Low or no data? Visit zero.govt.nz, scroll down the page then click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.

Vannair

Key points about Vannair

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

HN 0789 female pharmacist working in dispensary of community pharmacy

Print this page

Vannair® is a combination of 2 medicines, budesonide and formoterol, in a single inhaler. The combination is used to treat the symptoms of asthma and COPD and to prevent them from recurring.

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

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Vannair is available as a metered dose inhaler (MDI) in different strengths: Vannair 100/6 and Vannair 200/6.

COPD

If you're using Vannair for COPD, it must be used twice a day every day as a preventer, to prevent shortness of breath and wheezing. Read more about medicines for COPD.

Asthma

If you're using Vannair for asthma, it can be prescribed in 3 different ways:

as a regular preventer (and using a different inhaler as a reliever such as salbutamol)
as a regular preventer plus also using the same inhaler as a reliever when needed
as a 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 Vannair 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 Vannair inhaler 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 Vannair inhaler regularly each day for symptom prevention, and also when needed for symptom relief.

Preventer: Use Vannair 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 do 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).

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.
Vannair inhalers are 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: Vannair can cause a sore throat and hoarse voice. Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent this.

You'll get the most benefit from your inhaler if you use the correct technique. Ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use an MDI. Even if you have been shown before, if you still have any questions, ask them to show you again how to use your inhaler.

The diagram below provides some guidance on how to use an MDI (puffer). The MDI is the name of the device used to deliver the medicine to your lungs and airways. There are different names for each MDI depending on the medicines inside the device.

Your MDI may be a different colour to the one in the video below. It's important to know the name and colour of your MDI, eg, Vannair®, Ventolin® etc. Read more about understanding your medicines.

How to use an MDI (puffer)
	Take off the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
	Shake the inhaler to mix the medicine.
	Sit upright, tilt your head back slightly (as if you are sniffing) and breathe out gently.
	Hold the device upright, insert the inhaler into your mouth, ensuring that your lips firmly seal the mouthpiece. At the beginning of a slow, deep breath, breathe in through the mouthpiece as you press the inhaler to release 1 dose or ‘puff’.
	Breathe in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. Breathe out gently through your nose.

Using a spacer with an MDI (puffer)

A spacer is an attachment to use with your MDI. Using a spacer with your MDI makes it easier to use your inhaler and helps to get the medicine into your lungs, where it’s needed (with less medicine ending up in your mouth and throat). Spacers improve how well your medicine works. Read more about spacers.

Like all medicines Vannair 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 your mood Blurred vision or changes to your eyesight	Tell your doctor or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.