provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Ohtuvayre

ensifentrine
Used for COPD
Used for COPD

Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is an inhaled prescription medication for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, it’s used to help people breathe better in the long run. This medication is inhaled by mouth through a nebulizer with a fitted mouthpiece. It's taken two times each day, once in the morning and once in the evening. As a maintenance treatment, Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) shouldn’t be used as a replacement for your inhaled rescue medication in case of sudden breathing problems. Side effects of Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) include back pain, high blood pressure, and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Abigail Valente, PharmD Candidate
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 2, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)?

What is Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) used for?

How Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) works

Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is a phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) / phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. PDE3 and PDE4 are enzymes (proteins) in the body that control inflammation in the airways – they break down a chemical responsible for airway relaxation. So by blocking both PDE3 and PDE4, Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) reduces inflammation and helps the muscles around the lungs stay relaxed. This helps lessen coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsOhtuvayre
Drug ClassPDE3 / PDE4 Inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)?

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

  • Back pain (2%)
  • High blood pressure (2%)
  • Urinary Tract Infection (1%)
  • Diarrhea (1%)

Other Side Effects

  • Toothache
  • Pneumonia
  • Common cold symptoms
  • Inflammation of the sinuses

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Sudden breathing problems: chest tightness, trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Change in mood or behavior: new or worsening anxiety or depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, trouble sleeping

Source: DailyMed

The following 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
  • Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
  • 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):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can start working as early as the first day of treatment

Can be used alongside other COPD treatments

Doesn’t commonly cause side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be taken twice daily

Risk of mental health problems

Must be inhaled using a nebulizer, which can be confusing to use for some people

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)

pharmacist

  • Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is an inhaled medication to be used with a nebulizer only. Don’t swallow or inject this medication since it won’t work as it’s supposed to.

    • Even if your COPD symptoms get better, continue taking Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) as prescribed. Your symptoms may come back after stopping the medication.

      • Contact your prescriber or get emergency medical attention right away if your breathing problems worsen. Also, be sure to reach out if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often than usual or if it no longer provides relief for your symptoms. These could be signs that Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) isn’t working for you, and you might need a different medication.

        • Some people experience changes in their mood or behavior after starting Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). If you notice symptoms like anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts and behaviors, seek medical help right away, as it could be life-threatening.

          • Store Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) at room temperature in the unopened protective foil pouch. This will help protect the medication from sunlight or heat.

            • Don’t mix Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) with other medications in the nebulizer. Doing so can change how the medication works and could potentially cause unwanted side effects.

              How to use Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine):

              • Carefully read and follow the instructions for use before you first use Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). Speak to your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to take this medication correctly.

                • Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) should only be used with a jet nebulizer with a mouthpiece.

                  • Open the pouch and take out the ampule. Forcefully shake the ampule until the contents are mixed – the liquid should look cloudy and yellow in color.

                    • Squeeze the medication out of the ampule into the nebulizer cup. Then throw away the empty ampule since it can be a choking hazard for children and pets.

                      • Connect the mouthpiece to the nebulizer. Attach one end of the tubing to the compressor and the other end to the bottom of the nebulizer cup.

                        • Sit upright and place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece.

                          • Turn on the compressor to begin treatment. Breathe slowly and deeply until you don’t see anymore mist coming out of the nebulizer. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.

                            faqs

                            Frequently asked questions about Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)

                            Can I use Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) as a rescue inhaler?
                            No, Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is a maintenance therapy that’s used on a daily basis. You take this medication twice a day every day to help with COPD in the long run, even if your symptoms start to improve during treatment. This is different from a rescue inhaler, like albuterol, which is used as needed. Don’t replace your inhaled rescue medication with Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) to relieve sudden symptom flare ups, such as trouble breathing or chest tightness.. Tell your prescriber if you experience any sudden breathing problems after taking this medication.
                            Does Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) cure COPD?
                            No, COPD is a long-term lung condition, and there is no cure. Medications for this condition help manage and lessen symptoms rather than get rid of them completely. Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is a maintenance medication used to improve COPD symptoms and help you breathe better. Talk to your prescriber if you continue to experience these symptoms even after taking Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine).
                            How well does Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) work?
                            Each person responds differently to medications, so Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) may work better for some people than for others. At the end of a 12-week study, individuals who took Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) were able to exhale an overall greater amount of air in one second. This is compared to individuals who didn’t take medication. This measurement of lung function is called forced expiratory volume (FEV1). Having a greater increase in overall FEV1 means that breathing improved with treatment. Follow up with your prescriber if you don’t notice improvements in your breathing or if your breathing gets worse while taking this medication.
                            Is Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) FDA approved?
                            Yes, Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) became FDA approved in June 2024. It’s the first medication to target both PDE3 and PDE4 enzymes, working to open up the airways and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
                            Can I mix Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) with other medications in my nebulizer?
                            No, it’s not recommended to mix other medications with Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) in the nebulizer. Doing so can cause Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) to not work as it’s intended to and might potentially lead to more side effects.
                            How quickly does Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) work?
                            Studies suggest that people might begin breathing better the first day of taking Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). But it can take a few weeks or longer for others to see the full effects. Because people react to medications in different ways, talk with your prescriber if you aren’t noticing any improvements to your symptoms after a few weeks.
                            Can Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) be used with other COPD medications?
                            Yes. Studies show that Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) improves COPD symptoms and quality of life when given with or without other COPD medications. Talk with your prescriber about if you need to use other COPD medications while you’re taking Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine).
                            GoodRxEducationalIcon

                            How to save using GoodRx

                            Compare Prices
                            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                            Select your free coupon
                            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                            Show coupon to your pharmacist
                            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                            Get free couponLearn more
                            warings-icon

                            What are the risks and warnings for Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)?

                            Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) 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.

                            risk-warning

                            Not for use as a rescue inhaler

                            Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) isn’t meant to stop sudden symptoms of COPD.Don’t take extra doses of the medication to relieve these symptoms. Instead, people should use a rescue inhaler such as albuterol to treat flare ups. Contact your prescriber if you find yourself using your rescue inhaler more, your rescue inhaler no longer relieves your symptoms, or your symptoms worsen after starting Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). You may need to switch to a different medication.

                            risk-warning

                            Unexpected bronchospasm

                            Like other breathing treatments, Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, or unexpected tightening of the airways. This can be life threatening. If you start to feel sudden chest tightness or have trouble breathing, use your rescue inhaler right away to treat your symptoms. Stop using Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and let your prescriber know.

                            risk-warning

                            Changes in mood or behavior

                            • Risk factors: History of suicidal thoughts and behavior | History of anxiety or depression | History of insomnia

                              Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) may be associated with mental health problems. Sometimes, these problems are serious, such as with suicidal thoughts and behavior. Other problems can include worsening insomnia, anxiety, or depression, and agitation. The risk for worsening mental health might be higher in those with a history of anxiety or depression, as well as prior thoughts of self-harm. If you or your loved ones notice a change in your mood or behavior, let your prescriber know immediately.

                              dosage

                              Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) dosage forms

                              Typical dosing for Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)

                              The typical dose is 3 mg (one ampule) inhaled by mouth twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Use a nebulizer to inhale the medication.

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)
                              Used for:
                              View Prices
                              Roflumilast (Daliresp)
                              Used for:

                              • Maintenance treatment for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

                              $24.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Breztri
                              Used for:
                              $656.51 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                              Get savings updates for Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine)

                              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                              By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Anzueto, A., et al. (2023). Ensifentrine, a novel PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitor for the treatment of COPD: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase III trials (the ENHANCE trials). American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

                              Anzueto, A., et al. (n.d.). Ensifentrine, a novel PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitor for the treatment of COPD: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase III trials (the ENHANCE trials): Online data supplement. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

                              Ayed, K., et al. (2020). Paradoxical bronchoconstriction caused by β2-adrenoceptor agonists. Drug Target Insights.

                              View All References (6)

                              Beute, J., et al (2018). A pathophysiological role of PDE3 in allergic airway inflammation. JCI Insight.

                              Donohue, J. F., et al. (2023). Ensifentrine as a novel, inhaled treatment for patients with COPD. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

                              Li, H., et al. (2018). Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Frontiers in Pharmacology.

                              Verona Pharma, Inc. (2024). Instructions for use: Ohtuvayre (OH-too-vare) (ensifentrine) inhalation suspension, for oral inhalation [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Verona Pharma, Inc. (2024). Ohtuvayre- ensifentrine suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Verona Pharma plc. (2024). Verona Pharma announces US FDA approval of Ohtuvayre™ (ensifentrine). Globe Newswire.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                              Was this page helpful?

                              Compare other COPD drugs

                              Ohtuvayre vs DupixentBimzelx vs TremfyaCosentyx vs TremfyaDuobrii vs SkyriziDuobrii vs TremfyaDupixent vs AdbryDupixent vs FasenraDupixent vs SymbicortDupixent vs XolairEbglyss vs DupixentEohilia vs DupixentEucrisa vs DupixentEucrisa vs ElidelEucrisa vs TemovateNucala vs DupixentNucala vs FasenraNucala vs SingulairNucala vs XolairRinvoq vs DupixentSkyrizi vs DupixentTezspire vs DupixentTremfya vs CosentyxTremfya vs DupixentTremfya vs EntyvioTremfya vs HumiraTremfya vs IlumyaTremfya vs OtezlaTremfya vs SkyriziTremfya vs StelaraTremfya vs Taltz
                              View More

                              Browse medications

                              View All

                              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.