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.
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – AirDuo Digihaler
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – AirDuo Digihaler
Drug Name: Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol
Brand Name: AirDuo Digihaler®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled medicine
Form: Dry powder inhaler
Prescribing Info: digihaler.com
Possible Side Effects:
Infection of nose and throat
Thrush
Back pain
Headache
Cough
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – AirDuo RespiClick
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – AirDuo RespiClick
Drug Name: Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol
Brand Name: AirDuo RespiClick®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled medicine
Form: Dry powder inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://myairduo.com
Possible Side Effects:
Infection of nose and throat
Thrush
Back pain
Headache
Cough
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – Generic for AirDuo RespiClick
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – Generic for AirDuo RespiClick
Drug Name: Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol
Brand Name: Generic for AirDuo RespiClick®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled medicine
Form: Dry powder inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://myairduo.com
Possible Side Effects:
Infection of nose and throat
Thrush
Back pain
Headache
Cough
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – Wixela Inhub
Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol – Wixela Inhub
Drug Name: Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol
Brand Name: Wixela Inhub®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled medicine
Form: Dry powder inhaler
Prescribing Info: wixela.com
Possible Side Effects:
Upper respiratory tract infection
Throat irritation
Hoarseness and voice changes
Thrush
Bronchitis
Cough
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
You may experience other side effects if you have COPD. For more information, please see the Wixela Inhub prescribing information.
*Do not use if you have a milk allergy
Notes/Resources:
Patient Resources
Fluticasone/Salmeterol – ADVAIR Diskus
Fluticasone/Salmeterol – ADVAIR Diskus
Drug Name: Fluticasone/Salmeterol
Brand Name: ADVAIR® Diskus®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled medicine
Form: Dry powder inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://www.advair.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Upper respiratory tract infection
Throat irritation
Hoarseness and voice changes
Thrush
Bronchitis
Cough
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
You may experience other side effects if you have COPD. For more information, please see the Advair Diskus prescribing information.
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Copay Assistance Programs
If you have commercial insurance: You may be eligible for the GSK Copay Assistance Program.
If you have Medicare or no insurance: You may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program. This program can help you receive certain GSK prescription medicines and vaccines at no cost.
For more information, visit GSK Patient Assistance Program & Savings Offers or call 888-825-5249.
GSK has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Fluticasone/Salmeterol – ADVAIR HFA
Fluticasone/Salmeterol – ADVAIR HFA
Drug Name: Fluticasone/Salmeterol
Brand Name: ADVAIR® HFA
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled medicine
Form: Metered dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: http://www.advair.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Upper respiratory tract infection
Throat irritation
Hoarseness and voice changes
Thrush
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Copay Assistance Programs
If you have commercial insurance: You may be eligible for the GSK Copay Assistance Program.
If you have Medicare or no insurance: You may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program. This program can help you receive certain GSK prescription medicines and vaccines at no cost.
For more information, visit GSK Patient Assistance Program & Savings Offers or call 888-825-5249.
GSK has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Hydrocortisone – Cortef
Hydrocortisone – Cortef
Drug Name: Hydrocortisone
Brand Name: Cortef®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroids
Form: Tablet, Liquid
Prescribing Info: pfizer.com
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Muscle and bone weakness
Severe stomach pain and bloating
Skin changes
Neurological changes like seizures and headaches
Endocrine changes like slowed growth in children, diabetes, and menstrual changes
Vision problems
Blood and lymphatic system disorders, like high white blood cell count
Hydrocortisone – Generic
Hydrocortisone – Generic
Drug Name: Hydrocortisone
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Oral corticosteroid
Form: Tablet, Liquid
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Weight gain/swelling
Muscle and bone weakness
Severe stomach pain and bloating
Skin changes
Neurological changes like seizures and headaches
Endocrine changes like slowed growth in children, diabetes, and menstrual changes
Vision problems
Blood and lymphatic system disorders, like high white blood cell count
Ipratropium Bromide – ATROVENT HFA
Ipratropium Bromide – ATROVENT HFA
Drug Name: Ipratropium Bromide
Brand Name: ATROVENT® HFA
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Anticholinergic
Form: Metered dose inhaler
Prescribing Info: https://www.atrovent.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Bronchitis
Shortness of breath
Headache
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Copay Assistance Programs
If you have commercial insurance or don’t have insurance: If you qualify, your cost will automatically be discounted when you buy these inhalers at participating retail pharmacies. If your cost is more than $35, download and use a savings card. Learn more at: InhalerOffer.com
If you have government-funded insurance: If you use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE, visit the Boehinger Cares Patient Assistance Program webpage or call 800-556-8317 to apply for assistance.
Boehringer Ingelheim has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol Sulfate – COMBIVENT Respimat
Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol Sulfate – COMBIVENT Respimat
Drug Name: Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol Sulfate
Brand Name: COMBIVENT® Respimat®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Combination inhaled-medicine
Form: Soft mist inhaler
Prescribing Info: https://www.combivent.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Infections of the ears, nose and throat
Runny nose
Cough
Bronchitis
Headache
Shortness of breath
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
Copay Assistance Programs
If you have commercial insurance or don’t have insurance: If you qualify, your cost will automatically be discounted when you buy these inhalers at participating retail pharmacies. If your cost is more than $35, download and use a savings card. Learn more at: InhalerOffer.com
If you have government-funded insurance: If you use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE, visit the Boehinger Cares Patient Assistance Program webpage or call 800-556-8317 to apply for assistance.
Boehringer Ingelheim has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
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.
