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Compare Breztri vs. Spiriva Handihaler

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

Key takeaways

Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol) and Spiriva (tiotropium) are both inhaled medications used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, they differ in several ways. Breztri is a combination inhaler that includes an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), while Spiriva contains only a LAMA. Breztri is used twice daily, whereas Spiriva is taken once daily. Breztri is only available as a brand-name medication, while Spiriva HandiHaler is available as a generic. Breztri's common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia, while Spiriva can cause dry mouth and sinus inflammation. Additionally, Breztri is not approved for asthma, whereas Spiriva Respimat can be used for asthma in people aged 6 and older. Both medications require a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems, as they do not work quickly enough to relieve acute symptoms.

  • Breztri
    Spiriva (tiotropium)
  • Breztri
    Spiriva (tiotropium)

  • Summary of Breztri vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    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 LAMA
    Prescription only

    Spiriva (tiotropium) is a medication used to help control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. There are two different Spiriva inhalers: Spiriva Respimat is a metered-dose inhaler, and Spiriva HandiHaler is a device that you place a capsule of medication into before you take the medication. The typical dosage for Spiriva (tiotropium) is two inhalations once a day, but the dose depends on the reason you're using it. Side effects include dry mouth, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections. Only Spiriva HandiHaler is also available as a generic version.

  • Indications of Breztri vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Indications for
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    •Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only

  • Pros and Cons of Breztri vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    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 LAMA
    Pros
    •Helps prevent attacks or flare-ups
    •Has few side effects
    •Used once daily
    •Doesn't commonly cause a fast heart rate like some other bronchodilators
    •Available as a lower-cost generic (Spiriva HandiHaler only)
    Cons
    •Doesn't work fast enough to be used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
    •Can be difficult for some people to use
    •Can cause dry mouth as a side effect
    •Only Spiriva Respimat can be used for asthma in children 6 years and older
    •Spiriva Respimat is currently only available as brand name

  • Common Side Effects of Breztri vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Pneumonia (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Spiriva HandiHaler and generic

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (41%)
    •Dry mouth (16%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Sore throat (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (7%)
    •Chest pain (7%)

    Spiriva Respimat

    •Sore throat (12%)
    •Cough (6%)
    •Dry mouth (4%)
    •Sinus inflammation (3%)

  • Warnings of Breztri vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    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
    •Not a rescue inhaler
    •Allergic reaction
    •Sudden airway tightening (paradoxical bronchospasm)
    •Worsening glaucoma
    •Urination problems
    •Higher risk for side effects in people with kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Breztri vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    Learn more about Breztri
    Learn more about Spiriva

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