Combination Agents for COPD
What combination agents are used to treat COPD?
Combination agents used to treat COPD are Combivent®, Advair®, Symbicort®, Dulera®, DuoNeb®, BREO® ELLIPTA®, Stiolto® Respimat®, Bevespi® Aerosphere®, Utribron® Neohaler®, and ANORA® ELLPTA®.
- Combivent is the brand name for albuterol and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®). In a RESPIMAT® soft mist inhaler.
- Advair is the brand name for a combination of fluticasone propionate (Flovent®) and salmeterol inhalation powder (Serevent®). Advair comes in a Diskus® inhaler and an HFA metered dose inhaler.
- Symbicort is the brand name for a combination of formoterol (Foradil®) and budesonide (Pulmicort®). Symbicort comes in an HFA metered dose inhaler.
- Dulera is the brand name for a combination of formoterol and mometasone. Dulera comes in a metered dose inhaler.
- DuoNeb is the brand name for a combination of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate. DuoNeb is supplied as a nebulizer solution.
- BREO is the brand name for a combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol in an ELLIPTA dry powder inhaler.
- Stiolto is the brand name for a combination of tiotropium and olodaterol in a RESPIMAT soft mist inhaler.
- Utibron is the brand name for glycopyrrolate and indacaterol in a Neohaler dry powder inhaler.
- Anoro is the brand name for a combination of umeclidinium and vilanterol in an ELLIPTA dry powder inhaler.
- Bevespi is the brand name for glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumeate in an Aersphere metered dose inhaler.
What do these combination agents do?
Anoro, Bevespi, Stiolto, Utibron
These combination drugs relax airway muscles, which makes the airways wider and makes it easier to breathe.
Advair, Dulera, Symbicort, BREO
Products that combine long-acting beta2-agonists (B2-agonists) and inhaled corticosteroids relax airway muscles, making airways wider and making it easier to breathe. They also reduce and prevent inflammation in the airways. They reduce sensitivity of the airways and prevent shortness of breath. After using these products, you should rinse your mouth to prevent side effects.
Do not use these products as rescue inhalers for quick relief. Do not stop taking them without speaking to your doctor.
In the case of BREO, there is an increased risk of getting pneumonia when you are on this medication. Speak with your doctor.
Potential side effects for these drugs include:
- Dizziness, headache, muscle cramps
- Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting
- Nervousness, tremor, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure
- Cough, increased wheezing
- Thrush (a mouth infection), sore throat and/or hoarseness
- Increased risk of infection
Side effects for BREO also include headache, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, infection, stomach discomfort, and pneumonia.
Combivent and DuoNeb
These products combine a short-acting B2 agonist and an anticholinergic. They open up large and small airways. They help decrease coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath by increasing airflow into the lungs.
Do not use these products as rescue inhalers for quick relief. Do not stop taking them without speaking to your doctor.
For Combivent: Tell your doctor if you are allergic to soy, lecithin, soybean protein, or peanuts.
Note: For all of these medicines, the side effects listed are the most common. Always contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about your personal situation.
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