Can you take Airsupra (albuterol) and Trelegy (fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, vilanterol) together?

Using Airsupra (Albuterol) and Trelegy (Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium, Vilanterol) Together

Yes, you can take Airsupra (albuterol) and Trelegy (fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, vilanterol) together, as they have complementary mechanisms of action and serve different purposes in COPD and asthma management.

Understanding the Medications

Trelegy

• Triple therapy containing:
  • Fluticasone furoate (inhaled corticosteroid/ICS)
  • Umeclidinium (long-acting muscarinic antagonist/LAMA)
  • Vilanterol (long-acting beta-agonist/LABA)
• Used as maintenance therapy for chronic conditions
• Administered once daily 1

Airsupra

• Contains albuterol (short-acting beta-agonist/SABA)
• Used as rescue medication for acute symptoms
• Provides rapid bronchodilation 2

Why These Medications Work Together

1. Different Durations of Action:

   • Trelegy: Long-acting maintenance therapy (24-hour coverage)
   • Airsupra: Short-acting rescue therapy for breakthrough symptoms

2. Complementary Mechanisms:

   • While both contain beta-agonists (vilanterol in Trelegy and albuterol in Airsupra), they serve different purposes:
     • Vilanterol provides sustained bronchodilation
     • Albuterol provides rapid relief during acute symptoms 2

3. Clinical Practice Support:

   • Guidelines support using short-acting rescue inhalers alongside maintenance therapy 3
   • The combination provides both daily control and as-needed symptom relief

Important Considerations

Potential Concerns

1. Beta-agonist Overlap:

   • Both medications contain beta-agonists (vilanterol in Trelegy, albuterol in Airsupra)
   • Monitor for cumulative side effects like:
     • Tremor
     • Tachycardia
     • Nervousness
     • Headache

2. Proper Usage Pattern:

   • Use Trelegy regularly as prescribed (once daily)
   • Use Airsupra only as needed for breakthrough symptoms
   • Increasing need for Airsupra may indicate poor control and need for treatment adjustment 3

Monitoring Recommendations

• Track frequency of Airsupra use - increasing need may indicate inadequate control
• Watch for signs of beta-agonist overuse (tremor, rapid heart rate)
• Regular follow-up to assess overall symptom control

Special Situations

During Exacerbations

• Increased use of Airsupra is appropriate during acute symptoms
• If requiring Airsupra frequently (>2 times per week), discuss with healthcare provider as maintenance therapy may need adjustment 3

For Optimal Benefit

• Use proper inhaler technique for both medications
• Take Trelegy at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
• Allow at least 1-2 minutes between inhalers if using both at the same time

Conclusion

The combination of Trelegy as maintenance therapy and Airsupra as rescue medication represents an appropriate and complementary approach to managing respiratory conditions. The short-acting rescue properties of albuterol work alongside the long-acting maintenance benefits of the triple therapy, providing comprehensive symptom management 1, 4.