Question 1

What is Wixela Inhub?

Accepted Answer

Wixela Inhub is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that helps decrease swelling and irritation, while salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to improve airflow.

Together, these components work to manage respiratory conditions by addressing both inflammation and airway constriction. This dual-action approach helps maintain open airways over time.

Question 2

What is Wixela Inhub used for?

Accepted Answer

Wixela Inhub is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .

Question 3

How does Wixela Inhub work?

Accepted Answer

Wixela Inhub is a combination medication used to manage chronic lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works through two different mechanisms to help keep the airways clear:

Reducing Inflammation: One component, fluticasone propionate, is a corticosteroid. It works by decreasing swelling and irritation in the airways. This helps prevent the lungs from overreacting to triggers that cause breathing problems.

Opening the Airways: The second component, salmeterol, is a long-acting bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs. This helps the airways stay open for at least 12 hours, making it easier for air to move in and out.

Because this medication is designed to provide long-term control, it must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work immediately and should not be used as a rescue inhaler to treat a sudden asthma attack or breathing emergency.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Wixela Inhub?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Wixela Inhub are Fluticasone propionate and Salmeterol xinafoate .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Wixela Inhub?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Wixela Inhub may include:

throat irritation

hoarseness

upper respiratory infection

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Wixela Inhub?

Accepted Answer

Wixela Inhub belongs to the inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-2 agonist drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Wixela Inhub and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Use

Wixela Inhub is for oral inhalation only. It should be used at the same time every day, typically once in the morning and once in the evening, approximately 12 hours apart. To use the device, follow the specific instructions provided with your prescription to ensure the medication is delivered correctly to the lungs.

Administration Tips

Do not use the device with a spacer.

Always keep the inhaler dry and do not breathe out into the device.

After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This helps prevent a fungal infection (thrush) in the mouth and throat.

Do not take more than the prescribed number of inhalations.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

Important Considerations

This medication is a maintenance treatment and will not work fast enough to treat a sudden asthma attack or COPD flare-up. Always have a rescue inhaler available for sudden breathing problems. Continue using this medication regularly even if you do not have active symptoms.

Question 8

Is Wixela Inhub safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There is limited data on the use of Wixela Inhub in pregnant women. Decisions regarding its use involve balancing the potential risks of the medication against the risks of poorly controlled asthma. Uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby, such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight.

In animal studies, high doses of the individual components in Wixela Inhub were associated with developmental issues, including cleft palate. However, it is unclear if these findings apply to humans using standard inhaled doses. Additionally, because one of the active ingredients (salmeterol) can interfere with uterine contractions, its use during labor and delivery is generally limited to situations where it is medically necessary.

Breastfeeding

It is currently unknown if the medications in Wixela Inhub pass into human breast milk or how they might affect a nursing infant or milk production. Other similar medications have been found in breast milk in small amounts. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate the safety and necessity of using this inhaler.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Wixela Inhub come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Forms

Wixela Inhub is available as a dry powder for oral inhalation. It is supplied in a plastic inhaler device that contains the medication within a foil blister strip.

The device is designed to deliver the powder formulation directly to the lungs through the mouth. It is intended for oral inhalation only and is not used with a spacer.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Wixela Inhub?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval Status

Wixela Inhub was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2019. It was the first generic version of Advair Diskus to receive approval, meaning it is therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name product in terms of safety, dosage, and effectiveness.

Approved Indications

The FDA has approved Wixela Inhub for the following uses:

Asthma: For the twice-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 years and older. It is intended for patients whose asthma is not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma-control medication or whose disease severity warrants treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): For the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and to reduce the frequency of exacerbations in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Boxed Warning and Safety Communications

Previously, the FDA required a Boxed Warning for all medications containing a LABA due to risks of asthma-related death. However, after reviewing large safety trials, the FDA removed this Boxed Warning for combination products like Wixela Inhub that contain both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. The trials demonstrated that when these two types of medicine are used together, there is no significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events compared to using an inhaled corticosteroid alone.

Regulatory Requirements

Wixela Inhub is a prescription-only medication. It is not approved for the treatment of acute symptoms, such as a sudden asthma attack or COPD flare-up, which require a rescue inhaler. There is currently no Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) required for this product.

Question 11

What should I know about Wixela Inhub and cost?

Accepted Answer

Generic Pricing

As a generic medication containing fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, Wixela Inhub is typically less expensive than its brand-name counterpart, Advair Diskus. Generic drugs are required to meet the same standards for safety and effectiveness as brand-name drugs but are usually offered at a lower cost to consumers.

Factors Affecting Out-of-Pocket Costs

The amount you pay for Wixela Inhub can vary based on several factors:

Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover generic inhalers. The specific tier placement on a plan's formulary will determine the copayment or coinsurance amount.

Pharmacy Choice: Retail prices can differ between pharmacies. Some patients may find lower costs through mail-order pharmacy services or by using pharmacy discount cards.

Dosage and Quantity: The medication is available in three strengths. The price may fluctuate depending on the specific strength prescribed and whether a 30-day or 90-day supply is purchased.

Financial Assistance Programs

For individuals who have difficulty affording their medication, financial assistance may be available. Some patients may qualify for manufacturer coupons or savings cards that reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, non-profit organizations and patient assistance programs may provide help for those who meet specific income or insurance requirements. It is advisable to consult with a pharmacist or insurance provider to determine the most current and accurate pricing information.

Wixela Inhub

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

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