COPD TREATMENTS

Rescue inhaler vs maintenance treatment

It's common for people with COPD to take a daily medication (also called a maintenance treatment) to reduce their symptoms. People with COPD also have a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. Both types of medicines work differently. And both are used to manage COPD symptoms.

RESCUE INHALER

What is it used for?

It's used for sudden breathing problems, and it's also called a "quick relief" inhaler.

How does it work?

Works to relax airway muscles within minutes—can last for about 4 to 6 hours.

How often is it used?

Only as needed—should be close by at all times.

DAILY MAINTENANCE TREATMENT

What is it used for?

Taken routinely, it helps prevent symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

How does it work?  

Contains long-acting COPD medicines that are taken daily to help prevent symptoms from occurring.

How often is it used?

Taken routinely each day, even if you feel better.

WHEN IS A RESCUE INHALER NOT ENOUGH?

If your COPD symptoms are getting in the way of your daily activities, it may be time to ask your doctor about a daily maintenance treatment.

Once daily maintenance treatment icon

READY FOR A DAILY MAINTENANCE TREATMENT?

Once-daily ANORO contains two medicines to provide lasting relief.

Learn how ANORO works

Is a daily maintenance treatment right for you?

Since COPD is progressive, your symptoms may change over time. The treatment your doctor prescribes can change over time too. Your doctor may add a daily maintenance treatment—like ANORO—to your rescue inhaler. Daily maintenance treatments are used long term to help you breathe better throughout the day.

Most common types of daily maintenance treatment:

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Monotherapy (LAMA)

1 medicine (also called a bronchodilator) in 1 inhaler

Dual therapy icon

Dual therapy (LAMA/LABA or an ICS/LABA)

2 medicines given in 1 inhaler or multiple inhalers

  • May be 2 bronchodilators or a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory medication
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Triple therapy (LAMA/LABA/ICS)

3 medicines contained in 1 or 2 inhalers

  • 2 bronchodilators combined with an anti-inflammatory medication

EACH MEDICINE WORKS DIFFERENTLY

  • LABA (long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist) is a bronchodilator that opens airways by relaxing muscles around the airways in your lungs and by dilating the smooth muscle in the airways.
  • LAMA (long-acting muscarinic antagonist) is another bronchodilator that keeps airways open by blocking the tightening of the smooth muscle around your airways.
  • ICS (inhaled corticosteroid) is an anti-inflammatory that helps reduce inflammation and swelling in your lungs.

Why it's important to stay on treatment

By staying on treatment and making it part of your routine—you're doing your best to manage your COPD symptoms and help keep them from getting in the way of your daily activities.

Talk to your doctor about ANORO, blue icon

CONNECT WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Only you and your doctor can decide which treatment is right for you.

Start the conversation