Breyna is a prescription inhaler that contains two medicines: budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps reduce airway inflammation. Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist, often called a LABA, that helps relax muscles around the airways.
Breyna is used as a maintenance treatment for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also called COPD, in certain patients. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden breathing problems. Always use your quick-relief inhaler for sudden symptoms if your healthcare provider has prescribed one.
What is Breyna?
Breyna is an inhalation aerosol that combines budesonide and formoterol in a metered-dose inhaler. It is the first FDA-approved generic version of Symbicort, a brand-name budesonide and formoterol inhaler.
Breyna comes in two strengths:
- Breyna 80/4.5 mcg, containing budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg per actuation.
- Breyna 160/4.5 mcg, containing budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg per actuation.
The right strength depends on the condition being treated, age, symptom control, previous treatment and your healthcare provider’s instructions.
What is Breyna used for?
Breyna may be prescribed for long-term control of breathing symptoms in certain people with asthma or COPD. It is used to help prevent symptoms, improve breathing and reduce the need for frequent rescue inhaler use when taken as directed.
Breyna may be used for:
- Asthma maintenance treatment in appropriate patients.
- COPD maintenance treatment, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, in appropriate patients.
- Reducing airway inflammation through the corticosteroid component.
- Helping keep airways open through the long-acting bronchodilator component.
Breyna does not treat an asthma attack or sudden COPD breathing flare once it has started. For sudden wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, use the rescue medicine your healthcare provider prescribed and seek urgent care if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
How does Breyna work?
Breyna works through two active ingredients that act in different ways.
| Ingredient | Drug type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Budesonide | Inhaled corticosteroid | Helps reduce inflammation and swelling inside the airways. |
| Formoterol | Long-acting beta2-agonist, or LABA | Helps relax airway muscles so breathing may become easier over time. |
Because Breyna contains a LABA, it should be used exactly as prescribed. Do not use extra doses or combine it with another LABA-containing medicine unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you.
Is Breyna a rescue inhaler?
No. Breyna is not a rescue inhaler. It should not be used for sudden breathing problems, acute bronchospasm or an asthma attack that is already happening.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a separate quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, for sudden symptoms. If your rescue inhaler is not helping, your breathing gets worse quickly or you need emergency help, seek urgent medical care.
Breyna 160/4.5 dosage basics
The dose depends on why Breyna is prescribed. Official labeling commonly describes Breyna as being used as two inhalations twice daily, usually in the morning and evening, about 12 hours apart. However, the correct strength and schedule must come from your prescription label and healthcare provider.
| Condition | Common prescribed pattern | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma | Often two inhalations twice daily, with strength depending on age and severity. | Not for sudden asthma attacks. Use a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms if prescribed. |
| COPD | Breyna 160/4.5 is commonly used as two inhalations twice daily. | For maintenance treatment, not immediate relief of sudden breathing problems. |
Do not change your dose, take extra inhalations or stop Breyna suddenly without speaking with your healthcare provider.
How to use Breyna correctly
Your pharmacist, doctor or respiratory therapist should show you how to use Breyna. Inhaler technique matters because poor technique can reduce the amount of medicine reaching your lungs.
General steps may include:
- Read the patient instructions that come with your inhaler.
- Prime the inhaler before first use or if it has not been used for the period described in the instructions.
- Shake the inhaler well before each use.
- Breathe out fully before placing the mouthpiece in your mouth.
- Press down on the canister while breathing in slowly and deeply.
- Hold your breath briefly if you can, then breathe out slowly.
- Wait as instructed before the second inhalation if your dose includes two puffs.
- Rinse your mouth with water after use and spit it out.
Rinsing your mouth after Breyna helps reduce the risk of oral thrush, a fungal infection that can happen with inhaled corticosteroids.
Why should you rinse your mouth after Breyna?
Breyna contains budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid. Small amounts of medicine can remain in the mouth and throat after inhalation. Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out can help lower the risk of oral candidiasis, also called thrush.
Signs of thrush may include white patches in the mouth, mouth soreness, changes in taste, redness or discomfort when swallowing. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.
Common side effects of Breyna
Side effects can vary depending on whether Breyna is used for asthma or COPD, the dose, other medicines and individual health factors.
Possible side effects may include:
- Headache.
- Throat irritation or sore throat.
- Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- Sinus symptoms.
- Cough.
- Nausea or stomach discomfort.
- Back pain.
- Vomiting.
- Oral thrush.
- Tremor or nervousness.
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations.
Tell your healthcare provider if side effects are severe, persistent or interfere with daily life.
Serious side effects and warning signs
Some side effects need urgent medical attention. Seek medical help right away if you notice:
- Worsening breathing immediately after using the inhaler.
- Chest pain.
- Fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat.
- Severe dizziness or fainting.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Hives or severe rash.
- High fever, chills or signs of serious infection.
- Severe weakness, vomiting or symptoms that may suggest adrenal problems.
- Vision changes, eye pain or halos around lights.
- Signs of high blood sugar, such as extreme thirst or frequent urination.
Breyna can rarely cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means breathing becomes worse right after using the inhaler. This can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention.
Who should not use Breyna?
Breyna may not be appropriate for everyone. Do not use it if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol or any ingredient in the inhaler.
Tell your healthcare provider before using Breyna if you have or have ever had:
- Heart disease or abnormal heart rhythm.
- High blood pressure.
- Seizures.
- Thyroid problems.
- Diabetes.
- Liver problems.
- Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.
- Glaucoma, cataracts or increased eye pressure.
- Immune system problems.
- Tuberculosis or untreated infections.
- Exposure to chickenpox or measles without immunity.
Your provider may need to monitor you more closely or choose another treatment.
Breyna and asthma safety
Breyna contains formoterol, a LABA. LABA medicines should not be used alone for asthma without an inhaled corticosteroid. Breyna combines formoterol with budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid.
Even so, Breyna should be used only as prescribed. If asthma symptoms are getting worse, if you are using your rescue inhaler more often or if Breyna does not seem to control symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Breyna and COPD safety
For COPD, Breyna may help improve breathing and reduce symptoms as part of a maintenance treatment plan. It does not replace rescue medicine for sudden breathing problems.
People with COPD may be at increased risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia when using inhaled corticosteroids. Contact a healthcare professional if you develop fever, increased mucus, change in mucus color, worsening cough or worsening shortness of breath.
Breyna interactions
Breyna can interact with other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products you use.
Important interaction concerns may include:
- Other LABA medicines.
- Beta-blockers.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as certain antifungals or HIV medicines.
- Diuretics that can affect potassium.
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- MAO inhibitors.
- Other medicines that affect heart rhythm.
- Other corticosteroid medicines.
Do not start or stop medicines without asking your healthcare provider if you use Breyna for asthma or COPD.
Can Breyna be used with albuterol?
Many people who use maintenance inhalers also have a rescue inhaler such as albuterol for sudden symptoms. However, your healthcare provider should tell you exactly when and how to use each inhaler.
If you need albuterol more often than usual, wake up at night with symptoms or feel that your breathing is getting worse, contact your healthcare provider. These can be signs that asthma or COPD is not well controlled.
Can you stop Breyna suddenly?
Do not stop Breyna suddenly without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping a maintenance inhaler can make asthma or COPD symptoms worse. If you have side effects or concerns, ask your provider about a safe plan.
If Breyna is not helping, your symptoms are worsening or you are having side effects, your treatment plan may need adjustment.
What if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions from your prescription label or ask your pharmacist. Do not take extra inhalations to make up for a missed dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you.
Using too much formoterol-containing medicine can increase the risk of serious side effects such as fast heartbeat, tremor, chest pain, low potassium or abnormal heart rhythm.
How to store Breyna
Store Breyna according to the instructions that come with the inhaler. Keep it away from children and pets. Do not puncture the canister, expose it to high heat or use it after the dose counter shows it is empty.
Check the expiration date and ask your pharmacist how to dispose of an old or empty inhaler safely.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider
If Breyna is prescribed, useful questions include:
- Am I using Breyna for asthma, COPD or another reason?
- Which strength do I have: 80/4.5 or 160/4.5?
- How many inhalations should I take each day?
- Which inhaler should I use for sudden symptoms?
- How often should I need my rescue inhaler?
- Should I use a spacer?
- How do I clean and prime the inhaler?
- What side effects should I report?
- When should I seek emergency care?
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent medical help if you have:
- Severe shortness of breath.
- Breathing that gets worse quickly.
- Symptoms that do not improve after rescue inhaler use.
- Bluish lips or face.
- Chest pain.
- Fainting or severe dizziness.
- Severe allergic reaction symptoms.
- Wheezing or breathing trouble immediately after using Breyna.
Use local emergency services if symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
Quick summary
- Breyna contains budesonide and formoterol.
- It is used for maintenance treatment of asthma or COPD in certain patients.
- It is not a rescue inhaler.
- Breyna 160/4.5 means budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg per actuation.
- Rinse your mouth after use to reduce the risk of thrush.
- Do not use extra doses or combine it with another LABA unless prescribed.
- Seek urgent help for worsening breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reaction or sudden breathing trouble after use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Breyna used for?
Breyna is used as a maintenance inhaler for asthma or COPD in certain patients. It helps control breathing symptoms over time but is not used for sudden breathing attacks.
Is Breyna the same as Symbicort?
Breyna is an FDA-approved generic version of Symbicort. Both contain budesonide and formoterol, but the inhaler device, manufacturer, cost and insurance coverage may differ.
Is Breyna a rescue inhaler?
No. Breyna is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden breathing problems. Use the quick-relief inhaler prescribed by your healthcare provider for sudden symptoms.
What does Breyna 160/4.5 mean?
Breyna 160/4.5 means each actuation delivers budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg. Your healthcare provider will decide whether this strength is appropriate for you.
Why do I need to rinse my mouth after Breyna?
Breyna contains an inhaled corticosteroid. Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after use can help reduce the risk of oral thrush.
Can Breyna make breathing worse?
Rarely, inhaled medicines can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, where breathing gets worse immediately after use. This can be serious. Seek urgent medical help if wheezing or shortness of breath suddenly worsens after using Breyna.
Can I stop Breyna when I feel better?
Do not stop Breyna without talking to your healthcare provider. Asthma or COPD symptoms may worsen if maintenance treatment is stopped suddenly.