Duoresp Spiromax is a combination dry powder inhaler containing budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces lung inflammation, and formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that dilates the airways.

Duoresp Spiromax is used to control asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is used as part of a maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) plan. That means it can be used every day to prevent asthma symptoms and, when needed, to relieve them, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

The Duoresp Spiromax is a breath-activated, dry powder inhaler (DPI) containing 2 active ingredients that help prevent and treat asthma symptoms. They are:

1. Budesonide is a corticosteroid medication that works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and airways to help stop symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
2. Formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator, works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airways, making breathing easier, especially during an asthma attack.

Duoresp Spiromax is used for MART, so it can be prescribed for daily use, similar to a preventer inhaler, and as and when needed, just like a reliever inhaler, to manage symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Most people who use Duoresp Spiromax do not need a separate blue inhaler, but it is safe to use one if it has been prescribed to you to use for relief of asthma symptoms instead of taking Duoresp Spiromax.

How long does Duoresp Spiromax last?

Each Duoresp Spiromax inhaler contains 120 inhalations. If your doctor has prescribed 1 puff in the morning and 1 puff in the evening, then the inhaler will last for 60 days. However, this can vary if you need to use it sporadically to manage symptoms.

How long does Duoresp Spiromax take to work?

Budesonide does not work instantly, so you will need to take it consistently every day for it to work. Most people notice an improvement in their symptoms within 3 to 7 days, but it can take several weeks for the maximum benefit to occur.

Formoterol, on the other hand, can work in as little as 1 to 3 minutes to relieve symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

How effective is Duoresp Spiromax?

One study found that a combination inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol resulted in superior asthma symptom control compared to as-needed terbutaline. A separate earlier study found that people who were given a budesonide/formoterol combination inhaler had a 25% lower chance of a severe asthma attack compared to salmeterol/fluticasone plus salbutamol, prolonging the time before a first serious attack.

Another study found that a dry powder inhaler containing the budesonide-formoterol combination resulted in significant, clinically meaningful improvements in asthma control, lung function, and quality of life among 1107 people.

Duoresp Spiromax is a breath-activated dry powder inhaler, which means it delivers the medication straight to the lungs triggered by a deep, fast inhalation rather than by pressing a canister, known as a pressurised, metered dose inhaler (pMDI). Duoresp Spiromax should only be used as your doctor has prescribed.

Before using a Duoresp Spiromax inhaler for the first time, you will need to prepare it by:

1. Opening the foil pouch and removing the inhaler.
2. Check the dose indicator to make sure there are 120 doses left.
3. Write the date on the inhaler label so you know when it was first used.

Do not shake the Duoresp Spiromax inhaler. Once it is ready to be used, you should:

1. Hold the inhaler so that the red mouthpiece cover is at the bottom.
2. Open the mouthpiece cover by folding it down until you hear one loud click. The inhaler is now ready to be used.
3. Breathe out gently as far as you comfortably can.
4. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth, being careful not to bite down on it. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, taking care not to block the air vents.
5. Breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can.
6. Remove the inhaler from your mouth. You may notice a taste when you inhale the medication.
7. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can.
8. Breathe out gently (not through the inhaler) and close the mouthpiece cover.
9. If you need to take another inhalation, repeat steps 1 to 8.

After every dose, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to reduce the chance of mouth and throat irritation.

When to use Duoresp Spiromax

If you have been prescribed Duoresp Spiromax as part of a MART plan, a doctor will usually tell you to use it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and as and when required if you have a flare-up of asthma symptoms.

How much Duoresp Spiromax to take

For MART, the usual dose is 1 or 2 inhalations in the morning and in the evening. Your doctor will tell you how many inhalations you will need.

How many times a day can I use Duoresp Spiromax?

A total daily dose of more than 8 inhalations is not normally needed, but a doctor may allow you to use up to 12 per day for a short period if needed.

When using the Duoresp Spiromax as a reliever inhaler, do not take more than 6 inhalations at a time. If your symptoms haven’t resolved with 6 inhalations or are severe contact 999 or attend A&E.

What if I miss a dose of Duoresp Spiromax?

If you forget to take a dose of Duoresp Spiromax, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose to make up for it. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the usual time.

What if I take too much Duoresp Spiromax?

If you take more Duoresp Spiromax than you should, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. The most common symptoms that occur after taking too much are headache, trembling, or a rapid heartbeat.

Duoresp Spiromax is a prescription-only asthma treatment that must be approved by a doctor before you can get it. It is available to buy online with a private prescription from trusted online doctor services, or it may be available on the NHS.

Can I buy Duoresp Spiromax online?

Yes, you can get Duoresp Spiromax online from Superdrug Online Doctor if you already have a prescription from your GP. To order a repeat inhaler from us, you will need to:

1. Fill out a short online health questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Choose your preferred treatment and make a payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your answers and medication request to determine whether it is suitable for you.
4. If approved, your asthma medication will be sent to your address in discreet packaging, or you can collect it from a Superdrug Pharmacy.

Can I buy Duoresp Spiromax over the counter?

No, Duoresp Spiromax is not available over the counter as it is a prescription-only medication, so you must have a doctor’s approval to get it.

Can I get Duoresp Spiromax on the NHS?

Yes, Duoresp Spiromax is available on the NHS as it is a cost-effective asthma treatment. It is often prescribed as a combined maintenance and reliever therapy (MART). You will need to make an appointment with a GP to find out if Duoresp Spiromax is suitable for managing your condition and available in your area.

Duoresp Spiromax, like all medications, can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them.

Common Duoresp Spiromax side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) are:

• palpitations
• thrush
• mild sore throat
• coughing
• hoarse voice
• headache
• pneumonia in COPD patients

Uncommon Duoresp Spiromax side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) are:

• restlessness
• nervousness
• feeling agitated, anxious, or angry
• disturbed sleep
• dizziness
• feeling sick (nausea)
• fast heartbeat
• bruising on the skin
• muscle cramps
• blurred vision

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people) are:

• low blood potassium levels
• irregular heartbeat
• depression
• behaviour changes
• chest pain or tightness in the chest
• increased blood sugar levels
• taste changes
• blood pressure changes

A full list of potential side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that is supplied with your inhaler.

How long do Duoresp Spiromax side effects last?

Duoresp Spiromax side effects, such as palpitations and headaches, are usually mild and temporary, improving within a few days of starting treatment as your body gets used to the medication.

What to do if you get Duoresp Spiromax side effects

Most Duoresp Spiromax side effects are temporary and will go away on their own, but there are things you can do to manage them at home. For example, for:

• headaches, drink plenty of water and take over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol or ibuprofen if you are able to
• mouth or throat irritation, including thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out every time you use Duoresp Spiromax

If you get any of the following side effects, stop using Duoresp Spiromax and contact your doctor straight away, or in an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E:

• swelling of your face, especially around your mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• sudden feeling of faintness
• itching, rash, or hives
• sudden wheezing or shortness of breath
• chest pain or persistent palpitations

Duoresp Spiromax is an inhaler available to anyone over the age of 12 to treat and manage the symptoms of asthma and COPD. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use Duoresp Spiromax if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol fumarate dihydrate, or any other ingredients listed in the medication.

Before using Duoresp Spiromax, tell your doctor if you:

• have diabetes
• have a lung infection
• have high blood pressure or a heart problem
• have problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands
• have phaeochromocytoma
• have low blood potassium levels
• have severe liver problems
• regularly drink alcohol
• have osteoporosis
• have hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption

At Superdrug Online Doctor, we cannot prescribe Duoresp Spiromax to anyone under 18.

Duoresp Spiromax and other medications

Before using Duroesp Spiromax to manage your asthma, you should tell your doctor about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are taking, especially:

• beta blockers
• oxytocin
• medications for an uneven or fast heartbeat
• digoxin
• diuretics
• steroid tablets
• xanthine medications
• other bronchodilators
• tricyclic antidepressants
• antidepressants
• antipsychotic phenothiazine medications
• HIV medications
• medications to treat infections
• Parkinson’s disease medications
• medications to treat thyroid problems

Duoresp Spiromax and pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, speak to your doctor before taking Duoresp Spiromax. You should only use the inhaler if your doctor tells you to.

If you get pregnant while taking Duoresp Spiromax, do not stop taking it, but talk to your doctor straight away.