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How long does it take for Breztri to work?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Sep 11, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol) works within about 5 minutes to improve lung function and help you breathe easier. However, it can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effects of this medication. This is because it includes an inhaled corticosteroid, which takes time to lower inflammation in the airways. This medication works best when taken every day.

In clinical studies, patients taking Breztri Aerosphere had a 100 mL increase from their baseline FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) within around 5 minutes after inhaling a dose on the first day. FEV1 is a measure of the amount of air you can breathe out of your lungs forcefully in the first second after inhaling. This test is used to help classify the severity of lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Is Breztri fast acting?

Yes, Breztri Aerosphere works quickly (within 5 minutes) to improve lung function in people with COPD. This is due to two ingredients in Breztri: formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA) and glycopyrrolate (an anticholinergic). When inhaled, these medications reach the lungs rapidly and start to work within minutes to open up the airways. The third ingredient in Breztri Aerosphere, budesonide, is a steroid and works more slowly.

Breztri Aerosphere should not be used to treat a sudden breathing attack. Make sure you always have a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, in case of sudden breathing problems.

This is not all the information you need to know about Breztri Aerosphere for safe and effective use. Review the full Breztri Aerosphere information, and discuss this and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Breztri Aerosphere [package insert]. Updated January 2022. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Accessed September 11, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=715433dc-cb2b-43ea-b6df-c5b4177adc6c

David, S., et. al. 2022. Forced Expiratory Volume. In: StatPearls. Accessed September 11, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540970/

Lötvall J. 2001. Pharmacological similarities and differences between beta2-agonists. In: Respiratory Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/rmed.2001.1139

Tashkin, D. P., et. al. 2018. Inhaled glycopyrrolate for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S162646

www.breztri.com. 2024. FAQs About Breztri. Accessed September 11, 2024 at https://www.breztri.com/faqs#accordion-23d11ca105-item-81be2ae7e0

Read next

What is the difference between Breztri vs Trelegy?

Trelegy and Breztri are both triple-combination inhalers, but they're approved for different uses. Trelegy can be used for both COPD and asthma in adults, while Breztri is only for COPD. Continue reading

Why is Breztri not for asthma?

Breztri is not for asthma because it was made specifically to help people with COPD, which is a different lung condition. When scientists tested Breztri, they only looked at how well it worked for COPD, not asthma. Even though asthma and COPD both affect breathing, they need different kinds of treatments. The mix of medicines in Breztri has been shown to work for COPD, but it might not be the best choice for controlling asthma symptoms. That's why doctors don't prescribe Breztri for asthma - they have other medicines that work better for people with asthma. Continue reading

How many puffs are in Breztri Aerosphere inhaler?

Breztri Aerosphere aerosol inhaler contains either 120 or 28 inhalations. This depends on the size of your inhaler. The canister has an attached dose counter that shows how many puffs are remaining. Continue reading

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