Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a brand-name combination inhaler used to prevent and treat asthma attacks in adults. It contains two medications: albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist that quickly opens up your airways, and budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in your lungs.Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a rescue inhaler which means you use it only when you needed it; it doesn’t replace your long-acting maintenance inhaler. Common side effects include headache, cough, and hoarseness.
Prevention and treatment of asthma attacks
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a combination of two medications that work together to improve asthma symptoms.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It works by relaxing the muscles around your airways, making it easier for air to move in and out of your lungs.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid. It reduces swelling and inflammation in the lungs, which helps you breathe more easily.
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):
Combines two medications into one
Works to reduce both shortness of breath and inflammation in the lungs
Generally well tolerated
Works quickly (about 8 minutes) to open up airways
Not approved for children under 18 years old
Can cause thrush in the mouth or throat as a side effect
Possible bone loss if used long term
Might need to use multiple times a day
Don't take more than 6 doses (12 inhalations) of Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) in a 24-hour period. Taking more than the recommended amount can raise your risk of serious side effects.
If Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) doesn’t help your symptoms like it used to or your asthma feels worse, get medical help and tell your prescriber right away. This could be a sign that your asthma isn't under control.
Talk to your prescriber if you get a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or body aches while using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide). This medication might affect your immune system and raise your risk of developing infections.
Always talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before starting any new medications. Some medications can interact with Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) and cause more side effects or make it work less well.
Stop using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) and call your prescriber right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction like rash, trouble breathing, swelling, or tightness in your chest.
Don’t use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) near fire or heat. The canister is under pressure and can explode if it gets too hot or is punctured.
Store Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) at room temperature and keep it in a dry place. Don’t store it in the bathroom or anywhere humid.
How to use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide):
Write use-by date: Once you open the foil pouch, write down the use-by date on the inhaler (12 months from the day you opened it). Throw away the inhaler when either 12 months have passed or the dose counter shows “0”, whichever comes first.
Priming the inhaler: If you're using a new inhaler, shake it and spray 4 puffs into the air. If you haven't used it for more than a week or just cleaned it, shake it and spray 2 puffs into the air before using it again. This makes sure the inhaler gives you the correct dose.
Taking a dose: To use the inhaler, remove the cap and shake the inhaler well. Breathe out fully, then put the mouthpiece into your mouth. Then press down to release 1 puff as you breathe in deeply. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then repeat for the second puff.
After use: Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This helps prevent a yeast infection called oral thrush). Call your prescriber if you notice white patches in your mouth or throat.
Cleaning: Rinse the white part with warm water for 30 seconds once a week so the medication doesn't build up and block the spray through the mouthpiece. Remove the canister before rinsing and let the piece air dry overnight.
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.
If you're still having symptoms after using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide), or if you need to use it more often than usual, your asthma could be getting worse. Talk to your prescriber as soon as possible so they can check your condition and adjust your treatment if needed.
Risk factor: First use of a new canister
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can sometimes cause a sudden tightening of the airways called paradoxical bronchospasm, meaning your breathing might get worse instead of better. This can be life-threatening and often happens the first time you use a new inhaler canister. If you notice more wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath after using it, stop the medication right away and contact your prescriber.
Risk factors: History of heart problems | High blood pressure
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) might affect your heart. If you notice a faster heartbeat, higher blood pressure, or other signs, speak with your prescriber, they might tell you to stop using it. This medication can also affect your heart rhythm, so talk to your prescriber if you have any heart conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure before starting this medication.
Risk factors: History of allergy to albuterol or budesonide
In rare cases, Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can cause a serious allergic reaction. Don't use this medication if you're allergic to albuterol or budesonide. Get medical attention right away if you have signs of allergic reactions, like a rash, itching, swelling of your face or tongue, trouble breathing, or chest pain.
Risk factors: Using too much Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) | High thyroid hormone | History of seizures | Diabetes
Speak to your prescriber before using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) if you have health conditions like seizures, high thyroid hormone, or diabetes. This inhaler can sometimes make these conditions worse or lead to serious side effects. Be sure to share your full medical history with your prescriber before starting this medication.
Risk factor: Taking medications that can lower potassium levels
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can sometimes cause low potassium levels, though this is usually temporary and doesn’t need treatment. But in some cases, low potassium can affect your heart. Let your care team know if you have muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat — these could 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 make it harder for your body to fight infections. Serious infections, like tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, and measles can be more dangerous if you're using this medication. Don't use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) if you have an active infection or an infection that keeps coming back without talking with your prescriber first. Tell your care team right away if you have signs of an infection, like fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, or feeling very tired.
Risk factors: Not rinsing and spitting after using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide)
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) can sometimes cause a yeast infection in your mouth or throat called oral thrush. If you notice white patches or a cotton-like feeling in your mouth or throat, let your prescriber know — it can usually be treated with antifungal medication. In some cases, your prescriber might have you pause treatment. To help prevent thrush, rinse your mouth with water after each dose, and spit the water out — don’t swallow it.
Risk factors: People who are sensitive to the effects of steroids | Using too much Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide)
When you use Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) at the right dose, it’s less likely to affect your body’s natural steroid balance. But if you take too much, or if you're very sensitive to steroids, it can cause problems like high steroid levels or adrenal suppression, which means your body might not make enough of its own steroids. Let your prescriber know if you feel very tired, weak, or sick to your stomach — especially during times of stress or after surgery — as these could be signs of low steroid hormone levels.
Risk factors: Using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) long term | Unable to move for a long period of time | Family history of osteoporosis | Menopause | Tobacco use | Older adults | Poor diet | Taking medications that can cause bone loss
People taking Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) for a long time might have a higher risk of bone loss. If you have risk factors like being older, going through menopause, smoking, poor nutrition, long periods of inactivity, or taking certain medications that affect bone strength, your prescriber might check your bone health and recommend ways to protect it.
Risk factors: Using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) long term
Using Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) for a long time can raise your risk of eye problems like glaucoma, high eye pressure, or cataracts. Let your prescriber know if you notice any changes in your vision, eye pain, or discomfort. They might refer you to an eye specialist to check for any problems.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
120 inhalations of 90mcg/80mcg | 1 inhaler | $479.15 | $479.15 |
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. Don't use more than 6 doses (12 inhalations) in 24 hours.
Prevention and treatment of asthma attacks
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
Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
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