What Is Dulera?

Dulera is a prescription inhaler that combines two medications to help control asthma. Its active ingredients are mometasone furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid, or ICS) and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (a long-acting beta2-agonist, or LABA). Together, these two medications reduce airway inflammation and keep your airways open.

Dulera is manufactured by Organon (formerly Merck) and is FDA-approved for the treatment of asthma in patients 5 years of age and older. It's a maintenance (controller) inhaler — meaning you use it every day to prevent asthma symptoms, not as a rescue inhaler during an attack.

To understand how the two ingredients work together, see our guide on how Dulera works.

What Is Dulera Used For?

Dulera is approved to treat asthma when:

• Your asthma is not adequately controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid alone
• Your doctor determines you need both an anti-inflammatory and a bronchodilator

Dulera is typically prescribed for moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. It's a step-up treatment — most patients try an ICS-only inhaler first, and move to a combination ICS/LABA like Dulera if that's not enough.

Dulera is NOT for:

• Sudden asthma attacks (use a rescue inhaler like albuterol instead)
• COPD (Dulera is not FDA-approved for COPD, though some ICS/LABA combinations are)
• Children under 5 years old

Available Strengths and Forms

Dulera comes as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in three strengths:

• Dulera 50 mcg/5 mcg — For children ages 5-11
• Dulera 100 mcg/5 mcg — For patients 12 years and older
• Dulera 200 mcg/5 mcg — For patients 12 years and older who need a higher dose

The first number is the mometasone (corticosteroid) dose, and the second is the formoterol (bronchodilator) dose per puff. Each canister comes in two sizes:

• 8.8 g canister — 60 inhalations (about a 15-day supply)
• 13 g canister — 120 inhalations (about a 30-day supply)

How to Take Dulera

The standard dose is 2 inhalations (puffs) twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening, about 12 hours apart.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shake well before each use (about 5 seconds)
2. Prime the inhaler before first use by releasing 4 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Re-prime if you haven't used it in more than 5 days.
3. Breathe out fully away from the inhaler
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it
5. Press down on the canister while breathing in slowly and deeply
6. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly
7. Wait about 30 seconds between your two puffs
8. Rinse your mouth with water after use — swish, gargle, and spit. This helps prevent oral thrush.

Important Reminders

• Never use Dulera as a rescue inhaler — It won't work fast enough during an asthma attack. Always keep a separate rescue inhaler (like albuterol) on hand.
• Don't stop Dulera suddenly — Even if you feel better, stopping without your doctor's guidance can cause your asthma to worsen.
• Use it every day — Dulera works best when taken consistently. Skipping doses reduces its effectiveness.
• Maximum dose — The highest recommended dose is 2 inhalations of Dulera 200 mcg/5 mcg twice daily (800 mcg/20 mcg per day).

Who Should Not Take Dulera?

Dulera is not appropriate for:

• People with a known allergy to mometasone, formoterol, or any ingredient in Dulera
• Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute asthma episodes requiring emergency intervention
• Children under 5 years old

Use with caution if you have:

• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• Seizure disorders
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Osteoporosis
• Immune system problems

Tell your doctor about all your medications before starting Dulera. Some drugs can interact with it — see our guide on Dulera drug interactions.

Dulera vs. Other ICS/LABA Inhalers

Dulera isn't the only combination inhaler available. Here's how it compares to common alternatives:

• Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) — Available as a generic, making it more affordable. Comes in a diskus (dry powder) and HFA (metered-dose) form.
• Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) — Also available as a generic. Contains the same LABA as Dulera (formoterol). Now available for about $97 with a coupon.
• Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) — Once-daily dosing, which some patients prefer for convenience.
• AirDuo RespiClick (fluticasone/salmeterol) — A dry powder inhaler available as a generic.

For a detailed comparison, read our article on alternatives to Dulera.

How Much Does Dulera Cost?

Without insurance, Dulera costs approximately $400 to $500 for a 120-dose (13 g) canister. There is no generic version available as of 2026.

Ways to save:

• Organon Savings Card — Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $15 per prescription
• Patient Assistance Program — For uninsured or underinsured patients through Organon (call 1-844-674-3200)
• Discount cards — Sites like GoodRx and SingleCare may offer savings

For the full breakdown, see our guide on how to save money on Dulera.

Dulera Availability in 2026

Dulera has experienced supply shortages, particularly for the 100 mcg/5 mcg strength. If you're having trouble finding it, MedFinder can help you check pharmacy stock without calling around.

The Bottom Line

Dulera is an effective combination inhaler for people with moderate-to-severe asthma that isn't controlled by a corticosteroid alone. It's taken twice daily, requires consistent use, and should always be paired with a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. If you have questions about whether Dulera is right for you, find a doctor who can evaluate your asthma and discuss your options.

Ready to fill your prescription? MedFinder helps you find Dulera in stock near you.