Asthma
Asthma Medicines
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with the right treatment plan. Your treatment plan will include avoiding asthma triggers and taking certain medicines.
Learn more about asthma treatments and management basics in our FREE self-paced online course for people with asthma.
Notes: “Flu” is listed as a side effect for some medicines. But these medicines do NOT cause the flu. The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. “Flu” may be listed as a side effect because it was reported as one during a drug’s clinical trials, and the FDA requires that it be listed as it was reported. But it may mean “flu-like symptoms” or “respiratory infections.” It is very important that you take your prescribed medicines as directed and get a flu shot every year. If you have any questions about side effects, talk to your health care provider.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America does not endorse a particular medicine or product.
Albuterol Sulfate – AccuNeb
Albuterol Sulfate – AccuNeb
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: AccuNeb®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonists
Form: Nebulizer Solution
Prescribing Info: viatris.com
Possible Side Effects:
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Shakiness
Nervousness
Notes/Resources:
How to Correctly Use Your Asthma Devices – See Nebulizer Instructions
Albuterol Sulfate – Generic
Albuterol Sulfate – Generic
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Metered dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: ciplaalbuterolhfa.com
Possible Side Effects:
Sore throat
Upper respiratory tract infection, including viral infection
Cough
Muscle pain
Heart pounding/racing/fluttering (palpitations)
Chest pain
Fast heart rate
Shakiness
Nervousness
Dizziness
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Albuterol Sulfate – Generic
Albuterol Sulfate – Generic
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Metered dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://www.proventilhfa.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Tremor
Nervousness
Fast heartrate
Chest pain
Heart pounding/racing/fluttering (palpitations)
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Albuterol Sulfate – Generic
Albuterol Sulfate – Generic
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Nebulizer solution
Prescribing Info: viatris.com
Possible Side Effects:
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Nervousness
Chest pain
Shakiness
Notes/Resources:
How to Correctly Use Your Asthma Devices – See Nebulizer Instructions
Albuterol Sulfate – ProAir Digihaler
Albuterol Sulfate – ProAir Digihaler
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: ProAir® Digihaler®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Dry powder inhaler
Prescribing Info: digihaler.com
Possible Side Effects:
Back, body, or chest pain
Upset stomach or vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Sinus headache
Sore throat
Runny nose
Heart pounding/racing (palpitations)
Fast heart rate
Shakiness
Nervousness
Urinary tract infection
*Do not use if you have a milk allergy
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Albuterol Sulfate – ProAir HFA
Albuterol Sulfate – ProAir HFA
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: ProAir® HFA
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Metered dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://www.proairhfa.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Chest pain
Headache
Fast heartrate
Shakiness
Dizziness
Sort throat
Runny nose
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Albuterol Sulfate – ProAir RespiClick
Albuterol Sulfate – ProAir RespiClick
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: ProAir® RespiClick®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Dry powder inhaler
Prescribing Info: https://proair.com/respiclick
Possible Side Effects:
Back, body, or chest pain
Upset stomach or vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Sinus headache
Sore throat
Runny nose
Heart pounding/racing (palpitations)
Fast heart rate
Shakiness
Nervousness
Urinary tract infection
*Do not use if you have a milk allergy
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Albuterol Sulfate – Proventil HFA
Albuterol Sulfate – Proventil HFA
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: Proventil® HFA
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Metered dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://www.proventilhfa.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Tremor
Nervousness
Fast heartrate
Chest pain
Heart pounding/racing/fluttering (palpitations)
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Albuterol Sulfate – Ventolin HFA
Albuterol Sulfate – Ventolin HFA
Drug Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: Ventolin® HFA
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Short-acting beta agonist
Form: Metered dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://www.ventolin.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Sore throat
Upper respiratory tract infection, including viral infection
Cough
Muscle pain
Heart pounding/racing/fluttering (palpitations)
Chest pain
Fast heart rate
Shakiness
Nervousness
Dizziness
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
GSK will cap their inhaler prices at $35 for people who are commercially insured or uninsured no later than Jan. 1, 2025. Watch this page for more information on the coming price cap.
Albuterol/Budesonide – Airsupra
Albuterol/Budesonide – Airsupra
Drug Name: Albuterol/Budesonide
Brand Name: AIRSUPRA™
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled medicine
Form: Pressurized metered-dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: Airsupra.com
Possible Side Effects:
Headache
Cough
Hoarseness
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use (PDF)
Patient Information (PDF)
As of June 1, 2024, AstraZeneca has capped inhaler prices at $35 for people who are commercially insured or uninsured. Here are ways you may be able to save on this medicine:
- Commercially insured and covered: You can pay as little as $0 for AIRSUPRA and BREZTRI and pay no more than $35 for SYMBICORT and BEVESPI using the savings cards provided on brand websites.
- Commercially insured but AstraZeneca inhaler is not covered in your plan: You or your health care providers can request a prior authorization or ask your doctor about a therapeutic alternative.
- Uninsured: if eligible, you can use the $35 uninsured savings card accessible on the US Patient Support site.
- Government insured (Medicare/Medicaid): Federal law prohibits people on government programs from using a savings card, which is why they may be directed to AZ&Me. Qualifications for AZ&Me are based on where you live, insurance status, and income.
- For additional questions or more information, visit AstraZeneca’s patient support site or call: 1-800-236-9933
References
Medical Review August 2018.
Knowing how to manage asthma is important for better health and quality of life. We offer an online course called ASTHMA Care for Adults. This comprehensive program covers a full range of topics everyone with asthma needs to know. This self-paced online course is presented in different formats, such as videos, animations, handouts and more.