Dulera vs. Spiriva Handihaler for Asthma: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dulera

(mometasone / formoterol)

Spiriva

(tiotropium)

Summary for Dulera

Prescription only

Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) is an inhaler that's used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. It's a combination medication containing an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that work together to help make breathing easier. Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. But the specific dosage depends on how old you are and how severe your asthma symptoms are. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. This medication isn't available as a lower-cost generic yet.

Indications for Dulera

Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 5 years and older

Pros and Cons for Dulera

Pros

Works well to improve lung function and lessen asthma symptoms
Combines two different asthma medications into a single inhaler for convenience
Can use with a spacer if you have trouble using the inhaler

Cons

Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler
Need to inhale 2 puffs twice daily for it to work well
Can raise your risk for infections

Common Side Effects for Dulera

Sore throat, stuffy nose, and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
Headache (up to 5%)
Pressure in the sinuses and other symptoms of a sinus infection (up to 3%)

Warnings for Dulera

Not for use for asthma attack or worsening breathing
Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
Sudden narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
Higher risk of infections
Caution when switching from oral to inhaled steroids
Changes in stress hormone levels
Heart problems
Delayed growth in children
Eye and vision problems
Low potassium levels in the blood

Summary for Spiriva Handihaler

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 for Spiriva Handihaler

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only

Pros and Cons for Spiriva Handihaler

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 for Spiriva Handihaler

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 for Spiriva Handihaler

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 Dulera vs. Spiriva Handihaler

Dulera1 inhaler / 120 doses of 200mcg/5mcg

$199.00$407.98

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Tiotropium1 inhaler / 30 capsules of 18mcg per capsule

$76.57$362.28

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Dulera vs. Spiriva Handihaler

Dulera

Spiriva

Summary for Dulera

Indications for Dulera

Pros and Cons for Dulera

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dulera

Warnings for Dulera

Summary for Spiriva Handihaler

Indications for Spiriva Handihaler

Pros and Cons for Spiriva Handihaler

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Spiriva Handihaler

Warnings for Spiriva Handihaler

Prices with our coupons for Dulera vs. Spiriva Handihaler

Compare other Asthma drugs

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Dulera

Spiriva

Summary for Dulera

Indications for Dulera

Pros and Cons for Dulera

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dulera

Warnings for Dulera

Summary for Spiriva Handihaler

Indications for Spiriva Handihaler

Pros and Cons for Spiriva Handihaler

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Spiriva Handihaler

Warnings for Spiriva Handihaler