Medications

4) Relievers – long acting (LABA)

These Long Acting Beta Agonist (LABA) relievers work in a similar way to the short acting bronchodilators but as the name suggest, their effect lasts for longer, between 12 – 24 hours. depending on drug.

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Medicine name Device How its taken Side effects
Salmeterol (Serevent®) Metered dose inhaler, Accuhaler Reliever – taken regularly twice a day. All medicines have side-effects

  • The most common side effects are muscle cramps, headaches, feeling shaky and palpitations.
  • Other possible side effects include rash, fast heart beat and nervousness.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.
Formoterol (Oxis®) Turbohaler, Easyhaler Reliever – taken regularly twice a day. All medicines have side-effects

  • The most common side effects are headaches and palpitations.
  • Other possible side effects include agitation, disturbed sleep, fast heart beat and cramps.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.
Indacaterol (Onbrez®) Breezhaler Reliever – taken regularly once a day. All medicines have side-effects

  • The most common side effect is cold-like symptoms.
  • Other possible side effects include inflammation of the sinuses, dizziness, palpitations, chest pain and headache.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.
Olodaterol (Striverdi®) Respimat Reliever – taken regularly once a day. All medicines have side-effects

  • Possible side effects include rash, swelling of the mouth and face and difficulties breathing.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.

Please note:

These are the most commonly used inhalers at the time of publication of this website. If you do not see your inhaler you can speak to your GP or pharmacist or check the patient information leaflet for your inhaler and medication.