Dulera is a metered dose inhaler approved for treating asthma in individuals over 12 years old. It is not a quick relief medication and therefore it is not recommended if you are having an asthma attack.

The Formulation of Dulera

Dulera is a combination inhaler with two medications, namely Formoterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) and Mometasone furoate which is an inhaled corticosteroid/steroid.

Steroids

Steroids or corticosteroids are effective in the long-term management of asthma. They take between 1 to 3 weeks to reduce the swelling of the airways. They need to be taken daily.

Steroids work in asthma patients by controlling asthma and also preventing asthma attacks. They prevent asthma patients from reacting to asthma triggers by reducing swelling, inflammation and mucus production in the airways. Dulera has an inhaled steroid .

Beta Agonists

On the other hand, are used to relax tightened muscles of the airways, consequently widening the airways and resulting in easier breathing. They, therefore, reduce symptoms associated with asthma-like wheezing, a tight chest, coughing and shortness of breath.

There are two types of beta-agonists, namely short-acting, and long-acting agonists. Short-acting agonists are used for the quick relief of asthma symptoms. While long-acting beta-agonists work as an asthma prevention strategy and need to be taken on a daily basis, Dulera has a LABA to make the airways less sensitive.

How to Use Dulera

If you or your loved one has never used Dulera before, then your caregiver should show you how to effectively use the inhaler. The recommended dose is usually two puffs per day, one taken in the morning and one in the evening. The inhaler has to be primed if being used for the first time or if it stays for more than five days without being used. You prime it by shaking it well and releasing one puff into the air but away from you. You again shake the Dulera and puff it into the air three more times. Please never take two doses of dulera even if you missed an earlier dose.

Dulera comes in a metal canister and a separate plastic inhaler, the two should never be separated. At no time should you use the plastic inhaler for other medications and also do not use other inhalers with the Dulera metal canister. The canister and inhaler should be disposed of off when the meter reads 0 because the medication is used up.

Prescription Assistance Programs

Dulera is a medication that needs to be taken on a daily basis, and therefore the cost may be prohibitive if you are uninsured. The good thing is that there are various prescription assistance programs available online that can help with Dulera cost by paying for your prescription and helping you get free Dulera. You can also get a 90% discount on Dulera by using Dulera coupons also available online.

Why You Need Dulera

If you are an asthma sufferer, Dulera will help you to live as normal a life as possible by dealing with symptoms of asthma and asthma triggers. However, it is a long-acting medication. During an asthma attack, do not use Dulera because it works slowly, but use a rescue inhaler recommended by your physician instead.