Medicine Information

Easyhaler

Name: Easyhaler
Brand: Easyhaler
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)Budesonide 160 mcg + Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate 4.5 mcg per actuationAnti-asthmatic & COPD preparationsATC: R03AK07

Generic Name

Budesonide + Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate

Manufacturer

Orion Pharma

Country

Finland

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
easyhaler inhaler	৳ 250.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Easyhaler is a dry powder inhaler device containing a combination of budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting beta2-agonist). It is used for the regular treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Uses & Indications

Regular treatment of asthma where a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist is appropriate

Symptomatic treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients who have a history of repeated exacerbations and significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator therapy

Dosage

Adults

Asthma: 1-2 inhalations twice daily. COPD: 2 inhalations twice daily. Always follow physician's instructions.

Elderly

No special dosage adjustment required, but caution is advised in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Renal_impairment

No data available on use in patients with renal impairment. Use with caution.

How to Take

For inhalation use only. Inhale the powder from the Easyhaler device as directed. Rinse mouth with water after each dose to prevent oral candidiasis.

Mechanism of Action

Budesonide is a potent glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory activity, reducing inflammation in the airways. Formoterol is a selective long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that relaxes the smooth muscles in the bronchi, leading to bronchodilation. The combination provides both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Bronchodilation within 1-3 minutes (Formoterol). Anti-inflammatory effects of Budesonide develop over days to weeks.

Excretion

Mainly via urine and feces as metabolites.

Half life

Budesonide: approx. 2-3 hours. Formoterol: approx. 8-10 hours.

Absorption

Both budesonide and formoterol are rapidly absorbed after inhalation. Systemic bioavailability for budesonide is approx. 10%, and for formoterol is approx. 28-49%.

Metabolism

Both are primarily metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4 (budesonide) and CYP2D6/CYP2C (formoterol).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any excipients
Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures

Drug Interactions

Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide)

May potentiate hypokalemia associated with beta2-agonists.

Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir

May increase systemic exposure to budesonide due to CYP3A4 inhibition.

Beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Propranolol)

May reduce the effect of formoterol.

Tricyclic antidepressants, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

May potentiate the cardiac effects of formoterol.

Storage

Store in a dry place, below 25°C. Keep the protective cover on when not in use. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms may include tremor, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. Management is supportive, including cardiac monitoring, correction of electrolyte disturbances, and symptomatic treatment. Discontinuation of the drug may be necessary.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Budesonide is generally considered safe. Formoterol has shown reproductive toxicity in animal studies at high doses. Breastfeeding mothers should consider the benefit-risk ratio. Consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

60 doses Easyhaler120 doses Easyhaler

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing, or 6 months after first opening.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Patents expired for generic combinations, specific device patents may exist.

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials support the efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol in asthma and COPD, demonstrating improved lung function, reduced exacerbations, and symptom control.

Lab Monitoring

Monitor for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., adrenal suppression) with long-term high-dose use
Potassium levels (in predisposed patients due to risk of hypokalemia)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize proper inhaler technique to patients.
Monitor for signs of oral thrush; advise rinsing mouth after use.
Regularly assess patient's asthma/COPD control and adjust therapy as needed.

Patient Guidelines

Always rinse your mouth with water after each dose to prevent oral candidiasis.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.
This inhaler is for maintenance treatment, not for acute asthma attacks.
Shake the inhaler before use as per instructions.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose.

Driving Precautions

Generally, it does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if side effects like dizziness or tremor occur, caution is advised.

Lifestyle Advice

Avoid known triggers for asthma or COPD exacerbations (e.g., smoke, allergens).
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Attend regular check-ups with your doctor.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

Symbicort (AstraZeneca Bangladesh)Foracort (Cipla, Bangladesh)Fomista (Square Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh)

Global Brand Names

International brand names for this medicine

Fobumix Easyhaler (various EU countries)Kardif Easyhaler (various EU countries)Symbicort (AstraZeneca, various countries)Foster (Chiesi, various countries)