Breztri™ Aerosphere®
This product is manufactured by AstraZeneca Canada Inc. and is a combination of 3 ingredients, budesonide, formoterol fumarate, and glycopyrronium bromide.
This product is taken via oral inhalation.
Why is it prescribed?
Breztri™ Aerosphere® is only approved for use in adults. It is used for the long-term, maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Follow the directions for use as per the package insert. Neither the canister nor the actuator should be used in or for any medication other than Breztri™.
Breztri™ should NOT be used to treat asthma.
This medication should be at room temperature before using.
Rinse mouth well with water after use. Spit the water out, do not swallow.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than 2 puffs twice a day.
Do not stop using this medication without talking to your doctor first. If you stop it abruptly, your symptoms may worsen.
Store in a dry place - between 15 to 30°C.
Do not use after the expiry date on the label/carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month. After opening the pouch, the medication must be used within:
- 3 weeks for a 28 dose canister
- 6 weeks for a 56 dose canister
- 3 months for a 120 dose canister
Alternatives
See other products used in the treatment of •allergic rhinitis •asthma •hay fever •nasal polyps •perennial rhinitis •rhinitis •runny nose •seasonal rhinitis •chronic bronchitis (COPD) •COPD •emphysema (COPD) •bronchospasm associated with COPD •
The recommended and maximum dose is 2 inhalations by mouth twice daily. Breztri™ Aerosphere® is only for use in persons 18 years of age and older.
Breztri™ Aerosphere® contains 3 medications:
- budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) which reduces inflammation in the breathing passages
- glycopyrronium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) which open up and relax the muscles in the breathing passages
- formoterol is a long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA) which works with glycopyrronium to relax the airway muscles allowing for easier breathing.
Breztri™ Aerosphere® needs to be used regularly to be effective. It is not a rescue medication. Regular use helps to prevent severe symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
The most common side effects are:
- trouble sleeping
- headache
- nausea
- cough and/or a hoarse voice
- muscle spasms
- shaking/tremors
- dry mouth
- bruising
- feeling restless, nervous or agitated
- dizziness
Do not use Breztri™ Aerosphere® if you are allergic to budesonide, glycopyrronium, formoterol or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
This medication is not appropriate for everyone. Discuss use with your health care provide if you:
- have heart problems
- have high blood pressure
- have eye problems such as increased pressure in the eye, glaucoma, cataracts, blurry vision or other changes in vision
- have prostate or bladder problems
- have low bone density
- have a seizure disorder
- have thyroid problems
- have diabetes
- have low levels of potassium in your blood
- have kidney or liver problems
- have or have ever had tuberculosis
- have chronic or untreated infections
Drug Interactions:
- beta-blockers
- ketoconazole or itraconazole
- ritonavir, nelfinavir or cobicistat
- oral corticosteroids such as prednisone
- medicines that lower the amount of potassium in your blood
- tiotropium, ipratropium, aclidinium, umeclidinium or salmeterol, arformoterol, vilanterol, olodaterol or indacaterol;
- medicines which are used to treat heart rhythm problems
Safety in pregnancy: Insufficient data on use of this medication in pregnancy. It should only be used in pregnancy if benefit outweighs risk.
Safety in breastfeeding: Insufficient data on use of this medication in breastfeeding. Use only if benefit outweighs risk.