
  19. Theophylline extended-release tablets prescribing information. Kansas City, MO: Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. May 2009.
  20. Pari Trek S Compact Compressor Nebulizer System. Instructions for use. Revised 2006.
  21. Geller DE. Comparing clinical features of the nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, and dry powder inhaler. Respir Care. 2005;50:1313-1321.
  22. Advair HFA Prescribing Information. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline. 2011.
  23. Press VG, Arora VM, Shah LM, et al. Misuse of respiratory inhalers in hospitalized patients with asthma or COPD. J Gen Intern Med. In press.
  24. Van der Palen J, Klein JJ, Kerkhoff AH, van Herwaarden CL, Seydel ER. Evaluation of the long-term effectiveness of three instruction modes for inhaling medicines. Pt Ed Couns. 1997;32:S87-S95.
  25. Data on file. Survey conducted by KRC Research: COPD Patient and Caregiver Studies, March 2009. Dey Pharma, LP.
  26. Advair Diskus Prescribing Information. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline. 2011.
  27. Pulmicort Flexhaler Prescribing Information. Södertälje, Sweden: AstraZeneca. 2010.
  28. Mayo Clinic. Asthma inhalers: which one’s right for you? Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma-inhalers/HQ01081/METHOD=print. Accessed August 22, 2011.
  29. American Lung Association of Minnesota/Minnesota COPD Coalition/NCQA Certified Disease Management. Understanding & managing your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) brochure. 09/07.
  30. Ventolin HFA Prescribing Information. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline. 2009.
  31. American Lung Association. My COPD Action Plan. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/copd/living-with-copd/copd-management-tools.html. Accessed August 22, 2011.
  32. American Thoracic Society. Standards for the Diagnosis and Care of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 1995;152:S77-S120
  33. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: National Institutes of Health. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Full Report 2007.
  34. Symbicort Prescribing Information. Dunkerque, France: AstraZeneca. 2010.
  35. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Department of Health and Human Services, USA. Medicare and Home Health Care. Available at: www.medicare.gov.
  36. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid Program—General Information: Overview. Available at: www.cms.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/. Accessed June 23, 2011.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning.

Indication

PERFOROMIST (formoterol fumarate) Inhalation Solution is used for the long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic inflammation of the lungs (bronchitis) and emphysema. It is only to be used with a nebulizer and is taken twice daily (morning and evening).

WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH

PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution belongs to a class of drugs called long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA). People with asthma who take LABA such as PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution have an increased risk of death from asthma problems. Do not use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution if you have asthma without using a long-term asthma control medicine.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings and Precautions
PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution should not be used instead of rescue inhaler or nebulized medicine for the treatment of acute symptoms. Extra doses of PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution should not be used for that purpose since overuse can cause serious heart problems, including death. Acute or sudden symptoms should be treated with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist. Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • your symptoms quickly worsen despite recommended doses of PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution
  • PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution treatment becomes less effective
  • you need more inhalations of a short-acting beta2-agonist (rescue inhaler or nebulized medicine) than usual.

Do not use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution with other LABA medicines for any reason.

How to Use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution
Use PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution exactly as directed by your health care professional. Do not stop using PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution or other medicines to control or treat your COPD unless told to do so by your health care professional because your symptoms might get worse. Your health care professional will change your medicines as needed.

Co-existing Conditions
The use of PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution with certain health conditions or with certain medications can cause serious side effects. Tell your health care professional about all of your health conditions, including if you:

  • have heart problems
  • have high blood pressure
  • have diabetes
  • have seizures
  • have thyroid problems
  • have liver problems
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution can harm an unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding. It is not known if PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution passes into breast milk and if it can harm your baby.

Drug Interactions
Tell your health care professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution and certain other medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects.

Side Effects
The most common side effects reported in patients taking PERFOROMIST Inhalation Solution were diarrhea, nausea, nasopharyngitis, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia. Serious side effects may include sudden shortness of breath, serious allergic reactions, chest pain, increased or decreased blood pressure, a fast and irregular heartbeat, low blood potassium, high blood sugar, and high blood acid.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.