From the Guidelines
Yes, an asthma patient using Trelegy can generally use Airsupra as a rescue inhaler, but this combination should be specifically approved by their healthcare provider. Trelegy is a maintenance medication containing fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid), umeclidinium (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and vilanterol (a long-acting beta-agonist) that is taken daily to control chronic respiratory symptoms. Airsupra, which contains albuterol and budesonide, is designed as a rescue medication for quick relief of sudden symptoms. The albuterol in Airsupra works differently than the medications in Trelegy, making it appropriate for rescue use. However, since both medications contain anti-inflammatory components (fluticasone in Trelegy and budesonide in Airsupra), your doctor may need to consider your total steroid exposure, as noted in studies such as 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The use of short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol for rescue is supported by guidelines, including those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program 1.
- Patients should keep track of how often they need to use Airsupra, as frequent use (more than twice weekly) may indicate that your asthma is not well-controlled and your maintenance therapy might need adjustment 1.
- Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding the use of these medications together, considering the most recent and highest quality evidence available.
From the Research
Asthma Treatment with Trelegy and Airsupra
- Trelegy is a single-inhaler triple therapy that contains fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol, used for the treatment of asthma 2, 3.
- Airsupra is a rescue inhaler that contains albuterol, a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma.
Efficacy of Trelegy in Asthma Control
- Studies have shown that Trelegy is effective in reducing asthma exacerbations, oral corticosteroid use, and SABA use in patients with asthma 2, 4, 3.
- Trelegy has been shown to improve lung function and symptom control in patients with asthma, including those with persistent cough 5.
Use of Airsupra as a Rescue Inhaler with Trelegy
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the use of Airsupra as a rescue inhaler in patients using Trelegy.
- However, the studies suggest that Trelegy is effective in reducing the need for SABA use, which includes rescue inhalers like Airsupra 2, 4, 3.
- It is likely that Airsupra can be used as a rescue inhaler in patients using Trelegy, but the decision should be made based on individual patient needs and medical professional guidance.
Key Findings
- Trelegy is effective in improving asthma control and reducing exacerbations, oral corticosteroid use, and SABA use 2, 4, 3.
- Airsupra can be used as a rescue inhaler in patients with asthma, but its use with Trelegy should be guided by medical professionals.
- More research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of using Airsupra as a rescue inhaler in patients using Trelegy 6.