Key takeaways:
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a rescue inhaler that’s used as needed for sudden asthma symptoms in adults.
The standard Airsupra dosage is 2 puffs when symptoms occur, with a maximum of 6 doses (12 puffs) in a 24-hour period.
If you need to use Airsupra frequently to manage asthma symptoms, talk to your prescriber. They may need to make adjustments to your asthma treatment plan.
There are ways to save on Airsupra, which is only available as a brand-name medication. If you’re eligible, you may qualify for a manufacturer copay card or patient assistance program to help make your prescription more affordable.
Airsupra is a new inhaler that’s FDA approved to treat sudden asthma symptoms in adults. It’s different from traditional rescue inhalers because it contains two active ingredients. These are albuterol, a fast-acting bronchodilator, and budesonide, a steroid that reduces inflammation.
Since it’s a rescue inhaler, you’ll only use Airsupra when you have an asthma attack.. This makes Airsupra different from maintenance inhalers that are meant for everyday use to keep flare-ups at bay. Here’s what you should know about Airsupra dosing, how to use it, and what to do if you use too much.
The typical Airsupra dosage for adults is 2 puffs as needed when asthma symptoms occur. You shouldn’t use more than 6 doses (12 puffs) in a 24-hour period.
You aren’t meant to use Airsupra every day as a maintenance treatment. Instead, Airsupra treats wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness when those symptoms happen. If you need to use Airsupra more than 2 days per week, let your prescriber know. It may be a sign that you need adjustments to your asthma treatment plan.
Airsupra comes in a metered-dose inhaler. Each inhaler contains 120 puffs, which is enough for 60 uses (2 puffs per dose). The dose indicator at the top will tell you how many doses are remaining inside.
Here are some general tips for using Airsupra:
Prime your inhaler before first use, or if you haven’t used it for more than 7 days.
Shake the inhaler well before each use.
Breathe out fully before using the inhaler.
Close your lips around the mouthpiece. Press down the canister while breathing in slowly and deeply.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds after each inhalation.
Rinse your mouth after using Airsupra to reduce the risk of oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth).
Clean your inhaler weekly to prevent medication from building up and causing a blockage.
If you’re new to using an inhaler or you’re having trouble with the technique, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. They can provide a demonstration to help you use Airsupra correctly.
Airsupra is only used when you have asthma symptoms, so there isn’t a regular dosage schedule to follow. If you forget to use Airsupra when your symptoms start, take your dose as soon as you remember.
But if your symptoms have already improved or resolved, it may be OK to skip the dose. Follow your prescriber’s instructions for what to do in this situation. Don’t take extra or double doses to make up for a missed dose.
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Using large doses of Airsupra at once or exceeding the recommended 12 inhalations in a day can increase the risk of side effects. These may include:
Tremors
Increased heart rate
Nervousness or anxiety
Headache
Nausea
In rare cases, overuse could cause serious side effects such as heart rhythm problems or low potassium levels. If you accidentally use too much Airsupra, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or your prescriber for guidance. Go to the nearest ER if any symptoms feel severe or life-threatening.
Keep in mind: Always follow your asthma action plan. Contact your prescriber if your symptoms don’t improve after using Airsupra as directed.
There are ways to save on Airsupra, which is only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $0 for Airsupra with a manufacturer copay card. Or if you meet eligibility requirements, you could get Airsupra at no charge through the AZ&Me patient assistance program.
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a rescue inhaler that treats sudden asthma symptoms in adults. Unlike daily maintenance inhalers, you should only use Airsupra as needed. The typical Airsupra dosage is 2 puffs when symptoms occur, with a maximum of 12 puffs in a 24-hour period.
Always follow your asthma action plan. And tell your prescriber if you need to use Airsupra frequently. This may be a sign that your treatment plan needs to be adjusted to reduce asthma flare-ups.
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). Medications that are included in the AZ&Me program.
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Airsupra- albuterol sulfate and budesonide aerosol, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). AsthmaStats - Frequent use of quick-relief medication among persons with active asthma.
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