What is Wixela Inhub Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayWixela Inhub (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and bronchodilator that is manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. It was approved in 2019 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wixela Inhub comes as a handheld inhaler with 60 pre-metered doses that includes a dose counter to indicate how many doses you have left.
If your doctor has prescribed Wixela Inhub to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Wixela Inhub is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Wixela Inhub used for?
Wixela Inhub is an inhaler that contains a combination of a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta 2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that is FDA-approved for:
- Treatment of asthma in adults and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older.
- Maintenance treatment to reduce exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Wixela Inhub is not approved to treat acute bronchospasms or sudden breathing problems. It does not replace your rescue inhaler.
How does Wixela Inhub work?
Wixela Inhub is the combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate) and a LABA (salmeterol) that is used to treat asthma and COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Fluticasone propionate works by reducing the inflammation in your lungs in response to allergens (foreign substances). It does this through a wide range of actions on inflammatory cell types (mast cells and eosinophils) and mediators (histamines and leukotrienes).
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that stimulates beta2-receptors that are found in large numbers on the smooth muscle in your lungs. Stimulating these receptors causes the smooth muscle to relax, which leads to bronchodilation and improved airflow in your lungs.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Wixela Inhub?
- Fluticasone propionate 100 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg inhaler
- Fluticasone propionate 250 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg inhaler
- Fluticasone propionate 500 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg inhaler
Before taking Wixela Inhub
Before beginning Wixela Inhub treatment, tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Seizures
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Osteoporosis
- Weakened immune system
- Eye problems (glaucoma or cataracts)
- Allergy to milk proteins
- Have an active bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
- Have been exposed to chickenpox or measles
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, are breastfeeding.
How to take Wixela Inhub
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with this medication.
- Your doctor or healthcare provider should show you how to use your Wixela Inhub inhaler before you take your first dose. Pediatric patients should use Wixela Inhub® with an adult parent or caregiver’s help.
- You should use Wixela Inhub exactly as your doctor prescribes it to you. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without discussing it with them first.
- Wixela Inhub is typically taken 2 times a day at the same time each day. The doses should be taken about 12 hours apart. You should rinse out your mouth with water without swallowing after each use of your inhaler to reduce the risk of throat irritation and thrush.
- If you miss a dose of Wixela Inhub, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take 2 doses at 1 time to make up for a missed dose.
- Wixela does not replace your rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden breathing problems. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, contact your doctor to have them prescribe one for you.
- If you think you have taken too much Wixela Inhub, call your doctor right away. If you have symptoms such as worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heart rate, go to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate medical attention.
- Store your Wixela Inhub inhaler at room temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) away from direct heat and sunlight. Only open the foil pouch containing the inhaler when you are ready to use it. Discard your Wixela Inhub inhaler 1 month after opening the foil pouch or when the dose counter reads 0, whichever comes first.
Wixela Inhub contraindications
Wixela Inhub should not be taken if you have any of the following conditions:
- Uncontrolled, severe asthma or COPD.
- Serious allergy to milk proteins or known hypersensitivity to any ingredients in this medication.
Wixela Inhub warnings
- Do not use Wixela Inhub to treat asthma attacks or acute symptoms of COPD.
- Do not use this medication with other LABAs as it increases the risk of overdose.
- Wixela Inhub can cause yeast infections in your mouth and pharynx. You should rinse your mouth without swallowing after each use to help reduce this risk.
- There is an increased risk of infections with this medication. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of an infection.
- You should be slowly tapered off of oral steroids when switching to Wixela Inhub.
- Your bone mineral density should be monitored at the start of therapy and periodically while on Wixela Inhub.
- Pediatric patients should have their growth monitored.
- Wixela Inhub should be used with caution if you have glaucoma, cataracts, heart disease, CNS disorders, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, and ketoacidosis.
Wixela Inhub drug interactions
When Wixela Inhub is taken with other medications, it may change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Discuss with your doctor whether any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, and ketoconazole
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline
- Beta-blockers such as atenolol
- Non-potassium sparing diuretics such as furosemide
Wixela Inhub side effects
The most common side effects of Wixela Inhub include:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Hoarseness
- Throat irritation or sore throat
- Thrush
- Cough
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sinusitis
- Pneumonia
- Joint and muscle pain
- Muscle cramps
- Fever
- High blood sugar
Sometimes, Wixela Inhub can cause more serious side effects, including:
- Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, angioedema, and shortness of breath)
- Serious infection
- Increased risk of chickenpox or measles, which can be serious or fatal
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
- Irregular heartbeat and other heart problems
- Osteoporosis
- Increased risk of seizures
- Low potassium levels
Contact your doctor for medical advice about any adverse effects you experience while taking Wixela Inhub. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Wixela Inhub alternatives
Your healthcare professional can prescribe other medications for asthma or COPD if Wixela Inhub is not right for you. These other medications will vary by different factors such as side effects and costs. Some FDA-approved alternatives to Wixela Inhub include:
- Advair Diskus (salmeterol/fluticasone)
- Dulera (mometasone/formoterol)
- Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol)
- Breo Ellipta (vilanterol/fluticasone furoate)
- Trelegy Ellipta (umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol/fluticasone furoate)
- Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate/formoterol)
- Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/formoterol/glycopyrrolate)
Wixela Inhub FAQs
Can you take Wixela Inhub while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is no sufficient data on the effects of Wixela Inhub use during pregnancy. It should be noted that pregnant women with poorly controlled asthma have an increased risk of complications to the fetus. There is also not sufficient data on whether Wixela Inhub is found in breast milk, the possible effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Is Advair the same as Wixela Inhub?
Wixela was the first FDA-approved generic version of Advair Diskus. They both contain the same active ingredients salmeterol and fluticasone propionate, and both help improve lung function in patients with asthma and COPD.
RELATED: Wixela vs Advair
How long does it take Wixela Inhub to work?
While you should see some improvements almost immediately after starting this medication, it may take over a week before you see its full effects.
What is the cost of Wixela Inhub?
The average cost for a 250mcg/50mcg Wixela Inhub inhaler is a little over $200.
Is there a generic for Wixela Inhub?
Currently, there is no generic Wixela Inhub available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Wixela Inhub through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
