DuoResp Spiromax for COPD

Also called budesonide and formoterol

Key points about DuoResp Spiromax for COPD

DuoResp Spiromax is a combination of 2 medicines, budesonide and formoterol, in a single inhaler.
In COPD, it's used as long-term treatment, to reduce the risk of exacerbations (flare-ups).
Learn more about DuoResp Spiromax for COPD.

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

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 bronchodilator. It keeps your air passages open, making breathing easier.

When is DuoResp Spiromax used for COPD?

DuoResp Spiromax used for people with moderate to severe COPD, if their symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing are not well controlled with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) such as formoterol. Adding an inhaled corticosteroid such as budesonide may be recommended as long-term treatment, to reduce the risk of exacerbations (flare-ups).
DuoResp Spiromax is a long-term medicine for COPD that includes both formoterol and budesonide which are very effective when used together. It can also be used for people with asthma. Read more about DuoResp Spiromax for asthma.
Remember to keep using DuoResp Spiromax, even if you feel well. Read more about medicines for COPD.

Note: DuoResp Spiromax doesn’t give immediate relief from sudden breathing problems such as wheezing, tight chest or shortness of breath. To treat these symptoms, use your ‘reliever’ inhaler such as salbutamol (SalAir or Ventolin) or terbutaline.

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.

Always use DuoResp Spiromax exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions. The following is a guide.

DuoResp Spiromax 200/6: Use 2 inhalations twice daily; maximum 4 inhalations daily.
DuoResp Spiromax 400/12: Use 1 inhalation twice daily; maximum 2 inhalations daily.

DuoResp Spiromax is called a breath activated device, which means when you breathe in deeply and steadily through the mouthpiece, the device releases the medicine as a fine powder, which is inhaled into your lungs. Read more about how to use your DuoResp Spiromax.

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)

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.

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
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 an 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.
DuoResp Spiromax is available in different strengths. Ask your doctor 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.
Expiry: Once DuoResp Spiromax has been removed from it’s 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.

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.