Airsupra

The active ingredients in Airsupra are albuterol and budesonide. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that works to open up the airways, reducing bronchoconstriction. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling in the lungs through its anti-inflammatory properties. This combination helps prevent or treat sudden asthma exacerbations but will not replace your long-acting maintenance therapy.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Airsupra. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Airsupra:

1. Start by taking the cover off the mouthpiece and checking for any foreign objects.

2. Next, shake the inhaler, and breathe out away from the device.

3. Open the cover and place the mouthpiece in your mouth.

4. Breathe in deep and slow, while pushing down on the actuator (on the top of the canister).

5. Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.

6. Repeat steps 2-5 for a second puff.

7. Replace the cover on the mouthpiece.

8. Always rinse your mouth and spit the water out when using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

The most common side effects of Airsupra seen in clinical trials include:

• Headache.
• Cough.
• Voice hoarseness (dysphonia).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Airsupra. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Oral candidiasis (thrush) may occur, presenting as white patches inside the mouth. This risk can be reduced by always rinsing and spitting after use.
• Heart problems, such as a faster heart rate (tachycardia), chest pain, and higher blood pressure.
• Suppression of the immune system may make you more likely to get infections.
• Adrenal insufficiency, which may present with symptoms of fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. This is more common with high doses of budesonide.
• Serious life-threatening allergic reactions, which may present as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, and/ or trouble breathing.
• Change in blood potassium levels (hypokalemia).
• Eye problems, including conjunctivitis (redness in the eyes), glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts. This is more common with long-term use.
• Bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis).

This medication also has the potential to cause paradoxical bronchospasm, an initial worsening of your asthma symptoms (wheezing). This may lead you to use it more often, experience nighttime awakenings due to your symptoms, or have acute asthma attacks (severe exacerbation). Contact your physician if this occurs at any time.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Airsupra. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Airsupra, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• A cardiovascular disorder such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
• Seizures.
• Thyroid problems.
• Diabetes.
• Ketoacidosis.
• Low bone mineral density (osteoporosis).
• Active or latent tuberculosis.
• A fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection.
• Ocular herpes simplex.
• Glaucoma or cataracts.

A history of hypersensitivity to albuterol sulfate or budesonide.

Albuterol sulfate works in about 10 minutes, but budesonide takes a few weeks to have a noticeable effect.

When Airsupra is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Beta-blockers may reduce the efficacy of albuterol sulfate when used together.
• Other short-acting beta-adrenergic agonists may increase the side effects of albuterol when used together.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir may increase the systemic corticosteroid effects of budesonide.
• Diuretics may increase the risk of hypokalemia when used with Airsupra.
• This medication may decrease blood levels of digoxin.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution when you are using this inhaler.

Airsupra is a pressurized metered dose inhaler that delivers 90 mcg of albuterol and 80 mcg of budesonide per actuation.

It should be stored at room temperature in a dry place, away from the reach of children and pets.

It is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

No, there is no generic available.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above or under the advice of a physician, you should not stop using this medication suddenly.

Overall, as this drug is inhaled, there is a lower risk of negative pregnancy outcomes. Regarding albuterol, it is the preferred bronchodilator during pregnancy. Budesonide has not been associated with an increased risk of fetal abnormalities.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Overall, as this drug is inhaled, there is a lower risk of negative effects on a nursing infant.

When used in normal doses, albuterol is considered safe during breastfeeding. Though found in breast milk, budesonide is also considered safe during breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.