A Guide to COPD Inhalers
COPD inhalers may contain short- or long-acting medication, and there are a variety of devices on the market. Compare the best COPD inhalers with this guide.
Duaklir Pressair
Used for COPD
Used for COPD
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) is a combination of two medications in one inhaler that helps control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when taken regularly. It doesn't replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms and isn't meant to treat asthma.
What is Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol)?
What is Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) used for?
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
How Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) works
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) is a combination of two medications used for COPD that work together to relax and open up the airways in your lungs to help you breathe easier.
- Aclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). In your lungs, the medication blocks the activity of a natural chemical in your body called acetylcholine. This helps open up your airways in your lungs, which helps you breathe easier.
- Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). It helps relax the muscles in your airways and make it easier to breathe.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Duaklir Pressair |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | LAMA / LABA |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / 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
- Upper respiratory tract infection (common cold, cough, stuffy nose; 9%)
- Headache (6%)
- Back pain (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Flu
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Mouth and throat pain
- Muscle spasms
- Pain in the muscles, bones, and joints
- Pain in arms or legs
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Breathing problems: sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing
- Overdose: heart attack, chest pain, fast or abnormal heart rate, dizziness, anxiety, headache, tremor, dry mouth, muscle spasms, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Allergic reactions: hives, swelling (lips, tongue, throat), rash, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
The following Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- 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 these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Tremors or shaking
- Trouble sleeping
Get your GoodRx coupon
$361.68
GoodRx discount
$294.25
Pros and cons of Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol)
Pros
- Combination of two medications in one inhaler
- Lowers COPD flare-ups when used regularly
- Inhaling Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) into the lungs might have fewer side effects than taking a pill by mouth.
Cons
- Can't be used for sudden breathing problems
- Has to be used twice daily for a long time for the best results
- Can't be used in children
- Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive
Pharmacist tips for Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol)
- Before using Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol), make sure your healthcare provider or pharmacist has taught you how to use the inhaler and you understand how to use it correctly.
- Store Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) at room temperature in the sealed bag that it comes in. Don't open the sealed bag until you are ready to use your inhaler. Keep the inhaler in a dry place.
- Right before using a new inhaler for the first time, remove the inhaler from the sealed bag. Write the date that you opened the sealed bag on the label of the inhaler. Don't press the orange button until you are ready for your dose.
- Become familiar with the parts of your Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) inhaler as provided in the instructions for use.
- To prepare your dose, check the mouthpiece and control window. You'll need to change the control window from red to green by pressing the orange button down.
- To use the inhaler and take your dose, hold the inhaler away from your mouth, and breathe out completely; never breathe out into the inhaler. Make sure your head is upright. Then, close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Take a strong, deep breath through your mouth. Keep breathing in for as long as possible. Don't hold the orange button down while you inhale so that the inhaler can work correctly.
- You'll know that you are inhaling correctly if you hear a "click". Continue to breathe in for as long as possible after you hear the "click". It's important to note that some people might not hear this "click", so you can also use the control window to make sure you have inhaled correctly. If the control window is now red, you have inhaled your medication correctly.
- You might notice a grainy sensation or have a slightly sweet or bitter taste in your mouth after inhaling the medication. This is harmless and normal.
- This medication doesn't treat sudden breathing problems, and you shouldn't take extra doses of Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) to relieve sudden symptoms. Always have a rescue inhaler (albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil) with you if you have sudden difficulty with breathing.
- If you notice your other inhaled medications don't work as well, or if your breathing gets worse while using Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol), contact your healthcare provider or get medical attention right away.
- Throw away Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) and use a new inhaler when: 1) the marking “0” with a red background shows in the middle of the dose indicator, 2) if your inhaler is empty and locks out, or 3) it's been 2 months after the date you opened the sealed bag that the inhaler comes in, whichever comes first.
Risks and warnings for Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol)
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / 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.
Serious asthma-related problems
- Risk factors: Asthma
Don’t use Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) to treat asthma because it was only studied in people with COPD, so we don't know if it's safe or works well for people with asthma. In general, using a long acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) without a steroid in asthma can lead to a higher chance of hospitalization or death.
Worsening of COPD and COPD flare-ups
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) shouldn't be used if you have COPD symptoms that are quickly getting worse. This medication takes time to work, so it shouldn't be used as a rescue inhaler during breathing emergencies. Don't use more of this medication than prescribed to treat your COPD flare-ups because it can raise your risk of serious side effects. Additionally, if Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) no longer helps you breathe better, talk to your provider to see if you need a different medication.
Overdose
- Risk factors: Using too much Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) | Using together with other LABAs
Using Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) more often, at a higher dose than prescribed, or together with another LABA, can raise the risk of overdose. Get medical help right away if you think you are overdosing on this medication. Symptoms of overdose can include heart attack, chest pain, fast or abnormal heart rate, dizziness, anxiety, headache, tremor, dry mouth, muscle spasms, tiredness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), or death.
Sudden constriction of the airways
Although rare, Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) might cause the airways to suddenly constrict (tighten) and cause a breathing emergency. Get emergency medical help if you experience sudden shortness of breath after using Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol).
Heart problems
- Risk factors: History of heart problems | High blood pressure | Using together with other LABAs
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) can cause heart problems, including fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and chest pain. The risk is higher if you have a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, or if you are taking this medication with other LABAs. Talk to your provider right away if you feel chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Low potassium and high blood sugar levels
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) can cause low potassium levels in some people, which can affect your heart rhythm. The low levels of potassium are typically temporary and usually doesn't require any treatment. Let your provider know if you have muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or abnormal heartbeat as these can be signs of low potassium.
Although rare, Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) can also raise blood sugar levels in some people. Let your provider know if you are feeling thirstier or hungrier than usual, confused, or urinating more often. These can be signs of high blood sugar.
Vision changes
- Risk factors: Long-term use of Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) | History of glaucoma, high eye pressure, or cataracts
Using Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) for a long time can raise your eye pressure, worsen glaucoma, and cause cataracts (cloudiness in the eyes). Talk to your provider right away if you experience blurry vision, eye pain or discomfort, or other changes in your vision while using Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol).
Allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Allergy to milk proteins
Although rare, an allergic reaction can happen after taking Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol). This medication also contains lactose, which can have milk proteins in it. Don't use Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) if you have an allergy to milk proteins. Stop taking this medication and let your provider know right away if you experience an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, or swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat.
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) dosage
The average cost for 1 inhaler of 60 metered doses of 400mcg/12mcg of Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) is $294.25 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 18.64% off the average retail price of $361.68. 
Inhaler
Inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 metered doses of 400mcg/12mcg | 1 inhaler | $294.25 | $294.25 |
Typical dosage for Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol)
The typical dose is 1 inhalation (or puff) by mouth in the morning and in the evening. Each inhalation contains 400 mcg of aclidinium and 12 mcg of formoterol.
How much does Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Duaklir Pressair (brand)
$294.25
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / 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 Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) will not be safe for you to take.
- Using a LABA, including formoterol (one of the ingredients of Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol))Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol), without an inhaled steroid medication in people with asthma
- Allergy to milk proteins
What are alternatives to Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol)
Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium / formoterol) images
