What is Breztri Aerosphere? Uses, warnings & side effects

Prime each inhaler before using it for the first time. Remove the mouthpiece, shake the inhaler well, and spray one test-puff into the air facing away from you. Shake and spray it a total of four times. 

Remove the mouthpiece and check to see if there are any foreign objects which should be removed before use. 

Shake the inhaler well before each puff, breathe out fully, place the mouthpiece into the mouth, and close the lips around the mouthpiece, then start to breath in deeply and slowly while spraying one puff. Continue breathing in until you cannot anymore, then hold your breath for as long as you can, up to 10 seconds. Repeat this for the second puff.

Put the mouthpiece cover back on. Rinse your mouth with water and spit out the water. Do not swallow the water. 

Rinse the yellow actuator once weekly by removing it from the canister and running it under warm water for 30 seconds through the mouthpiece and 30 seconds through the top of the actuator. Do not get the canister wet. Look into the actuator and repeat the rinsing process if there is any build-up. Let the actuator air dry; do not use a towel or tissue to dry it. 

The inhaler should be reprimed with two test-puffs after rinsing the yellow actuator if it is dropped, or if it is not used for more than seven days.

The puff indicator tells you how many puffs are left in the inhaler. When it reaches the yellow zone, it is time to order a new inhaler. It will reach the red zone when the number shows 0. Throw away the inhaler once the puff indicator shows 0 or if it has been three months since it was removed from the foil pouch.

If you miss a dose of Breztri, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is closer to the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double a dose due to missing one previously.

Breztri Aerosphere is contraindicated in those who have hypersensitivity to budesonide, glycopyrrolate, formoterol fumarate, or any of the excipients in the inhaler. 

Breztri Aerosphere should not be used in combination with another medication containing a long-acting beta-agonist or anticholinergic.

Breztri Aerosphere may increase the risk of a fungal infection of the mouth and throat.

There is an increased risk of pneumonia occurring in COPD patients, and Breztri Aerosphere may worsen any existing infections. 

There is a risk of impaired adrenal function when switching from an oral steroid to Breztri Aerosphere. Patients should be tapered slowly when discontinuing oral steroids. 

Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur in certain susceptible people or with very high doses of Breztri Aerosphere. Take your medication exactly as prescribed. 

Caution should be taken in those with a history of heart disease, decreased bone mineral density, glaucoma, cataracts, urinary retention, seizure disorders, thyroid disorders, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and diabetes.

Strong inhibitors of  CYP3A4, a liver enzyme, and adrenergic drugs may increase the effects of Breztri Aerosphere. 

Diuretics, xanthine derivatives, or steroids may increase the risk of hypokalemia.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants should be used with extreme caution because they can increase the risk of heart effects. 

Beta-blockers can block the effects of the long-acting beta-agonist in Breztri Aerosphere.