How It Works
Airsupra uses two medicines to treat asthma attacks. When you inhale, the medicine travels into your small airways to address the physical problems causing the attack.
- Opening the air passages: The albuterol in the inhaler works almost instantly on the muscles around your airways. When an asthma attack occurs, these muscles contract. Albuterol helps them relax to widen the passages so air can move in and out more easily.
- Calming the swelling: The budesonide is a steroid that targets the inflammation that is typically a part of asthma. Budesonide helps calm this irritation, making your lungs less likely to react to future triggers.
By simultaneously fixing tight muscles and reducing swelling, Airsupra helps stop an asthma attack in its tracks and prevent the next one from being as severe.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Airsupra |
| Drug Class | Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) / Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) |
| Generic Status | No generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Airsupra is used as needed, which means you only use it when you feel symptoms or when you know a trigger (like exercise) is coming.
- Standard dose: Providers typically recommend two inhalations (puffs) per dose.
- Daily maximum: Standard guidelines suggest you should not use more than 6 doses (a total of 12 puffs) in 24 hours.
- Technique: It is generally advised to shake the inhaler well before each puff. Breathe out fully, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and press down as you breathe in deeply. Standard guidelines recommend holding your breath for about 10 seconds to let the medicine settle in your lungs.
- Priming: If the inhaler is new, providers typically recommend priming it by spraying 4 test puffs into the air. If you haven’t used it for more than 7 consecutive days, it is generally accepted to spray 2 test puffs before using it for relief.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
The FDA approves Airsupra for:
- As-needed treatment: Relief of symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath in adults with asthma.
- Prevention of attacks: Reducing the risk of severe asthma exacerbations (attacks).
Off-Label Uses
You may see Airsupra prescribed for uses that are not FDA-approved. This is a common and legal practice called off-label prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
Airsupra may be prescribed for the following conditions:
- COPD flare-ups: Some providers may use Airsupra off-label for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who need a rescue inhaler that also treats sudden inflammation.
- Post-viral cough: It is occasionally used to settle the persistent, wheezy cough that follows a severe respiratory infection.
Side Effects
Because Airsupra is inhaled directly into the lungs, most of the medication stays there, which helps reduce side effects elsewhere in the body. However, some reactions can still occur.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Cough or throat irritation
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth)
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. It’s generally accepted that you stop taking the medication and immediately call the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Paradoxical bronchospasm: A sudden, unexpected tightening of the airways immediately after use. It is generally advised to seek emergency care if your breathing gets worse after taking a puff.
- Heart issues: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or a sudden increase in blood pressure.
- Weakened immune system: Excessive use of steroids can make it harder for your body to fight off infections like pneumonia.
- Adrenal suppression: This can happen if the body absorbs too much of a steroid, making you feel tired or weak.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
The Rinse-And-Spit Rule
This is the most important tip for any inhaler containing a steroid. After using Airsupra, it is generally advised to rinse your mouth with plain water and spit it out. Standard guidelines do not advise swallowing the water. This washes away any leftover medicine that could otherwise cause a yeast infection (thrush) on your tongue or in your throat.
Check The Counter
Airsupra has a built-in dose counter. It starts at 120 (for a full inhaler). When the counter reaches 0, providers suggest throwing the canister away, even if it still feels like there is liquid inside. The propellant might still be there, but the actual medicine is gone.
Keep It Dry
It is generally advised to clean your inhaler once a week. Providers recommend removing the metal canister and rinsing the plastic mouthpiece with warm water for 30 seconds. Air dry the plastic piece overnight and keep the metal canister dry.
Avoid Heat
It is generally accepted that you should not leave your inhaler in a hot car. The canister is under pressure and can burst if it gets too hot.
Watch The Clock
If you find yourself needing Airsupra more than two days a week for symptom relief (not counting use before exercise), it is a sign that your asthma is not well-controlled. It is generally advised to contact your provider to discuss your daily maintenance plan.
Drug Interactions
Airsupra can interact with other medications you may be taking for blood pressure or other conditions. Let your doctor know if you take:
- Beta-blockers: Common heart and blood pressure drugs (like metoprolol or propranolol) can block the effects of albuterol, causing your airways to tighten and making the inhaler less effective.
- Diuretics: Some water pills can lower your potassium levels. Since albuterol can also lower potassium, the combination could cause heart rhythm issues.
- Antidepressants: If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or a tricyclic antidepressant in the last two weeks, talk to your doctor as these can increase the effect Airsupra has on your heart rate.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Does this inhaler replace my daily steroid inhaler (like Advair or Symbicort)?
No. Airsupra is a rescue medication meant for quick relief. If your doctor has prescribed a maintenance inhaler to be taken daily, it is generally advised to continue taking it as scheduled.
Why did my pharmacist strictly warn me that I must rinse my mouth out and spit after every single use?
The budesonide in Airsupra is a steroid. If it sits on the surface of your tongue or throat, it can weaken the local immune system there, allowing a fungal infection (yeast) to grow. Rinsing and spitting removes that residue.
Can Airsupra give me a yeast infection (thrush) on my tongue?
Yes, this is a possible side effect of inhaled steroids. Thrush looks like white, creamy patches in the mouth. Standard guidelines state that rinsing your mouth after every use is the best way to prevent this.
How many total puffs of Airsupra can I safely take in one single day?
Standard guidelines suggest a maximum of 12 puffs (6 doses of 2 puffs each) in a 24-hour period. If you need more than this, seek emergency medical care immediately because your asthma may be dangerously out of control.
Will the albuterol part of this inhaler still make my heart race?
It might. Albuterol is a stimulant for airway muscles, but it can also increase heart rate or cause jitters (tremors). This is a common but temporary side effect.
Can I use Airsupra to prevent exercise-induced asthma?
Yes. Providers typically recommend taking two puffs about 15 to 30 minutes before you start exercising to help keep the airways open and prevent the inflammatory response that physical activity can trigger.
Will taking this inhaled steroid cause me to gain weight?
Weight gain is a common side effect with steroid pills that you swallow, but it is an uncommon side effect with inhaled steroids like Airsupra. The dose in an inhaler is smaller and stays mostly in your lungs.
How fast does Airsupra work to open my lungs during an asthma attack?
The albuterol component starts working almost immediately, with most people feeling relief within 5 to 15 minutes. The full anti-inflammatory benefit of budesonide takes longer to develop, but it helps prevent the attack from returning.
Is there a difference between Airsupra and taking Symbicort when I can’t breathe?
Symbicort is a maintenance inhaler that contains a long-acting bronchodilator. While some specific treatment plans (called SMART therapy) use Symbicort for rescue, Airsupra is formulated with a fast-acting rescue medicine (albuterol). It is generally advised that you follow the specific plan your doctor gave you.
Do I need to prime this inhaler before I use it for the first time?
Yes. Prime a new inhaler by releasing four test sprays into the air away from your face. This ensures the valves are working and you get the full dose when you actually need it.
Does using a steroid inhaler too often suppress my immune system?
Inhaled steroids have a low risk of systemic immune suppression when used at the correct dose. However, excessive use over a long period can slightly increase the risk of local infections, such as thrush or pneumonia in rare cases in patients with other lung diseases.
Can I safely use this medication if I am currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Maintaining good asthma control is vital during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. Budesonide is generally a safe inhaled steroid for use during pregnancy, but discuss your specific situation with your provider before starting any new medication.
Does this inhaler have a built-in dose counter so I know when it is completely empty?
Yes. There is a window on the back of the inhaler that shows how many puffs are left. It turns red when you are getting low on medicine.
Comparable Medications
Albuterol (ProAir/Ventolin) or Symbicort?
Below are the possible alternatives for Airsupra:
Albuterol HFA
From $43.99
Standard albuterol inhalers only contain one medicine (a bronchodilator). They can open the airways quickly, but do not address inflammation.
Symbicort
Symbicort is a maintenance inhaler. It contains a long-acting medicine that keeps airways open for 12 hours. Airsupra is a rescue inhaler designed for use only when needed.
We Have Airsupra in Stock. Get Yours Today!
Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.