Key takeaways
Revefenacin (Yupelri) and albuterol are both prescription medications used to help with breathing problems, but they work differently and are used for different purposes. Both are used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but albuterol is also used for asthma, including exercise-induced asthma. Revefenacin is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) taken once daily using a nebulizer, while albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) used as needed with either an inhaler or a nebulizer. Revefenacin is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas albuterol is available in both branded and generic forms. Common side effects of revefenacin include cough and headache, while albuterol can cause sore throat and throat irritation. Albuterol works quickly to relieve sudden breathing problems, but it may need to be used multiple times a day. Revefenacin is a maintenance medication and should not be used for sudden symptoms.
