Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a newer combination inhaler used to prevent and treat asthma attacks in adults. This medication works to lower lung inflammation and open up the airways to help you breathe better. Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a rescue inhaler, which means it shouldn't be used daily to prevent asthma.
Prevention and treatment of asthma flare-ups
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a combination of two medications.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to the lungs. This opens up the lungs and makes breathing easier during an asthma attack.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid. It reduces chemicals in your body that cause swelling and inflammation. Inflammation in your lungs can lead to difficulty breathing. By lowering inflammation, budesonide makes it easier for you to breathe.
Source: FDA
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):
Combines two medications into one inhaler for convenience
Works well to reduce both shortness of breath and inflammation in the lungs
Generally well tolerated
Can work as soon as 8 minutes of using to open up airways
Not approved for children under 18 years old
Can cause thrush in mouth or throat as a side effect
Possible bone loss if used long term
Might need to use multiple times a day
Before using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide), write down the expiration date (12 months after you open the canister) on the inhaler. Expired medication might not work well for your asthma symptoms. If your inhaler has expired, discard it and obtain a new one from your provider.
Before you use each new Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) inhaler, shake the inhaler well, and spray 4 puffs into the air to "prime" the medication. If you haven't used it for more than a week or if you've just cleaned it, shake the inhaler well, and spray 2 puffs into the air before using it again. This is to make sure you get the full dose of medication when you inhale it through your mouth.
How to use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide): Take the mouthpiece cover off of the inhaler, and shake the inhaler well. When you're ready, exhale fully. Then, put the mouthpiece into your mouth. Next, inhale deeply as you spray 1 puff into your mouth. Then, move the inhaler away from your mouth, and hold your breath for as long as you can, up to 10 seconds. Repeat the steps for the second puff.
After using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide), rinse your mouth with water and spit it out right away. This can help lower the chances of developing a fungal infection in your mouth and throat (thrush). If you develop white patches or a cotton-like feeling in the mouth, let your healthcare provider know. You might need to take antifungal medication(s) for this side effect.
Rinse the mouthpiece with only warm water once a week so the medication doesn't build up and block the spray through the mouthpiece. Make sure to take off the canister with medication before washing. Let it air dry overnight.
Don't use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) near an open flame. This product can catch on fire very easily at a high temperature. Also, don't store it near heat or puncture the canister. The canister is under a lot of pressure and might explode in these conditions.
If you continue to have asthma symptoms, if symptoms get worse while using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide), or if you need more doses of medication than usual, get medical help or contact your provider. You might need urgent treatment for your asthma. You also might need other medications to help manage your condition.
Talk to a provider if you have a fever, cough, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, or body aches while using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide). This medication might affect your immune system and raise your risk of developing infections.
Before starting any new medications, speak with your provider first. Some medications can interact with Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) and lead to more side effects.
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) 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.
Risk factor: First use of a new canister of Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide)
Although rare, Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can worsen symptoms of asthma by tightening the airways. This medical condition is called paradoxical bronchospasm and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Paradoxical bronchospasm is more likely to happen when you first use a new canister of Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide). If you feel more wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing after using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide), stop this medication right away and speak to your healthcare provider.
Risk factors: History of allergy to albuterol or budesonide
In some rare cases, Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Don't use this medication if you're allergic to either albuterol or budesonide. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as wheezing, dizziness, fainting, rash, itching, trouble breathing, and swelling of the tongue or throat. Get medical attention right away if you have any of these reactions.
Risk factors: Using too much Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) | Heart disease or heart rhythm problems | High blood pressure | Thyroid problems | History of seizures | High blood sugar (diabetes)
Speak to your provider before using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) if you have any of the risk factors or medical conditions listed above. Using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide). They can make sure this medication is safe for you to use. Since Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can raise your heart rate or blood pressure, it's a good idea to check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Tell your provider if you notice any abnormal heartbeats or your blood pressure is consistently higher than usual.
Risk factor: Taking medications that can lower potassium levels like certain diuretics (water pills)
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can cause low potassium levels in some people, which can potentially affect your heart rhythm. This is typically temporary and usually doesn't require any treatment. Let your provider know if you have muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or abnormal heartbeat as these can be signs of low potassium.
Risk factors: Active, chronic (long-term), or recurrent infection | Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking other medications that can weaken the immune system
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can lower your ability to fight infections. Infections, such as tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, and measles, can be more serious in people who use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide). If you have any of the risk factors listed above, discuss with your provider about how you can safely use this medication. Don't use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) if you have an active infection or an infection that keeps coming back without speaking with your provider first. Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can make these infections worse. Let your provider know right away if you have signs or symptoms of an infection, such as fever, cough, white patches in your mouth, or sore throat.
Risk factors: People who are sensitive to the effects of steroids | Inhaling excessive amounts of Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide)
In some rare cases, people who are sensitive to the effects of steroids might experience a medical condition called adrenal suppression when using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide). With this condition, your adrenal gland doesn't make enough steroid hormones for your body naturally as your body relies on the steroid medication as the source for the hormone. If you're often sensitive to the effects of steroids or if you're using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) more often than prescribed, your provider might ask you to do some lab work to test how well your adrenal gland works. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of low steroid hormone levels between doses, including weakness, headache, and low energy.
Risk factors: Using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) long term | Unable to move for a long period of time | Family history of osteoporosis | Menopause | Tobacco use | 65 years or older | Poor diet | Using medications that can cause bone loss
People taking Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) for a long time might be at risk of bone loss. If you have a history of osteoporosis (weak bones) or if you have any of the risk factors listed above, you might be more likely to experience bone loss after using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) long term. To lower the risk, your provider might measure your bone density to make sure your bones are healthy. If you've had bone fractures before or have osteoporosis, talk to your provider about your risk before using this medication.
Risk factors: Long-term use of Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) | History of eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts
Using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) for a long time can raise eye pressure, worsen glaucoma, and cause cataracts (cloudiness in the eyes). Talk to your provider right away if you experience blurry vision, eye discomfort, or other changes in your vision after using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide). You might need an eye exam.
Each inhalation of Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) contains 90 mcg of albuterol and 80 mcg of budesonide.
The typical dose is 2 inhalations by mouth as needed for asthma symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, wheezing, cough). Don't use more than 6 doses (12 inhalations) in a 24-hour period.
Prevention and treatment of asthma flare-ups
Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older
Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 6 years and older
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