Bevespi Aerosphere is a combination inhaler that contains glycopyrrolate (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, or LAMA) and formoterol fumarate (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). It's used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) is an aerosol that's inhaled through the mouth twice per day; it can be used with or without a spacer. Side effects aren't common, but can include cough and urinary tract infection.
Maintenance treatment of COPD
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) is a combination inhaler. It contains two medications that work together to help treat COPD symptoms:
Glycopyrrolate is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It's a type of anticholinergic medication that act on receptors in the lungs to improve your breathing.
Formoterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). It relaxes and opens up the airways in your lungs to help you breathe easier.
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 COPD flare-ups
Doesn't cause oral fungal infections (thrush) like other inhalers for COPD because it doesn't have a steroid
Convenient because it's a combination of two medications in a single inhaler
Need to take two puffs twice a day
Not a rescue inhaler for treating sudden breathing problems
Might be difficult for some people to use correctly
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) is meant to be used regularly every day (maintenance inhaler) to help with COPD. Use Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) as prescribed at the same times each day to make sure it works best for you.
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) isn't meant to be used to treat sudden difficulty breathing. Always have your rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol (Ventolin)), handy in case you have sudden trouble breathing.
Call your provider if your breathing worsens and you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. This could be a sign that Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) isn't working well to control your symptoms and you might need another medication to help manage your COPD.
Before starting any new medications, ask your provider if there are any interactions with Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol). For example, you shouldn't take Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) with beta blockers (a class of blood pressure medications) because this combination might cause Bevespi to not work as well to control COPD symptoms.
Store Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) at room temperature in a dry place away from heat or sunlight. Keep unused inhalers in the original foil pouch.
After you've removed Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) from the original pouch, this inhaler expires after 3 months. Throw the inhaler away after 3 months or when the dose indicator display window shows "0", which ever comes first.
You'll need to prime your Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) inhaler to make sure you get the full dose. To prime it for the first time, shake it well and spray into the air away from your face 4 times. Make sure to shake before each spray.
If you haven't used your Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) inhaler in a week or longer, you'll need to prime it again by spraying it 2 times into the air.
Shake the Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) inhaler well before each dose to mix the medication. When you're ready, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece, and slightly tilt your head back. Then, take a slow and deep breath while you push the top of the canister down to deliver the medication.
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. Then, repeat these steps to take your second dose of Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol).
Ask your provider about using a spacer with your Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) inhaler to help you take your complete dose if you're having a hard time using your HFA inhaler.
Clean your Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) inhaler at least once a week. Remove the cap and canister and set them aside. Then, rinse the mouthpiece and top of the inhaler with warm running water for 30 seconds each. Shake off any extra water and let it fully air dry before putting your inhaler back together.
When the display window of the dose counter on top of the canister shows you only have 20 inhalations left, you should get a refill.
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) 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.
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) isn't a rescue inhaler and won't help to treat a COPD exacerbation (flare up COPD symptoms). If Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) isn't working well to control your COPD and you're experiencing worsening symptoms, such as coughing and trouble breathing, talk with your provider. They can see if you need to take other medications for your condition.
Inhaled medications, including Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol), 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 Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.
Severe allergic reactions to Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like 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 using Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol).
Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) than recommended
Formoterol in Bevespi Aerosphere can potentially raise your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as cause changes in heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol). 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 Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) more often than recommended. If you find that you need to use Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) 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 Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol).
Risk factors: History of glaucoma | Long-term use of Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)
Though not common, using Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) can raise the pressure in the eyes. Sometimes, this can cause or worsen glaucoma. Talk to your eye provider before using Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) if you have glaucoma or other eye problems. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication. Never spray Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) in your eyes because this could cause eye pain, discomfort, blurry vision, and other vision changes.
Risk factors: Enlarged prostate | Bladder-neck obstruction (blockage)
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) should be used cautiously in people who have prostate problems, because it can worsen this condition and lead to difficulty urinating. Contact your provider if you notice difficulty urinating while using this medication.
Risk factors: Using Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) too much
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. In most cases, this happens if you use more Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) 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 Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol).
Also let your provider know if you need to use Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) more often than instructed. Your treatment plan might need to be adjusted to better control your symptoms.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
10.7g of 9mcg/4.8mcg | 1 inhaler | $444.84 | $444.84 |
Each inhalation (puff) of Bevespi Aerosphere contains 18 mcg of glycopyrrolate and 9.6 mcg of formoterol fumarate.
The typical dose is 2 puffs inhaled through the mouth twice per day in the morning and evening.
Treatment of sudden shortness of breath or asthma
Allergy to glycopyrrolate (anticholinergic) or formoterol (long-acting beta agonist)
Maintenance treatment of COPD
Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
Maintenance treatment of COPD
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American Lung Association. (2022). How to use a metered-dose inhaler without a valved holding chamber.
AstraZeneca. (n.d). Instructions for use - Bevespi Aerosphere® (be-VES-pee AIR-oh-sfeer) (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate) inhalation aerosol, for oral inhalation use.
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. (2023). Bevespi Aerosphere- glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate aerosol, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.
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