Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Kimberly Rath

Medical Writer

Uses

What is Airsupra used for?

Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide) is commonly used as needed to treat and help prevent asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or shortness of breath, and to help prevent asthma attacks. It should not be used as ongoing maintenance treatment for asthma.

Airsupra may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Airsupra work (mechanism of action)?

Airsupra contains two different medicines, albuterol and budesonide.

Albuterol rapidly relaxes the muscles around your airways. This allows your airways to widen and makes it easier to breathe.

Budesonide decreases the inflammation of the airways in your lungs, which also helps make breathing easier.

Learn more about How Airsupra Works for Asthma.

How is Airsupra supplied (dosage forms)?

Airsupra is available in the following dosage form that is inhaled.

90 mcg/80 mcg per actuation metered-dose inhaler

How should I store Airsupra?

Airsupra should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Keep in a dry place away from sunlight and heat. It may burst if exposed to temperatures over 120 F (49 C).

Do not puncture the canister.

Only open the foil pouch when you are ready to use the inhaler. Throw away any open Airsupra inhaler 12 months after opening the foil pouch or when the puff indicator reaches zero (0), whichever comes first.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Airsupra?

The most common side effects of Airsupra are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Cough

Hoarseness

Headache

Oral thrush (see below)

There may be other side effects of Airsupra that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Airsupra?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Airsupra are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Airsupra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Airsupra and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing

Racing heart

Fever or general ill feeling

Swollen lymph nodes

Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

Trouble swallowing or throat tightness

Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives

Nausea or vomiting

Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting

Stomach cramps

Joint pain

Sudden Breathing Problems. Airsupra can cause the muscles in your airways to tighten right after you use it (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing them. In some cases, this can be serious. Stop using the medicine and call your healthcare provider right away if your breathing gets worse instead of better right after using Airsupra.

Eye Problems. Using Airsupra for a long time can cause an increase in pressure inside of the eye, which can cause or worsen glaucoma. It can also cause cataracts (clouding of the eye lens). It is important to have regular eye exams while using Airsupra. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma or cataracts.

Eye redness or pain

Gradual loss of vision

Seeing halos or circles around lights

Loss of vision or vision changes

Oral Thrush. Airsupra can cause oral thrush, a fungal infection in your mouth and throat. To help prevent the risk of thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit out the water (do not swallow it) after each dose of Airsupra. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms of oral thrush.

Cracking in the corners of the mouth

Loss of taste

Red or white patches in the mouth or throat

Raised white spots in the mouth or throat

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of Airsupra can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you have been taking a corticosteroid by mouth, such as prednisone, and you stop it and switch to Airsupra. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

Nausea and vomiting

Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy

Low blood pressure

Heart Effects. Airsupra may increase your risk of certain heart problems, such as raising your heart rate, blood pressure, or causing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Also call your healthcare provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Infection. Airsupra can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get an infection, including a serious infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection, or if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.

Fever

Feeling tired

Body aches and pains

Nausea or vomiting

Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Airsupra can cause a low potassium level (hypokalemia), which can be serious. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.

Weakness

Unusual tiredness

Muscle cramps or twitching

Constipation

Weak Bones. Using Airsupra for a long time may cause the bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause bones to break (fracture) more easily. Your healthcare provider may monitor your bone density while you are taking Airsupra.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Airsupra?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Airsupra.

Airsupra

Albuterol

Budesonide

Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Airsupra.

What should I know about Airsupra before using it?

Do not use Airsupra unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Your pharmacist or other healthcare provider will show you how to correctly prime, use, and clean Airsupra. Follow the “Instructions for Use” that comes with your Airsupra when using it for the first time or when you haven’t used it for more than 7 days. The medicine needs to be primed so you get the correct dose. You also need to shake Airsupra well before each spray.

Do not share Airsupra with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Airsupra out of the reach of children.

Do not use more than 6 doses (a total of 12 puffs) within a 24-hour period. This can lead to serious side effects. Do not stop or change other medicines you take for asthma without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Asthma can get worse over hours or days. Get medical care right away if you continue to have asthma symptoms after using Airsupra, if it is not working as well as usual to treat your symptoms, or if you need more doses of Airsupra than usual. This may mean your asthma is getting worse.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Airsupra?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Airsupra is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an infection, especially chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis (TB), or herpes infection of the eye, even if you are getting treatment. This includes any type of infection that keeps coming back. Also, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have had TB in the past or if you live or work with someone who has chickenpox, measles, or TB.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

High blood pressure

Thyroid problems

Seizures

Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat

Diabetes

Osteoporosis or if you are at risk for weak bones, such as if you use tobacco or are inactive for a long period of time

Liver problems

Eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts

Low potassium levels

An immune system problem

Other Medicines and Supplements. Airsupra may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Airsupra, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Airsupra could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Airsupra while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Budesonide, which is one ingredient in Airsupra, passes into breast milk. It is not known if albuterol, the other ingredient in Airsupra, passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Airsupra while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Airsupra?

For more information about Airsupra, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.airsupra.com or call them at 800-236-9933.

Interactions

Does Airsupra interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Airsupra and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Airsupra.

Does Airsupra interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Airsupra.

Any other inhaled medicines

Any other medicine that contains albuterol or levalbuterol

A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure

Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure

A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used to treat depression or Parkinson’s disease

A tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline within the past 2 weeks, even if it’s not used for depression

A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Airsupra. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Does Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide) interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Airsupra?

If you or someone else has used too much Airsupra, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Airsupra?

Airsupra is meant to be used only when needed. Use Airsupra as your healthcare provider recommends Do not take double or extra doses.

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Posted Sep 22, 2024

Find patient medical information for Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and…

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