Breztri side effects and how to avoid them

Breztri Aerosphere is an FDA-approved medication manufactured by AstraZeneca. It is used to treat COPD symptoms. While Breztri Aerosphere is generally well tolerated, there are some potential side effects that people should be aware of. The most common side effects of Breztri Aerosphere include upper respiratory tract infections. Less common, but more serious side effects, can include serious allergic reactions.

Learn more about the side effects of Breztri Aerosphere and what you can do to avoid them.

What is Breztri Aerosphere?

Breztri Aerosphere is a combination of budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), glycopyrrolate, a long-acting anticholinergic (sometimes called a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)), and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta2-agonist ((LABA) bronchodilator).

What is the Breztri Aerosphere used for?

Breztri Aerosphere is used for the maintenance treatment of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Breztri aerosphere will reduce the annual rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations.

Breztri Aerosphere is not for the treatment of asthma, sudden breathing problems, or acute bronchospasm. It is not a rescue inhaler. LABA medicines increase the risk of hospitalizations and death when used alone. Breztri Aerosphere contains an ICS, an anticholinergic, and a LABA. When an ICS and LABA are used together, there is not a significant risk of hospitalizations and deaths from asthma problems. Breztri Aerosphere can improve lung function and reduce the number of COPD flare-ups you have.

How does Breztri Aerosphere work?

Budesonide reduces irritation and swelling of airways in your lungs. Glycopyrrolate and formoterol help to relax muscles around airways in the lungs, opening them up and allowing you to breathe easier.

What are the side effects of Breztri Aerosphere?

The most common side effects of Breztri aerosphere in clinical trials include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia
• Back pain, muscle spasm
• Oral thrush, cough, sinusitis
• Flu-like symptoms, body aches
• Unusual tiredness
• Urinary tract infection
• Diarrhea

More serious side effects of Breztri aerosphere include:

• Potential worsening of infections such as existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, ocular herpes simplex
• Risk of impaired adrenal function
• Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression
• Paradoxical bronchospasm
• Glaucoma and cataracts, worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, eye pain
• Changes in vision such as seeing halos around lights, and blurred vision
• Worsening of urinary retention
• Hypokalemia – low levels of potassium may cause symptoms of muscle spasm, muscle weakness, or abnormal heart rhythm
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)
• Effects on your heart – increased blood pressure, fast heart rate (palpitations), irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
• Serious allergic reactions – rash, hives, swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue, breathing problems, and shortness of breath

You are encouraged to report possible side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Breztri Aerosphere dosage

Breztri aerosphere is available as an oral inhalation aerosol, in the following doses: Pressurized metered-dose inhaler containing a combination of budesonide (160 mcg), glycopyrrolate (9 mcg), and formoterol fumarate (4.8 mcg) per inhalation.

Please read the full prescribing information and patient information for patient safety information, and always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice or about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Breztri Aerosphere drug interactions

Breztri Aerosphere can interact with other medications including:

• Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors – ketoconazole, ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole
• Other adrenergic drugs
• Diuretics
• Xanthine derivatives or steroids
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants
• Beta-blockers
• Anticholinergics such as ipratropium, or tiotropium
• LABA drugs such as arformoterol, or salmeterol

Before taking Breztri Aerosphere, be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking to ensure they are safe to take at the same time.

Breztri Aerosphere warnings & precautions

You should not use Breztri aerosphere if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient budesonide, glycopyrrolate, or formoterol fumarate
• Have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in Breztri aerosphere

Talk to your doctor before using Breztri aerosphere if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Breztri aerosphere
• Have hepatic impairment
• Have renal impairment
• Have heart problems or high blood pressure
• Suffer from seizures
• Have thyroid problems
• Have diabetes
• Have osteoporosis
• Have problems with your immune system
• Have eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts
• Have prostate or bladder problems, or problems passing urine
• Have a viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection such as chicken pox or measles
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including Breztri Aerosphere, to make sure it is safe for you.

Does Breztri Aerosphere cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a side effect of using the Breztri Aerosphere. If you experience weight gain or weight loss during treatment with Breztri speak to your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Can you stop taking Breztri Aerosphere?

If you are considering stopping treatment with Breztri Aerosphere speak to your doctor first. Certain conditions such as asthma or allergies may flare up if you suddenly stop using Breztri Aerosphere.

If you have sudden worsening of breathing problems, or a serious allergic reaction to Breztri Aerosphere, stop using it immediately and call your healthcare provider for emergency medical advice.

Who should not take Breztri Aerosphere?

Do not use Breztri Aerosphere if you are allergic to any of the active ingredients (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, or formoterol fumarate), or if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in Breztri aerosphere in the past. Also, this medication is not FDA-approved to be used by patients younger than 18 years of age.

Does Breztri Aerosphere have a steroid?

Breztri Aerosphere contains budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol. Budesonide is classed as a corticosteroids, and reduces swelling and irritation of airways in your lungs.

How good is Breztri Aerosphere for COPD?

Long-term use of Breztri Aerosphere helps to prevent COPD flare-ups by more than 50%.

What does Breztri Aerosphere do to your body?

Breztri Aerosphere reduces irritation and swelling of airways in your lungs, and helps to relax muscles around airways in the lungs, opening them up and allowing you to breathe easier.

How to avoid Breztri Aerosphere side effects

The best way to avoid side effects is to take Breztri Aerosphere as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not take more or less than prescribed.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to help reduce or prevent some of the side effects.

1. Stick to the recommended dosage

Take your prescribed dose of Breztri Aerosphere that has been recommended by your healthcare professional. Do not take more or less than prescribed.

2. Monitor your blood sugar levels

If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while taking Breztri Aerosphere. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and report any changes to your doctor immediately.

3. Drink plenty of fluids

Drink eight to 10 glasses of water or fluids every day to help prevent dehydration, which can make side effects worse.

4. Avoid alcohol

You are advised to consume alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may interact with glycopyrrolate and cause increased drowsiness and dizziness. Speak to your healthcare provider about safe levels of alcohol consumption when using Breztri Aerosphere.

5. Don’t skip meals

Eating regular meals and snacks will help to prevent low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

6. Check your feet

If you have diabetes, check your feet for any cuts, sores, or redness regularly. Tell your doctor if you experience any problems with your feet while taking Breztri Aerosphere.

7. Know the signs and symptoms of Breztri Aerosphere side effects

Signs and symptoms of side effects of Breztri Aerosphere include oral thrush and upper respiratory tract infections. If you experience any of these symptoms speak to your doctor for medical advice.

8. Monitor your weight

Weight gain is not a side effect of using the Breztri Aerosphere. If you experience weight gain or weight loss during treatment with Breztri speak to your healthcare provider.

9. Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking

Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they can interact with Breztri Aerosphere.

10. Get regular medical check ups

It is important to get regular medical check ups and monitor your medical conditions. Your doctor will monitor your side effects and may adjust your dose of Breztri Aerosphere as needed.