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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.