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.
Methylprednisolone – Generic
Methylprednisolone – Generic
Drug Name: Methylprednisolone
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Tablet
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Muscle and bone weakness
Severe stomach pain and bloating
Skin changes
Neurological changes like seizures and vertigo
Endocrine changes like slowed growth in children, diabetes, menstrual changes, and nausea
Vision problems
Methylprednisolone – Medrol
Methylprednisolone – Medrol
Drug Name: Methylprednisolone
Brand Name: Medrol®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Tablet
Prescribing Info: https://www.pfizer.com
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Muscle and bone weakness
Severe stomach pain and bloating
Skin changes
Neurological changes like seizures and vertigo
Endocrine changes like slowed growth in children, diabetes, menstrual changes, and nausea
Vision problems
Prednisolone – Econopred
Prednisolone – Econopred
Drug Name: Prednisolone
Brand Name: Econopred®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Dissolving tablet, Liquid
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Increased appetite
Behavioral and mood changes
Blood sugar changes
High blood pressure
Prednisolone – Generic
Prednisolone – Generic
Drug Name: Prednisolone
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Dissolving tablet, Liquid
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Increased appetite
Behavioral and mood changes
Blood sugar changes
High blood pressure
Prednisolone – Orapred ODT
Prednisolone – Orapred ODT
Drug Name: Prednisolone
Brand Name: Orapred ODT®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Dissolving tablet, Liquid
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Increased appetite
Behavioral and mood changes
Blood sugar changes
High blood pressure
Prednisolone – Pediapred
Prednisolone – Pediapred
Drug Name: Prednisolone
Brand Name: Pediapred®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Dissolving tablet, Liquid
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Increased appetite
Behavioral and mood changes
Blood sugar changes
High blood pressure
Prednisone – Generic
Prednisone – Generic
Drug Name: Prednisone
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Tablet, Liquid
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Allergic reactions
Increased heart rate/pressure
High or low blood pressure
Fainting
Skin changes
Endocrine changes like slowed growth in children, diabetes, and menstrual changes
Weight gain/swelling
Severe stomach pain and bloating
Appetite changes
Blood conditions like anemia or high white blood counts
Muscle and bone weakness
Neurological changes like headaches, mood changes, trouble concentrating, and dizziness
Vision problems
Tiotropium Bromide – SPIRIVA Respimat
Tiotropium Bromide – SPIRIVA Respimat
Drug Name: Tiotropium Bromide
Brand Name: SPIRIVA® Respimat®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Anticholinergic
Form: Soft mist inhaler
Prescribing Info: https://www.spiriva.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Sore throat
Headache
Bronchitis
Sinus infections
You may experience other side effects if you have COPD. For more information, please see the SPIRIVA Respimat prescribing information.
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
As of June 1, 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim 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:
- If you have commercial insurance and are eligible, the reduced out-of-pocket cost will be automatically applied at participating retail pharmacies. More than 90% of pharmacies across the country are participating in the program, making the change seamless and automatic for most people. There are no forms to fill out or websites to go to – the discount happens electronically with no action required.
- All other eligible people, including those whose pharmacies do not participate and people without insurance, can visit www.InhalerOffer.com to enroll for a savings card to present at pharmacies to receive the same $35 cap of out-of-pocket costs.
- Federal law prevents people on government insurance programs (Medicare/Medicaid/TriCare) from being eligible for this price cap program.
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.
