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DuoResp Spiromax

Key points about DuoResp Spiromax

DuoResp Spiromax® is used to treat the symptoms of asthma and COPD and to prevent them from recurring.
DuoResp Spiromax® is a combination of 2 medicines, budesonide and formoterol, in a single inhaler.
Find out how to use it safely and possible side effects.

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DuoResp Spiromax® is a combination of 2 medicines, budesonide and formoterol, in a single inhaler.

DuoResp Spiromax is used to treat the symptoms of asthma and COPD and to prevent them from recurring.

Budesonide is a corticosteroid. When inhaled it prevents swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in your lungs. It's also called a preventer, because when it's used every day it prevents shortness of breath and wheezing.
Formoterol is a long-acting, fast onset bronchodilator. It relaxes and opens up your air passages, making breathing easier.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, DuoResp Spiromax is available as a dry powder inhaler in different strengths – DuoResp Spiromax 200/6 and DuoResp Spiromax 400/12.

COPD

If you're using DuoResp Spiromax for COPD, it must be used twice a day every day as a preventer. Read more about medicines for COPD.

Asthma

If you're using DuoResp Spiromax for asthma, it can be prescribed in 3 different ways. It can be used as a:

regular preventer (using a different inhaler as a reliever, eg, salbutamol)
regular preventer (using the same inhaler as a reliever when needed)
reliever only without also taking it as a preventer.

The choice between these 3 options should be discussed with your doctor, and is based on the severity of your symptoms.

Mild asthma

If you have mild asthma, you can use DuoResp Spiromax as a reliever, without needing to use it regularly. This is called AIR therapy (anti-inflammatory reliever therapy).

Moderate to severe asthma

If you have moderate to severe asthma, you can use your DuoResp Spiromax as a preventer only or as a preventer and a reliever. This is called SMART (which stands for single maintenance and reliever therapy). This means that you can use your DuoResp Spiromax regularly each day for symptom prevention, and also when needed for symptom relief.

Preventer: Use DuoResp Spiromax every day, once or twice daily.
Reliever: 1 inhalation when needed for shortness of breath. You can repeat as required, up to a maximum of 12 inhalations in one day. If you need to take more and more doses each day, see your doctor to assess your therapy. Read more about the SMART action plan(external link).

Here are some things to know when you're using DuoResp Spiromax. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Always use your inhaler exactly as your doctor has told you: The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
DuoResp Spiromax is available in different strengths: Ask your doctor or pharmacist which strength you are taking. If your inhaler looks different to what you were expecting, ask your pharmacist about this.
Rinse your mouth after each use: DuoResp Spiromax can cause a sore throat and hoarse voice. Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent this.

To get the most benefit, it's important to use the correct technique when using your DuoResp Spiromax. Ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use your inhaler. Even if you have been shown before, ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use your inhaler if you still have any questions.

The video below provides some guidance on how to use a DuoResp Spiromax inhaler.

Video: How to use DuoResp Spiromax

(National Asthma Council, Australia, 2024)

Like all medicines DuoResp Spiromax can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Change in voice (hoarse voice) Different taste in your mouth Dry mouth or throat Cough	These are quite common when you first start using your inhaler and usually go away with time. Rinse your mouth after each use Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Signs of oral thrush (a fungal infection in your mouth) such as a very sore tongue, throat or mouth, with white sores on your tongue or in your mouth	Tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Feeling shaky Nervousness Tremor Headache Muscle cramps Problems sleeping	These are quite common when you first start using your inhaler and usually go away with time. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Changes in your heartbeat (faster) Chest pain Sudden changes in mood Blurred vision or changes to your eyesight	Tell your doctor or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.