Understanding COPD and the Role of Maintenance Inhalers
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, making it difficult to breathe. In the United States, it affects millions of adults and is a leading cause of death. The disease causes airway inflammation and narrowing, which obstructs airflow.
While there is no cure for COPD, its symptoms can be managed with long-term treatment. This is where maintenance inhalers play a vital role. Unlike rescue inhalers used for sudden symptoms, maintenance inhalers are used every day to control and prevent symptoms over the long term. Bevespi Aerosphere is one such maintenance treatment prescribed for adults with COPD.
What is a Bevespi Inhaler and How Does It Work?
Bevespi Aerosphere is a brand-name prescription drug delivered via a metered-dose inhaler. It is approved for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in adults with COPD. It is important to note that Bevespi Aerosphere is not a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems and it is not approved for the treatment of asthma.
Its effectiveness comes from a combination of two active ingredients that work in different ways to help relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Glycopyrrolate: This is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It works by inhibiting M3 receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways, which leads to bronchodilation (the widening of air passages).
- Formoterol Fumarate: This is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It works by stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors, which also helps the airway muscles to relax and open up.
By combining these two medicines, Bevespi Aerosphere provides a dual-action approach to keep airways open throughout the day when used as prescribed. Each dose contains a specific amount of glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate.
How to Use the Bevespi Aerosphere Inhaler
Proper use of the inhaler is essential for the medication to be effective. Always follow the specific instructions from your healthcare provider. Here are the general steps:
- Prime the inhaler: Before the first use, you must prime the inhaler. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the number of sprays needed. Re-priming is necessary if not used for a specific duration or after cleaning.
- Prepare for your dose: Remove the cap and shake the inhaler well for the recommended time.
- Breathe out: Breathe out as fully as you comfortably can.
- Inhale the medication: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, close your lips around it, and tilt your head back slightly. As you begin to breathe in slowly and deeply, press down firmly on the center of the dose canister.
- Hold your breath: After inhaling, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for the recommended duration, or as long as is comfortable.
- Repeat: Repeat these steps for the subsequent dose as prescribed by your doctor.
- Clean your inhaler: The inhaler should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent medication buildup. This typically involves rinsing parts of the inhaler and allowing them to air-dry completely.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Information
Like all medications, Bevespi Aerosphere can cause side effects. The most common ones reported in clinical trials include cough and urinary tract infections.
Serious side effects can also occur. Patients should seek immediate medical care if they experience:
- Sudden breathing problems right after using the inhaler (paradoxical bronchospasm).
- Serious allergic reactions, including rash, hives, or swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue.
- Heart problems like a fast or irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure.
- New or worsened eye problems, such as narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Urinary retention.
It is crucial to tell your healthcare provider about all your health conditions, especially heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, glaucoma, or urinary retention. You should not use Bevespi Aerosphere if you are allergic to glycopyrrolate, formoterol fumarate, or any of the ingredients.
Bevespi Aerosphere vs. Other COPD Inhalers
Several inhalers are available for COPD management. Here is a comparison of Bevespi Aerosphere with other common treatments:
| Feature | Bevespi Aerosphere | Anoro Ellipta | Symbicort | Trelegy Ellipta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Glycopyrrolate (LAMA) & Formoterol (LABA) | Umeclidinium (LAMA) & Vilanterol (LABA) | Budesonide (Corticosteroid) & Formoterol (LABA) | Fluticasone (Corticosteroid), Umeclidinium (LAMA), & Vilanterol (LABA) |
| Drug Class | LAMA/LABA Combination | LAMA/LABA Combination | Corticosteroid/LABA Combination | Triple Therapy (ICS/LAMA/LABA) |
| Primary Use | COPD Maintenance | COPD Maintenance | COPD & Asthma Maintenance | COPD & Asthma Maintenance |
| Inhaler Type | Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) | Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) | Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) | Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) |
Conclusion
Bevespi Aerosphere is a dual-bronchodilator maintenance medication used to manage symptoms of COPD in adults. By combining a LAMA and a LABA, it helps keep airways open for better breathing. It is an effective long-term treatment option when taken consistently as prescribed. However, it is not intended for acute symptom relief or for treating asthma. As with any prescription medication, patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider to determine if Bevespi Aerosphere is the right choice for their COPD management plan.
For detailed instructions and safety information, you can refer to the official FDA drug label.
