What is the other name for Onbrez?: An Overview of the Medication and Its Naming

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

The active ingredient in Onbrez is indacaterol maleate, which has been marketed under different brand names across the globe. Therefore, if you're asking what is the other name for Onbrez, the answer depends on the region, with its most notable alternative being Arcapta Neohaler in the United States.

Quick Summary

Onbrez is a brand name for the long-acting bronchodilator indacaterol, primarily used for COPD maintenance treatment. It was also marketed as Arcapta Neohaler in the U.S., but has since been discontinued in several regions, including the U.S. and Canada, for business reasons.

Key Points

Generic Name is Indacaterol: The active ingredient in Onbrez is indacaterol maleate, which is the official non-proprietary name.
US Brand Name was Arcapta Neohaler: In the United States, indacaterol was previously marketed under the brand name Arcapta Neohaler.
Product Discontinued in Several Markets: Onbrez Breezhaler was discontinued in Canada and Arcapta Neohaler was discontinued in the U.S. for business reasons, though indacaterol is still available in combination inhalers.
Used for Maintenance COPD Treatment: Onbrez is a long-acting bronchodilator specifically for the once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in adult patients with COPD.
Important Distinctions from Other Drugs: It is not a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms and should not be used in patients with asthma.
Works as a Long-Acting Beta-Agonist (LABA): Indacaterol works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs to relax the airway muscles, providing sustained bronchodilation for 24 hours.
Common Side Effects: Reported side effects include nasopharyngitis, headache, and cough, while more serious side effects can include cardiovascular issues.

The Many Names of Indacaterol

Drugs are given a generic (official chemical) name and can also be marketed under various brand names in different countries. Onbrez is a brand name for the active ingredient indacaterol maleate, used primarily in Europe and formerly in Canada. In the United States, indacaterol was known as Arcapta Neohaler. Other brand names for indacaterol in some European countries include Oslif Breezhaler and Hirobriz Breezhaler. Focusing on the active ingredient, indacaterol, helps clarify the different names.

Onbrez: The Active Ingredient and Its Purpose

Indacaterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) used as a maintenance bronchodilator for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier. Indacaterol provides 24-hour bronchodilation and is taken once daily. It is important to note that Onbrez (indacaterol) is for maintenance treatment only and should not be used for sudden breathing problems. A short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) should be used for acute episodes.

Historical Context and Market Availability

Pharmaceutical companies sometimes discontinue products in certain markets due to business decisions. This has affected indacaterol monotherapy products in North America. Arcapta Neohaler was discontinued in the U.S. in March 2020, and Onbrez Breezhaler was discontinued in Canada in July 2022. Indacaterol may still be available under various brand names or in combination inhalers in Europe and other regions. Patients previously using these products have been transitioned to alternative treatments, often combination inhalers.

How Onbrez Works: A Pharmacological Perspective

Indacaterol is a beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It increases levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within cells, leading to relaxation of airway smooth muscles and bronchodilation. As an ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist, its effects last about 24 hours due to its interaction with cell membranes. Indacaterol typically has a rapid onset of action, within 5 minutes.

Comparative Overview of Indacaterol Products

This table outlines the key differences and similarities between two primary brand names for indacaterol monotherapy.


Feature	Onbrez Breezhaler	Arcapta Neohaler
Active Ingredient	Indacaterol maleate	Indacaterol maleate
Primary Market	European Union, formerly Canada	United States
Current Availability	In Europe (as of late 2024), but discontinued in Canada	Discontinued in the U.S. (March 2020)
Dosage Forms	Inhalation powder in hard capsules	Inhalation powder in hard capsules
Device	Breezhaler inhaler device	Neohaler inhaler device
Usage	Maintenance treatment for COPD	Maintenance treatment for COPD

Important Considerations and Contraindications

Indacaterol products are not for everyone. They are contraindicated in patients with asthma because LABA monotherapy can increase the risk of asthma-related death. Common side effects of indacaterol include nasopharyngitis, headache, and cough. Less common but more serious side effects can involve cardiovascular effects and low potassium levels. Paradoxical bronchospasm is a rare but life-threatening side effect. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid interactions, particularly with other beta-agonists, beta-blockers, and certain antidepressants.

Alternatives for Discontinued Medications

For patients whose Arcapta Neohaler or Onbrez Breezhaler was discontinued, alternative treatments are available. These often include newer combination inhalers.

Combination Inhalers: Many treatments combine a LABA like indacaterol with other medications such as long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Examples include Ultibro® Breezhaler (indacaterol/glycopyrronium) and Enerzair® Breezhaler (indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone).
Other LABAs: Other long-acting beta-agonists are also available, often in combination products.
Consultation is Key: Discuss the best alternative with your healthcare provider based on your specific condition.

Conclusion

In summary, the other name for Onbrez is the generic name indacaterol, and in the U.S., it was marketed as Arcapta Neohaler. While these monotherapy products have been discontinued in some markets for business reasons, indacaterol is still used in many combination inhalers for COPD. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate and currently available treatment for their respiratory condition.

Understanding Indacaterol and Its Brand Names

Onbrez is a brand name for the active ingredient indacaterol, the official generic name. Arcapta Neohaler was the U.S. brand name for indacaterol, discontinued in 2020. Both the US (Arcapta) and Canadian (Onbrez Breezhaler) brands are discontinued for business reasons, though indacaterol may be available elsewhere. It is a long-acting bronchodilator for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in adult COPD patients. Indacaterol should not be used in asthma due to increased risk. As a LABA, it relaxes airway smooth muscles for sustained bronchodilation. Discuss alternative options like combination inhalers with your doctor if affected by discontinuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The generic name for Onbrez is indacaterol maleate. It is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Arcapta Neohaler was the brand name for the medication indacaterol in the United States. It was used for the maintenance treatment of COPD but was discontinued in 2020.

Onbrez Breezhaler was discontinued in Canada on July 1, 2022, for business reasons, not due to safety concerns.

There is no difference in the active medication. Onbrez is a brand name, while indacaterol is the generic name for the same active ingredient.

Yes, indacaterol is often available in combination inhalers with other medications, such as long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), to provide more comprehensive treatment for COPD.

No, indacaterol should not be used as a monotherapy for asthma. Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) used alone in asthma can increase the risk of serious adverse events.

You should consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatment options. They will help you find a suitable replacement medication, possibly a combination inhaler, to manage your COPD.