DuoResp Spiromax

What is DuoResp Spiromax?

DuoResp Spiromax is an inhaler for treating asthma and COPD. It combines a preventative ingredient (budesonide) with a relief treatment (called formoterol).

Budesonide is a type of drug called a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids suppress the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and irritation. Over time, this reduces swelling in your lungs to help prevent your asthma symptoms flaring up.

In the short-term, formoterol will provide relief for any symptoms you might experience day-to-day. Within one to three minutes of taking your inhaler, formoterol will get to work relaxing your airways and making it easier for you to breathe. These effects last for around 12 hours.

Who is DuoResp Spiromax for?

DuoResp Spiromax is designed to help prevent and relieve symptoms for people suffering from asthma or COPD. You might be prescribed DuoResp Spiromax to improve your control over your condition. If you’re suffering from moderate to severe asthma, you’ll still be able to use a DuoResp Spiromax inhaler. The active ingredients in DuoResp have proven to reduce asthma and COPD exacerbations.

What doses does DuoResp Spiromax come in?

DuoResp Spiromax is available in a variety of doses depending on the severity of your condition.

The DuoResp Spiromax 160 mcg budesonide / 4.5 mcg formoterol inhaler is for moderate COPD and asthma. A higher dose of DuoResp 320 mcg / 9 mcg inhalers is also available for more severe cases.

The smaller dosage of DuoResp Spiromax has 120 inhalations per inhaler, while the larger dose has 60.

How to use DuoResp Spiromax

DuoResp Spiromax is used as part of a maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) regime to treat asthma. The corticosteroid maintains your asthma control, while the bronchodilator relieves symptoms.

If it’s the first time you’re using your DuoResp Spiromax inhaler, you’ll need to get it ready to use.

• tear open the foil pouch using the notch and remove the inhaler;
• check the dose counter. DuoResp Spiromax 160 mcg / 4.5 mcg inhalers should have 120 doses, and 320 mcg / 9 mcg inhalers should have 60;
• write the date you opened the foil pouch on your inhaler’s label, so you know when it expires.

When taking your DuoResp Spiromax inhaler, follow these instructions to get the most out of your treatment:

• do not shake your inhaler before use;
• hold the inhaler upright with the red mouthpiece cover at the bottom;
• push down on the cover to fold it down until you hear a loud click. This prepares your medicine for inhalation;
• breathe out as far as is comfortable for you, but make sure to do it away from the inhaler;
• place the mouthpiece between your teeth (without biting down) and close your lips around it. Be careful you don’t block the air vents on the inhaler;
• breathe in through your mouth, deep and hard, as far as is comfortable;
• take the mouthpiece out of your mouth. You might notice an aftertaste after your inhalation;
• hold your breath for at least 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable for you;
• gently breathe out, away from your inhaler. Then, close the mouthpiece cover.

How long does it take DuoResp Spiromax to work?

As soon as you breathe in your dose of DuoResp, its two ingredients will start working to relieve your symptoms – and eventually prevent them. Formoterol is a type of medicine known as a bronchodilator, which means it widens your airways to make breathing easier. Within just a couple of minutes of your dose, you should feel relief from any immediate symptoms. As Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator, you’ll feel its benefits for around 12 hours.

Budesonide will take a little longer to work. But after around three to seven days you should start to wheeze less. If it works well, you might find your symptoms are controlled well enough that you don’t need to use a reliever inhaler as often.

What should I do if I make a mistake taking DuoResp Spiromax?

You should only ever take your treatment as instructed by your clinician. If you take too much of your DuoResp Spiromax inhaler, don’t worry. Typically this will have little to no side effects, especially if it only happens once.

Taking too much formoterol can lead to effects such as tremor, heart palpitations, a headache, and nausea. These should pass with time. If you’re worried, get in touch with your doctor.

Even excessive doses of budesonide shouldn’t cause any immediate side effects. If used in large doses for long periods of time, it can cause effects such as adrenal suppression – when your body doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on January 19, 2023.

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