Vannair 200/6 160mcg/4.5mcg

Vannair general information

What is Vannair used for?

Vannair Inhaler 200/6 is a combination medication used for treating obstructive airways disease, such as asthma, a reversible obstructive airway disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an irreversible obstructive airways disease.  This combination therapy is used for long-term asthma management in those already using an inhaled “preventer” asthma medication (corticosteroid) to treat asthma as well as a “reliever” medication (short-acting bronchodilator) when needed, but who are not adequately controlled as they are still having symptoms.  However, it is not suitable for management of severe asthma.  Vannair Inhaler is also used for asthma management in those who are already adequately controlled by using both components of the combination (corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator) as separate medications.  Vannair Inhaler 200/6 is also used for maintenance therapy of moderate to severe COPD for those who are using a bronchodilator but are still having symptoms.  

How does Vannair work?

Vannair Inhaler 200/6 contains a combination of two medications that work by different mechanisms of action to control obstructive airways disease in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Budesonide is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma, by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as an allergens or irritants in the air.  This reduces inflammation and swelling of the airways, as well as excess mucus production, which can cause blockage of the airways.  Eformoterol is a rapid and long-acting beta₂-agonist and bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles of the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) to widen the airways.  This reduces bronchospasm (constriction or the airways) relieving symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath and provides relief for up to 12 hours.  The combination of medications in Vannair Inhaler 200/6 has an additive effect as they work together to provide better control of asthma; also to prevent exacerbations of asthma or COPD and improve lung function. 

What does Vannair contain?

Vannair Inhaler 200/6 contains a combination of the active ingredients budesonide (200mcg) and eformoterol fumarate dehydrate (6mcg) in a metered dosed inhaler.  It also contains the CFC-free propellant apaflurane (HFA 227), which delivers budesonide and eformoterol together as an aerosol into your lungs with each actuation and provides 120 actuations of budesonide/eformoterol 160/4.5 mcg (delivered dose).  Each inhaler also contains povidone K25 and macrogol (polyethylene glycol) 1000.  

Treating asthma with Vannair

Vannair Inhaler 200/6 contains a combination of two medications budesonide and eformoterol that are used together for long-term asthma management therapy as well as a “reliever” for asthma attack as part of an asthma management plan.  Budesonide is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma, by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as an allergens or irritants in the air.  This reduces inflammation and swelling of the airways, as well as excess mucus production, which can cause blockage of the airways.  Eformoterol is a rapid and long-acting beta₂-agonist and bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles of the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) to widen the airways.  This reduces bronchospasm (constriction or the airways) relieving symptoms of asthma such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath and provides relief for up to 12 hours.  The combination of medications in Vannair Inhaler 200/6 has an additive effect as they work together to provide better control of asthma to protect against symptoms, including tightness of the chest, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.

Vannair for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Vannair Inhaler 200/6 contains a combination of two medications, budesonide and eformoterol that are used together for long-term maintenance therapy of moderate to severe obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for those are using a bronchodilator but are still having frequent symptoms and a history of exacerbations.  COPD is a chronic irreversible disease of the airways and includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterised by inflammation of the airways and increased mucus production which cause symptoms like cough with phlegm production and breathlessness.  Budesonide is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that reduces inflammation and swelling of the airways, as well as excess mucus production, which can cause blockage of the airways.  Eformoterol is a rapid and long-acting beta₂-agonist and bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles of the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) to widen the airways.  This reduces bronchospasm (constriction or the airways) making breathing easier and provides relief for up to 12 hours.  The combination of medications in Vannair Inhaler 200/6 has an additive effect as they work together to provide better relief from symptoms, increased airflow, reduced exacerbations and improved quality of life. 

What are the side effects of Vannair?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Vannair Inhaler 200/6 include a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation, headache, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling), palpitations.  

What are the health risks of Vannair?

Long term use of Vannair Inhaler 200/6 may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Vannair Inhaler 200/6 may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

What is paradoxical bronchospasm?

All inhaled asthma medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve or prevent bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you should inform your doctor and take their advice.

When should Vannair not be used?

You should not use Vannair Inhaler 200/6 if you:

• are allergic to budesonide or eformoterol or any ingredients in Vannair
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, ischaemic heart disease or tachyarrythmias (rapid heartbeat)
• have diabetes, thyroid problems or problems with your potassium levels, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Vannair including other beta-adrenergic stimulants or sympathomimetic amines such as ephedrine; the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole; beta blockers, including eye drops for glaucoma, the antiarrhythmics quinidine, disopyramide and procainamide; phenothiazines in antipsychotics, the antihistamine terfenadine; monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, L-Dopa for Parkinson’s disease, L-thyroxine for thyroid disease, oxytocin to induce labour, alcohol, xanthines found in stimulants, mineralocorticosteroids for Addisons disease, diuretics for water retention

What medications interact with Vannair?

Several medications interact with Vannair Inhaler 200/6 and should either not be taken while you are taking Vannair or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Vannair: other beta-adrenergic stimulants or sympathomimetic amines such as ephedrine, the antiarrhythmics quinidine, disopyramide and procainamide, phenothiazines in antipsychotics, the antihistamine terfenadine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants; L-Dopa for Parkinson’s disease, L-thyroxine for thyroid disease, oxytocin to induce labour, alcohol, xanthines found in stimulants, mineralocorticosteroids for Addisons disease, diuretics for water retention
• Drugs that affect Vannair: beta blockers (including eye drops
• Drugs that are affected by Vannair: the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole

How should Vannair be taken?

The number of actuation (puffs) you take of your Vannair Inhaler 200/6 depends on what you are being treated for and the severity of your condition and should be as recommended by your doctor, which is usually one inhalation morning or evening or two inhalations twice daily morning and evening.  You should continue to use your Vannair Inhaler 200/6 daily for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Vannair Inhaler 200/6, even if you feel better. 

How to use your Vannair inhaler

Follow the instruction provided with your Vannair inhaler.  

1. Shake the inhaler vigorously for at least 10 seconds before use.
2. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
3. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth
4. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of budesonide and eformoterol while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full and hold your breath for a few seconds.
5. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally.
6. Replace the mouthpiece cover.

Note: You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly.

How long should you take Vannair?

You should continue to use your Vannair Inhaler 200/6 daily for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Vannair Inhaler 200/6, even if you feel better. 

Missed dose of Vannair

If you miss a dose of Vannair Inhaler 200/6 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Vannair be stored?

You should store your Vannair Inhaler 200/6 below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from sunlight.