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DuoResp Spiromax for asthma

Key points about DuoResp Spiromax for asthma

DuoResp Spiromax® is used to treat the symptoms of asthma and to prevent them from recurring.
It is also referred to as AIR asthma therapy which is the use of an anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) inhaler to manage your asthma.
DuoResp Spiromax is also called budesonide and formoterol.
Learn more about DuoResp Spiromax for asthma.

Pharmacist holding a prescription talking to male patient Canva 950x690

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 to prevent them from recurring. It can also be used for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). See DuoResp Spiromax for COPD.

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 – 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.

DuoResp Spiromax is used for all stages of asthma (mild, moderate or severe) and during an asthma attack

DuoResp Spiromax is called an anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) inhaler. It can be used for all stages of asthma (mild, moderate or severe) and during an asthma attack.

If you have mild asthma: You only need to use your DuoResp Spiromax inhaler occasionally, when you get asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough.
If you have moderate to severe asthma: Use your DuoResp Spiromax every day for the prevention of asthma AND also for the relief of asthma symptoms, when you get them.
During an asthma attack: You can use your DuoResp Spiromax inhaler during an asthma attack. Always carry it with you. Asthma attacks can happen anytime and may quickly get worse. Learn more about using your AIR inhaler during an asthma attack.

Follow your AIR asthma action plan to help manage your symptoms

To help manage your asthma each day, use your AIR action plan. This a written plan that tells you how to recognise and manage your symptoms. Fill this in with your healthcare provider. Learn more about AIR Asthma Action Plan for Spiromax(external link).

In Aotearoa New Zealand, DuoResp Spiromax is a dry powder inhaler that comes in different strengths: DuoResp Spiromax 200/6 and DuoResp Spiromax 400/12.

Relief of asthma symptoms

DuoResp Spiromax 200/6: Use 1 inhalation when needed for shortness of breath.
You can repeat as needed, up to a maximum of 12 inhalations in 1 day.
If you need to take more and more doses each day, see your healthcare provider to assess your treatment.
A reliever treats the immediate symptoms of asthma. It is quick acting and starts to work in a few minutes.

Note: The high dose 400/12 mcg strength DuoResp Spiromax can't be used as a reliever.

As a preventer in moderate to severe asthma

The dose of DuoResp Spiromax will be different for different people depending on your symptoms and the strength of your inhaler.

DuoResp Spiromax 200/6: The usual dose is 1 to 2 inhalations every day, once or twice daily; maximum 4 inhalations daily.
DuoResp Spiromax 400/12: 1 inhalation once or twice daily; maximum 2 inhalations daily.
Remember to keep using DuoResp Spiromax even if you feel well.

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 healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider or pharmacist which strength you're taking. If your inhaler looks different to what you were expecting, ask your pharmacist about this.
Keep track of your symptoms: Your healthcare provider will ask you about the number of exacerbations (flare ups) you have. Make a note of these so you can discuss your treatment with them, and whether you need to try a different inhaler.
Cleaning: Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue regularly, at least once a week. Don't use water or liquids when cleaning the mouthpiece or any part of the DuoResp Spiromax.
Storage: Keep your DuoResp Spiromax in a cool, dry place with the cover firmly in place. Don't store it in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep the cap on when you're not using it. The device may clog up if you breathe out through it, dribble into it or keep it in a place where there is high humidity (moisture in the air) with the cap off or unsealed.
DuoResp Spiromax has a dose indicator: Your inhaler has a dose indicator window – when you see 0, you've taken all your doses.
Expiry: Once DuoResp Spiromax has been removed from its packaging, it can only be used for a limited time and may expire before the expiry date printed on the packaging. Check the manufacturer's advice on when the inhaler should be discarded as this varies depending on the inhaler and medicine. It may be a good idea to write the date you open it on the inhaler label.

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, if you still have any questions, ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use your inhaler.

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. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if they bother you.

Change in voice (hoarse voice), different taste in your mouth: Rinse your mouth after each use.
Dry mouth or throat, cough.
Feeling shaky, nervousness, tremor.
Headache.
Muscle cramps.
Problems sleeping.

Tell your healthcare provider

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.