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Compare Breztri vs. Albuterol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol) and albuterol inhalers (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, etc.) are both used to help with breathing problems, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Breztri is a combination inhaler that includes an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). It is used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) used as a rescue inhaler for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with asthma or COPD. Breztri is taken twice daily, while albuterol is used as needed, up to every 4 to 6 hours. Breztri is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas albuterol is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects of Breztri include upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia, while albuterol can cause sore throat and throat irritation. Breztri should not be used with other LABA-containing inhalers, and albuterol can interact with certain heart and blood pressure medications.

  • Breztri
    Albuterol
  • Breztri
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Breztri vs. Albuterol

    Summary for ICS / LAMA / LABA
    Prescription only

    Breztri Aerosphere is a combination inhaler that contains budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid), glycopyrrolate (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist). It's used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Breztri is inhaled through the mouth and into the lungs twice per day every day. The most common side effects are upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Breztri is brand name only and not available as a lower-cost generic.

    Summary for SABA
    Prescription only

    Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's a rescue inhaler that treats or prevents sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in adults and children at least 4 years old with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. Albuterol is inhaled through the mouth using either an HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) or a dry powder inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Albuterol side effects generally include sore throat, throat irritation, and infections.

  • Indications of Breztri vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Indications for
    •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

  • Pros and Cons of Breztri vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for ICS / LAMA / LABA
    Pros
    •Lowers the risk of COPD flare-ups
    •Combination of three medications in a single inhaler
    •Can be used with a spacer to make it easier to take a dose
    Cons
    •Need to rinse your mouth after each dose
    •Need to inhale 2 puffs twice daily
    •Doesn't treat sudden worsening symptoms of COPD
    Pros and Const for SABA
    Pros
    •Works within minutes to help you breathe easier when you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing
    •Only used as needed when you're short of breath or when you're about to exercise
    •Can be used by children as young as 4 years old
    •Available as two types of inhalers: HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) and dry powder inhaler
    Cons
    •Might have to use the inhaler multiple times per day since it's a short-acting medication
    •Might be difficult for some people to use the inhaler properly
    •Should carry with you at all times so you can use it when you need to

  • Common Side Effects of Breztri vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Pneumonia (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sore throat
    •Throat irritation
    •Runny nose
    •Upper respiratory infection

    Note: Side effects you might have can depend on your age, dose, the type of albuterol inhaler you're using, and how often you're using the inhaler.

  • Warnings of Breztri vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for asthma, COPD flare ups, or worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium levels in the blood
    •Trouble urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Breztri vs. Albuterol

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