Alternatives to AirDuo If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If you can no longer find AirDuo RespiClick at your pharmacy — or if you've been told the brand is discontinued — you may be wondering what to take instead. The good news is that AirDuo is one of the most replaceable inhalers on the market, because it belongs to a large class of combination asthma medications with many alternatives.

Here's a complete breakdown of your options, how they compare to AirDuo, and what to discuss with your doctor.

Option 1: The Authorized Generic (Same Drug, Different Label)

Before exploring alternatives, check whether your pharmacy has the authorized generic of AirDuo RespiClick: Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Inhalation Powder (MDPI), also made by Teva. This is literally the same medication — identical formulation, identical inhaler device — just without the AirDuo brand name. No adjustment period, no new technique to learn, no dosage conversion needed.

This should be your first ask at the pharmacy counter. If it's available, it's the easiest transition.

Option 2: Advair Diskus or Advair HFA (Same Ingredients, Different Inhaler)

Advair contains the same two active ingredients as AirDuo: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. The main differences are the inhaler device and the dose labels:

• Advair Diskus — dry powder inhaler in strengths of 100/50, 250/50, and 500/50 mcg (fluticasone/salmeterol). These dose numbers look different from AirDuo because Diskus uses different units, but the medicines are equivalent when properly dosed.
• Advair HFA — pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) in strengths of 45/21, 115/21, and 230/21 mcg. Requires shaking and coordination of breath and press.

GSK caps Advair out-of-pocket costs at $35/month for eligible commercially insured patients as of January 2025. Advair generics (Wixela Inhub, fluticasone/salmeterol Diskus) are also available and are often Tier 1 on formularies.

Option 3: Wixela Inhub (Generic Fluticasone/Salmeterol Diskus)

Wixela Inhub is a generic fluticasone/salmeterol product that uses a Diskus-style dry powder inhaler. It contains the same active ingredients as AirDuo and is approved for asthma and COPD in adults. Viatris (the manufacturer) offers a savings card for commercially insured patients: as little as $10/month with up to $50 off per fill (up to $600/year).

Option 4: Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol)

Symbicort is an ICS/LABA combination inhaler that uses different active ingredients — budesonide (corticosteroid) and formoterol (LABA) — but works similarly to AirDuo for asthma maintenance. It's a pressurized metered-dose inhaler dosed 2 puffs twice daily for asthma. Symbicort also has generic versions available and is widely stocked at pharmacies.

Option 5: Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol)

Breo Ellipta is a once-daily ICS/LABA combination inhaler made by GSK. It uses fluticasone furoate (a different fluticasone compound than in AirDuo) and vilanterol (a different LABA). Once-daily dosing is a major advantage for patients who struggle with twice-daily adherence. Breo is approved for asthma and COPD.

Option 6: Dulera (Mometasone/Formoterol)

Dulera combines mometasone furoate (corticosteroid) and formoterol fumarate (LABA) in a pressurized inhaler. It's approved for asthma in patients 5 and older. Note that as of 2025-2026, Dulera itself has experienced its own shortage — check availability before asking your doctor to switch to this one.

How to Choose: A Comparison Table

Here's a quick comparison to bring to your doctor's appointment:

• Same drug as AirDuo (easiest switch): Fluticasone/salmeterol MDPI authorized generic, Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, Wixela Inhub
• Different ICS/LABA (requires prescriber guidance): Symbicort, Breo Ellipta, Dulera
• Once-daily option: Breo Ellipta
• Best savings card option: Wixela Inhub ($10/month for commercially insured) or Advair ($35 cap)

Important: Never Switch Inhalers Without Talking to Your Doctor

Even when switching between products with the same active ingredients, dosing conversions can be tricky. Different inhaler devices have different delivery efficiencies, and your doctor may need to adjust your dose accordingly. Always get a new prescription — don't just assume one inhaler can directly substitute for another.

If you need help locating fluticasone/salmeterol or any of these alternatives at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can check stock at pharmacies in your area. Read our post on why AirDuo is hard to find in 2026 for more context on the discontinuation.