Dulera
It is the brand name of a combination of mometasone (a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the human body that cause inflammation) and formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing). It is used as a maintenance treatment for asthma in children who are at least 12 years old and adults.
This drug is part of a group of medications called corticosteroids, potent group III. It was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010. It is produced by Merck and Co., Inc., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
Uses
It is typically used to treat asthma and improve lung function. Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways – the tubes which transport air into and out of the lungs. Some individuals with this condition may go for extended periods without having any signs and symptoms, however, they experience periods of asthma attacks. The most common signs of asthma include:
- shortness of breath;
- coughing, particularly during physical exercise, at night, or when laughing;
- wheezing, a squeaky sound in the chest when breathing, particularly when exhaling;
- chest tightness;
- difficulty breathing.
There are a few factors that may trigger an asthma attack, like:
- medications – colored/dyed pills;
- allergens, like – pollen, pet dander, pollution, tobacco smoke, ingested allergens, dairy products, food additives, eggs, or cigarette smoke;
- yeasts;
- physical exercise;
- emotional stress;
- cold air;
- time of day – it is typically worse at night;
- molds;
- temperature changes;
- humidity;
- hormonal changes;
- cold symptoms, like – an upper respiratory tract infection.
In a study that lasted 6 months, study participants experienced:
- reduced number of nights waking up to use an inhaler;
- reduced use of a rescue inhaler to treat the symptoms;
- considerable improvement in lung function.
Note – this drug is not for use in treating an asthma attack. However, if you experience an asthma attack, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.
Dosage
The usual recommended daily dose is 2 inhalations two times per day. More importantly, to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection in the throat and mouth, rinse your mouth with clean water after taking a dose of this medicine.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- a deepened voice;
- headaches;
- skin rash, itching;
- muscle cramps;
- a sore throat;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- anxiety;
- stuffy nose;
- a cough;
- dry mouth;
- back pain;
- dizziness;
- changes in menstrual periods;
- sinus pain;
- stuffy nose.
Rare side effects may include:
- seeing halos around lights;
- white patches in the throat and mouth;
- urinating more than usual;
- breathing problems after using this drug;
- worsening asthma symptoms;
- increased hunger;
- increased thirst;
- seizure;
- restless feeling;
- tremors;
- eye pain;
- blurred vision;
- fast or pounding heartbeats;
- confusion;
- chest pain;
- muscle weakness;
- leg discomfort;
- uneven heart rate;
- changes in the shape or location of body fat.
To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- low bone mineral density;
- active infection of any type;
- glaucoma or cataracts;
- high blood pressure;
- a seizure disorder;
- heart disease;
- kidney disease;
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- a thyroid disorder;
- tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma);
- liver disease;
- a history of an aneurysm;
- if you are breastfeeding a baby;
- if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Advair
It contains a combination of salmeterol (a bronchodilator that works by relaxing muscles in the airways) and fluticasone (a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the human body that cause inflammation).
Uses
It is typically used to prevent asthma attacks (especially when a sufferer’s asthma has not been controlled sufficiently) and to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Dosage
It comes in an inhaler form and is used two times per day, about 12 hours apart (in the morning and evening).
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- vomiting;
- headaches;
- throat irritation;
- back pain;
- nausea;
- bone pain;
- white patches in the throat and mouth;
- muscle pain;
- hoarseness;
- an ongoing cough;
- a sore throat;
- sneezing;
- a stuffy nose.
Rare side effects may include:
- nosebleed;
- choking;
- a cough with green or yellow mucus;
- tremors;
- pounding in the neck or ears;
- restless feeling;
- blurred vision;
- fast or uneven heartbeats;
- severe headaches;
- chest pain;
- increased urination;
- skin sores;
- mouth sores;
- confusion;
- fever;
- dry mouth;
- swollen glands;
- chills;
- dry skin;
- leg discomfort;
- drowsiness;
- fruity breath odor;
- seeing halos around lights;
- increase hunger or thirst;
- tunnel vision;
- slow wound healing;
- weight gain;
- diarrhea;
- loss of appetite;
- muscle weakness.
To make sure this drug is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- a seizure disorder;
- a drug allergy;
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- a weak immune system;
- any type of infection;
- tuberculosis;
- high blood pressure;
- heart disease;
- liver disease;
- a thyroid disorder;
- osteoporosis;
- glaucoma.
Inhaled corticosteroids are linked to an increased risk of oral candidiasis, hence, always rinse your mouth with water after the use of this medicine.
Dulera vs Advair – Differences
Dulera (active ingredients – formoterol and mometasone) is an inhaled medicine that is typically used to control and prevent asthma symptoms, like – wheezing, in people 12 years and older.
Advair (active ingredients – salmeterol and fluticasone) is approved to prevent airway spasms due to asthma as well as to treat these spasms in individuals with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The two active ingredients are part of a group of drugs called bronchodilators. These drugs relax the muscles in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs.
Natural Remedies for Asthma Treatment
#1 Quit Smoking
Smoking tobacco makes asthma symptoms worse, plus, it triggers asthma attacks more frequently. Also, you should avoid second-hand smoking.
#2 Physical Exercise
Excessive physical activity is a common asthma trigger. Symptoms typically start in the first five minutes of physical exercise and then subside about half an hour later.
#3 Omega 3
Essential fatty acids, like omega-3, reduce inflammation and alleviate attacks. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids include – flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, broccoli, red kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, almonds, hazelnuts, and chickpeas.
#4 Onion & Garlic
They are high in a potent anti-inflammatory compound called quercetin which helps relieve allergies.
#5 Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
They are quite useful for asthma patients due to their high antioxidant content.
Image source – @Getty & Shutterstock
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References https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/022518s002s004lbl.pdf https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-s-advair-diskus-achieves-primary