What Is Breztri Aerosphere? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Breztri Aerosphere is a prescription inhaler made by AstraZeneca that combines three medications into a single device. It is FDA-approved for the long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — including chronic bronchitis and emphysema — and as of April 2026, for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 and older. If your doctor has prescribed Breztri, here's everything you need to know about what it is, how to use it, and what to expect.

What Are the Active Ingredients in Breztri Aerosphere?

Breztri Aerosphere contains three active medications that work through complementary mechanisms to control obstructive lung disease:

Budesonide (160 mcg per inhalation): An inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces inflammation in the airways. Inflammation is a core driver of COPD and asthma symptoms, particularly flare-ups (exacerbations).

Glycopyrrolate (9 mcg per inhalation): A long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that relaxes airway smooth muscle by blocking acetylcholine receptors. This opens up narrowed airways to make breathing easier.

Formoterol fumarate (4.8 mcg per inhalation): A long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by activating beta2 receptors. Lung function improvement can be felt within 5 minutes of the first dose.

Together, this ICS/LAMA/LABA combination is called triple therapy — the most comprehensive type of inhaled maintenance treatment available for obstructive airway disease.

What Is Breztri Aerosphere Used For?

Breztri Aerosphere is indicated for:

Maintenance treatment of COPD in adults (chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema) — FDA-approved July 2020

Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 and older — FDA-approved April 28, 2026 (first single-inhaler triple therapy approved for asthma)

Breztri is

NOT intended for:

Relieving sudden breathing problems (it is not a rescue inhaler — you still need a separate short-acting rescue inhaler like albuterol)

Use in children under 12 years of age (safety and effectiveness not established)

What Is the Standard Breztri Aerosphere Dosage?

The recommended dosage of Breztri Aerosphere is:

2 inhalations (puffs) twice daily — 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening

This delivers a total daily dose of 320 mcg budesonide / 18 mcg glycopyrrolate / 9.6 mcg formoterol fumarate

Do not take more than 2 inhalations twice daily — do not use it more frequently or at higher doses than prescribed

How to Use Breztri Aerosphere Correctly

Prime the inhaler before first use: Shake well and release 4 test sprays into the air away from your face. Re-prime with 2 sprays if not used for more than 7 days.

Shake the inhaler well before each use.

Breathe out fully, then close your lips around the mouthpiece.

Press down on the canister as you begin to breathe in slowly. Inhale deeply.

Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.

Repeat for the second puff.

Rinse your mouth with water and spit (do not swallow) after every use to prevent oral thrush.

How Long Does It Take for Breztri to Work?

Breztri can begin to improve lung function within 5 minutes of the first dose (due to formoterol's rapid onset). However, the full benefit of the triple combination — including reduced exacerbation frequency and sustained inflammation control — typically takes several weeks of consistent daily use to become apparent. Do not stop taking Breztri without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.

Is Breztri a Controlled Substance?

No. Breztri Aerosphere is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a prescription-only medication, but it has no abuse potential and is not subject to the refill restrictions that apply to controlled substances.

How Much Does Breztri Cost, and Is There a Generic?

There is no generic Breztri Aerosphere. Without insurance, the retail price is approximately $670–$930 per inhaler. However, AstraZeneca's Zero Pay program can reduce costs to $0 for eligible commercially insured patients. For the full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Breztri in 2026.

If you're struggling to find Breztri in stock at your pharmacy, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to locate it in stock and texts you the results.