AirDuo Respiclick is a new combination maintenance inhaler that will be available soon. AirDuo Respiclick was recently FDA approved and it is indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients 12 years and older. The ingredients in AirDuo Respiclick are the same as Advair, but in slightly different dosages. The ingredients are; fluticasone propionate inhalation powder and salmeterol inhalation powder. These medications will be delivered by a breath-activated mechanism which is used in other products manufactured by Teva (ProAir Respiclick.)
In addition to AirDuo Respiclick, Teva will also be launching, ArmonAir Respiclick. ArmonAir Respiclick contains the same active ingredient as Flovent. A stand alone inhaled corticosteroid is usually used when asthma is less severe and you don’t have to use a combination product.
The approved strengths of AirDuo Respiclick are; 55/14 mcg, 113/14 mcg and 232/14 mcg. It will be administered as 1 inhalation twice a day. The approved strengths of Armon Air Respiclick are: 55 mcg, 113 mcg and 232 mcg.
The first combination inhaled corticosteroid that came out was Advair. It was followed later by Dulera, Symbicort and Breo. There is no data showing one combination inhaler better than another. Most doctors use them interchangeably.
Not only will Teva will be launching AirDuo Respiclick as a branded product, but at the same time it will be launching a generic version of it as well, which likely will cost significantly less, making it more affordable for patients who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover a branded inhaled corticosteroid product. AirDuo Respiclick’s generic version will cost 69-81% less than Advair. Price estimates for AirDuo Respiclick are approximately $90-$100. Most branded combo asthma products are between $200-$300. Currently there are no generic asthma medications available, either inhaled steroids or combination medications. AirDuo Respiclick and Armon Respiclick will most likely be favored by insurance providers. If it is a Tier 1 medication, most asthmatic patients will use that first before trying another branded medication because of the reduced cost. If a patient wants to use another branded product, he/she may be required to use a generic product first like AirDuo Respiclick.
Advair is set to become generic in the near future, Generic Advair Availability is Delayed, so there may be 2 generic asthma combination products, which will help patients afford these medications.
Teva expects the sales from the authorized generic version to represent the bulk of sales from the two products. This will be the first available generic ICS/LABA product in the United States.
Always speak to your asthma doctor to see which medication is right for you.