AirDuo Digihaler vs Respiclick, what’s the difference?

Overview

AirDuo Digihaler and AirDuo Respiclick both come as breath-activated, dry powder inhalers, but the Digihaler has a built-in electronic module that captures your inhaler usage information on a smartphone app. This data can be shared with your healthcare provider if you choose. AirDuo Respiclick does not have built-in sensors or the ability to share data.

Connection to the app is not required to be able to use the Digihaler. To share data, the electronic module must be registered before use.

AirDuo Respiclick (fluticasone and salmeterol) is available as an authorized generic that might help you save money if you are paying cash. An authorized generic is the exact same drug as the brand name product.

Both products are manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and have the same approved uses for asthma, doses, and strengths.

How are AirDuo Digihaler and AirDuo Respiclick similar?

Both AirDuo Digihaler and AirDuo Respiclick have the same uses, doses and strengths. They are both approved to treat asthma in patients 12 years of age and older.

• AirDuo Digihaler and Respiclick are multi-dose, breath-activated dry powder inhalers. “Breath-activated” means the medicine is only released when you inhale and it goes directly into your lungs.
• The inhalers make a “click” sound when you open the cover and automatically load your dose. The medicine is not delivered to your lungs until you breathe it in.
• The recommended dose is 1 inhalation twice daily. Each inhaler contains 60 doses (inhalations).
• Always follow your doctor’s specific directions for dosing. Do not increase your dose or take extra doses of any AirDuo product without first talking to your healthcare provider.

As opposed to an aerosol spray, dry powder inhalers eliminate the need for hand-breath coordination during inhalation. This means you don’t have to coordinate pressing and inhaling your dose at the same time.

With the AirDuo Digihaler and Respiclick, you do not need to prime the inhaler, wash it, shake it before use, or use a spacer. Dry powder inhalers do not work with a spacer because it is not an aerosol. Keep the Digihaler and Respiclick inhalers dry at all times.

Both inhalers have a dose counter to let you know when it’s time to refill your prescription. Each inhaler provides 60 inhalations (doses).

AirDuo Digihaler and Respiclick inhalation powder both provide 55 mcg / 14 mcg, 113 mcg / 14 mcg, or 232 mcg / 14 mcg of fluticasone / salmeterol in each dose. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid and salmeterol is long-acting beta agonist (LABA).

The effectiveness of the AirDuo Digihaler was based primarily on the clinical trials for the AirDuo RespiClick, which was approved by the FDA before the AirDuo Digihaler. These products are only for patients not controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose lung disease severity requires an ICS / long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA).

AirDuo Digihaler and AirDuo Respiclick are not used for the quick relief of sudden breathing emergencies (acute bronchospasm). LABA monotherapy (used alone without an ICS) in asthma increases the risk of serious side effects.

Airduo Digihaler vs Respiclick: how do side effects compare?

Both AirDuo Digihaler and Respiclick have the same common side effects, which include:

• nasopharyngitis
• oral candidiasis (oral thrush, a fungal infection)
• headache
• cough
• back pain

Learn More: Side Effects of AirDuo Respiclick (in more detail)

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How can I share my AirDuo Digihaler data with my doctor?

AirDuo Digihaler contains a built-in electronic module that will allow you to record, store and send inhaler usage data to a companion mobile app using Bluetooth wireless technology. You can share this data with your healthcare provider if you choose.

AirDuo Digihaler can provide you with information about how often you use the inhaler and how well you inhale by measuring the strength of your inhalations. You can review and share this data with your doctor over time. This can help you and your doctor better manage your asthma or COPD treatment plan.

The electronic module is located at the top of the inhaler. The AirDuo Digihaler contains a lithium / manganese dioxide battery and it should be thrown away only in accordance with state and local regulations. AirDuo Respliclick does not have a battery or the capability to capture usage data from the inhaler.

You can download the AirDuo Digihaler app and register your account from your mobile phone. Registration is required to be able to share data. If you need assistance, you can call the TEVA activation registration number at 1-888-603-0788.

Learn more: How do you use the AirDuo Digihaler?

What is the generic for AirDuo RespiClick?

AirDuo Respiclick (fluticasone and salmeterol) is available as an authorized generic from your pharmacy that might help you save money.

• AirDuo Respiclick dry powder inhaler (brand name) runs about $413 if you pay cash for one inhaler. Prices can vary based on your pharmacy, location and any coupons you may have.
• The authorized generic (fluticasone / salmeterol) for the AirDuo Respiclick dry powder inhaler averages about $100 to $165 for one inhaler. Your insurance may prefer the authorized generic over the brand product.
• AirDuo Digihaler dry powder inhaler (the brand name) is about $450 to $500 for one inhaler. Prices can also vary. There is no generic option for the Digihaler at this time. Call your insurance to see if the Digihaler is covered.

The Drugs.com Discount cards for these products can be found and printed here.

If you are paying cash for your prescription, the cost of AirDuo Digihaler is usually more expensive than the cost of AirDuo Respiclick, most likely due to the built-in smart technology.

Your insurance may also cover the cost of your prescription (minus any copays), or the manufacturer may offer medicine discounts, copay cards or other cost savings. Check with your insurance company or pharmacist.

This is not all the information you need to know about AirDuo Digihaler or AirDuo Respiclick for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.