Symbicort Alternatives: What to Know About Advair, Generics, and More
Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is an inhaler that treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Learn about alternative breathing treatments here.
Bevespi Aerosphere
Used for COPD
Used for COPD
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.
What is Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)?
What is Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) used for?
- Maintenance treatment of COPD
How Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) works
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Bevespi Aerosphere |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | LAMA / LABA combo |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)
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
- Cough (4%)
- Urinary tract infection (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) 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 Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Trouble passing urine
- 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):
- Constipation
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Tremors or shaking
- Trouble sleeping
Get your GoodRx coupon
$561.83
GoodRx discount
$423.27
Pros and cons of Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Pharmacist tips for Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)
- 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.
Tips for how to use Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol):
- 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.
Risks and warnings for Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)
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.
Not for use during worsening COPD symptoms
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.
Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
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
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).
Heart problems
- 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 of eye and vision problems
- 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.
Trouble urinating
- 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.
Low potassium levels in the blood
- 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.
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) dosage
The average cost for 1 inhaler of 10.7g of 9mcg/4.8mcg of Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) is $423.27 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 24.66% off the average retail price of $561.83. 
Inhaler
Inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.7g of 9mcg/4.8mcg | 1 inhaler | $423.27 | $423.27 |
Typical dosage for Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)
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.
How much does Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Bevespi Aerosphere (brand)
$423.27
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) 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 Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol) will not be safe for you to take.
- Treatment of sudden shortness of breath or asthma
- Allergy to glycopyrrolate (anticholinergic) or formoterol (long-acting beta agonist)
What are alternatives to Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate / formoterol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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