Breo Ellipta vs. Advair: 6 Things to Consider When Comparing These Inhalers
Breo Ellipta and Advair are combination inhalers approved for COPD and asthma. Review side effects, costs, and alternatives to choose the best treatment.
fluticasone / salmeterol
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma
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.
What is AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)?
What is AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) used for?
- Maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children ages 12 years and older
How AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) works
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | AirDuo RespiClick, Airduo Digihaler |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | ICS / LABA combo |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Runny nose and sore throat (up to 9%)
- Headache (up to 6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Cough
- Back pain
- Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough
- Heart problems: dizziness, fatigue, tremor, nausea, rapid heartbeat, weakness, or difficulty sleeping
The following AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) side effects have also been reported
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
- Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
- Thrush—white patches in the mouth
- Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in taste
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Tremors or shaking
- Trouble sleeping
Get your GoodRx coupon
$141.01
GoodRx discount
$74.40
Pros and cons of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Pharmacist tips for AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)
- 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.
Risks and warnings for AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)
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.
Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
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.
Fungal infection in the mouth
- 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.
Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
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.
Higher risk of infections
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.
Altered stress hormone levels
- 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.
Delayed growth in children
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.
Eye and vision problems
- 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.
Heart problems
- 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).
Low potassium levels in the blood
- 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
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 (fluticasone / salmeterol) dosage
The average cost for 1 respiclick inhaler of 0.45g of 113mcg/14mcg of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) is $74.40 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 47.24% off the average retail price of $141.02. 
Respiclick inhaler
Respiclick inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.45g of 55mcg/14mcg | 1 respiclick inhaler | $74.40 | $74.40 |
| 0.45g of 113mcg/14mcg | 1 respiclick inhaler | $74.40 | $74.40 |
| 0.45g of 232mcg/14mcg | 1 respiclick inhaler | $74.40 | $74.40 |
Typical dosage for 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.
How much does AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) will not be safe for you to take.
- Treatment of sudden, severe asthma attack
- Allergy to fluticasone (inhaled corticosteroid) or salmeterol (long-acting beta agonist)
- Allergy to lactose or milk proteins
What are alternatives to AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol)
What Are Smart Inhalers? What’s Available and How They Might Benefit You
Smart inhalers have digital features like reminders to help people manage lung conditions. Learn about the benefits of smart inhalers and what’s currently available.
Long-Acting Maintenance Asthma Inhalers: Know Your Options
If you’re shopping around for asthma inhalers, you’ll have seemingly too many options to count. Here’s a list of inhaler brands to help you choose the best one for you.
Advair vs. Symbicort: 8 Ways These Popular Asthma and COPD Inhalers Compare
Advair and Symbicort are used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here is some information to help you decide between them.
9 Advair Side Effects You Should Know About
Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) is a combination inhaler used to treat asthma and COPD. Learn all about Advair side effects here.
9 Effects of Long-Term Corticosteroids and Prednisone You Should Know About
Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are a type of anti-inflammatory medication. Learn more about prednisone and corticosteroids side effects, here.
10 Medication Side Effects That Can Affect Your Mouth
Have you started taking a new medication and noticed something different about your mouth? Some medications can cause a range of mouth-related side effects, like dry tongue and burning mouth syndrome. Here are 10 common issues and medications that may cause them.
Taking Symbicort for Asthma? Here’s How to Save
Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) is a common maintenance inhaler, taken on a daily basis to treat asthma and COPD. But it’s not cheap. Cash prices average around $323 for one inhaler, and out-of-pocket costs for those who fill Symbicort regularly can be unmanageable.
West Coast Wildfires Spur an Increase in Asthma Medication Fills Nationwide
Smoke from more than 50 massive wildfires across the Western United States is spreading, causing smoky skies, breathing challenges, and high prescription
New Lower Prices for More Brand-Name Drugs!
Last week, GoodRx rolled out exclusive new savings on more than 40 brand-name prescriptions, and we also promised to pursue discounts for more drugs.
AirDuo (fluticasone / salmeterol) images
