Airduo is a combination inhaler. This medication contains fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid) and salmeterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) is used as maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 12 years and older. It's inhaled by mouth twice daily. Some of the more common side effects of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) include upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, and headaches. This medication is available as brand name Airduo RespiClick, as well as the smart inhaler Airduo Digihaler.
Maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children ages 12 years and older
AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) is a combination of two medications that work together to help treat asthma and COPD symptoms.
Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid. The exact way that it works to treat asthma isn't well-understood. But it's thought to work directly in your lungs to lower inflammation and swelling, thus making it easier for you to breathe.
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist. It works by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways, making it easier to breathe.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Works well to lower the risk of asthma symptoms
Combines two medications into a single inhaler for convenience
Airduo Digihaler can be linked to a phone app that captures important information you can use to track treatment
Not a rescue inhaler for treating sudden trouble breathing
Needs to be inhaled twice per day
Can't be used with a spacer
Not a good choice for people allergic to lactose
Use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) twice daily at the same times every day. This medication works best if it's taken regularly every day.
Let your provider know if you're severely allergic to milk proteins because AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) contains lactose.
Make sure to rinse your mouth with water and spit after each time you use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol). This helps prevent fungal infections in your mouth and throat (thrush).
If you have sudden trouble breathing during an asthma attack, use your rescue inhaler. AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) won't treat an asthma attack as it's happening.
Call your provider if your breathing or peak flow meter results worsen. Also contact your provider if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. These could be signs that your AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) dose is too low, or you need another long-acting medication to help manage your asthma.
Don't start any new medications while you're taking AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) without asking your provider or pharmacist first. AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) can interact with other medications, such as blood pressure medications (e.g., beta blockers), tricyclic antidepressants, and certain water pills (diuretics). Your providers can check for interactions to make sure your medications are safe to take.
If you have Airduo Digihaler, it's recommended to download and use the Digihaler app. This app captures important information about your treatment, such as how well you're breathing in when you use the inhaler. But you don't need to use the app to use the Airduo Digihaler.
Store AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) at room temperature in a dry place away from heat or sunlight. Keep unused inhalers in the original foil pouch.
Tips for using Airduo Digihaler or Airduo RespiClick:
If needed, refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how to use Airduo Digihaler or Airduo RespiClick. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You don't need to prime or shake the AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) inhaler before using it.
When you're ready to take your dose, open the yellow cap until it clicks. This loads the dose. Hold the AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) inhaler in an upright position. Then, breathe out as long as you can.
To inhale, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece and take a fast and deep breath. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can so that the medication can reach deep into your lungs. Close the yellow cap when finished. Then, rinse and spit with water.
Never wash the AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) inhaler. Instead, clean the mouthpiece every once in a while by wiping it with a dry cloth. Don't get water or moisture on or near the inhaler. Moisture can make the dry powder medication clump together and clog the inhaler.
AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Don't use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) if you're experiencing an asthma attack because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.
If you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, let your provider know because this could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. Don't use more doses AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) than recommended because this won't improve your breathing. Rather, this can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as heart problems, tremors, and dizziness.
Risk factor: Not rinsing and spitting after using AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) | Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications
AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) includes a steroid medication (fluticasone). When inhaled, it can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat called thrush. To lower your risk for thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit after each inhalation of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol). If you develop thrush, your provider might prescribe you a medication to treat this condition and ask you to temporarily stop using AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol). Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, cotton-like feeling in your mouth, pain while eating or swallowing, or loss of taste.
Inhaled medications, including AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you have a hard time breathing after inhaling AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.
Like all corticosteroid-containing medications, AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for infections, including upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. Your risk for infections is higher if you're also taking other medications that also weaken your immune system. If you're currently being treated for a serious infection, such as tuberculosis, let your provider know. They might need to consider a different medication for your condition until you get better. Let your provider know right away if you have symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, body aches.
Risk factors: Using AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) for a long time | Using too much AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)
Use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Using more doses of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) than recommended can cause more steroid to be absorbed into the body and you might experience symptoms such as higher blood sugar or blood pressure.
On the other hand, if you're transitioning to AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) from oral steroids, you might experience symptoms of low steroid hormone, such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. When you transition to AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol), your provider will work with you to lower your dose of oral steroids slowly over time to prevent these side effects.
Children who use inhaled steroids, like AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol), might experience a delay in growth. To lower the risk of growth problems, your child's provider will only prescribe the lowest dose needed to help their condition. The provider will check your child's growth regularly while they're receiving this medication. If you're concerned about how AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's provider to see if this medication is right for them.
Risk factors: History of glaucoma or cataracts
Though rare, people using inhaled steroids over a long period of time have reported having higher pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to your eye provider before using AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) if you have glaucoma or cataracts because they might ask you to come in more often for eye exams. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication.
Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) than recommended
The salmeterol in Airduo might cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol). Your provider might ask you to regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home if you have high blood pressure or other heart problems. Don't use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) more often than recommended. If you find that you need to use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) more often, let your providers know so they can see if you need any changes to your treatment plan. Tell your provider if you have dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness after you use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol).
Risk factors: Using AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) too much
AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. In most cases, this happens if you use more AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) than recommended. Drops in blood potassium levels are typically mild and your levels should go back to usual with time. Sometimes, low potassium can cause tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, and a "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet. Tell your provider if you experience any of these symptoms while you're using AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol). Also let your provider know if you need to use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) more often than instructed. Your treatment plan might need to be adjusted to better control your symptoms.
Allergic reactions to AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) are possible. These reactions can include life-threatening facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol).
Airduo Digihaler and Airduo Respiclick are available in 3 different strengths: 55 mcg/14 mcg (fluticasone / salmeterol), 113 mcg/14 mcg (fluticasone / salmeterol), and 232 mcg/14 mcg (fluticasone / salmeterol).
Your provider will determine your dose based on how severe your asthma is and what other medications you've taken. The typical dose is 1 inhalation by mouth twice daily.
Treatment of sudden, severe asthma attack
Allergy to fluticasone (inhaled corticosteroid) or salmeterol (long-acting beta agonist)
Allergy to lactose or milk proteins
Maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children ages 12 years and older
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Teva Respiratory, LLC. (2023). Airduo Digihaler- fluticasone propionate and salmeterol powder, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.
Teva Respiratory, LLC. (2024). Airduo RespiClick- fluticasone propionate and salmeterol powder, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.
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