Dulera is a combination inhaler used for the long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 5 years of age and older. It contains two active ingredients: mometasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA).

Dulera is prescribed when asthma is not adequately controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid alone. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden breathing problems. Patients still need a separate short-acting rescue inhaler (such as Albuterol) for acute asthma attacks.

Dulera is manufactured by Organon (formerly part of Merck). There is currently no generic version available in the United States.

Dulera works through a dual mechanism of action that targets two key aspects of asthma:

• Mometasone furoate (corticosteroid) reduces inflammation in the airways by suppressing the release of inflammatory chemicals. This helps prevent swelling, mucus production, and airway narrowing over time.
• Formoterol fumarate (long-acting beta2-agonist) relaxes the smooth muscles surrounding the airways, keeping them open for up to 12 hours per dose. This provides sustained bronchodilation and makes breathing easier.

By combining anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects in a single inhaler, Dulera provides more comprehensive asthma control than either component alone. Patients should shake the inhaler well before each use, take 2 puffs twice daily, and rinse their mouth with water afterward to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

Dulera is available as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in the following strengths:

• Dulera 50 mcg/5 mcg — for pediatric patients ages 5 to 11
• Dulera 100 mcg/5 mcg — for patients 12 years and older (currently affected by shortage)
• Dulera 200 mcg/5 mcg — for patients 12 years and older

Each strength comes in an 8.8 g canister (60 inhalations) or a 13 g canister (120 inhalations). The standard dosing is 2 inhalations twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

Dulera earns a findability score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the moderate-difficulty range. As a brand-name combination inhaler with no generic equivalent currently available, Dulera can be harder to track down than more widely stocked asthma medications. An active shortage of the 100 mcg/5 mcg strength reported since September 2025 has further complicated availability at many retail pharmacies.

The lack of a generic option means patients are limited to the brand product manufactured by Organon. Insurance formularies often place Dulera on higher tiers or require step therapy through preferred alternatives like generic Symbicort or Advair first, which can add delays. If your pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate nearby pharmacies that currently have Dulera in stock.

Dulera is commonly prescribed by several types of healthcare providers:

• Pulmonologists — lung specialists who manage moderate to severe asthma
• Allergists and immunologists — specialists in asthma triggered by allergies
• Primary care physicians and family medicine doctors — for ongoing asthma management
• Internists — for adult patients with asthma
• Pediatricians — for children ages 5 and older with asthma

Dulera is also available through telehealth consultations, which can be a convenient option for established asthma patients who need prescription renewals.

No, Dulera is not a controlled substance. It is not classified under any DEA schedule. You do not need special prescriptions or ID verification to fill it, though a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is still required.

The most commonly reported side effects of Dulera include:

• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and throat)
• Sinusitis
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Oral candidiasis (thrush) — rinsing your mouth after use helps prevent this
• Hoarseness (dysphonia)
• Increased heart rate

Important safety information: Dulera carries a boxed warning about the risk of asthma-related death associated with LABAs. It should only be used when asthma is not adequately controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid alone. Serious but less common side effects include adrenal insufficiency, paradoxical bronchospasm, reduced bone mineral density, glaucoma, cataracts, and growth suppression in children. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience worsening breathing, chest pain, or severe allergic reactions.

If Dulera is unavailable or too expensive, several alternative ICS/LABA combination inhalers may work for your asthma:

• Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) — now available as a generic, often around $97 with a coupon. Contains the same LABA component (Formoterol) as Dulera.
• Advair Diskus/HFA (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) — a widely used ICS/LABA combination available in generic form, making it more affordable.
• Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol) — a once-daily ICS/LABA inhaler, which may improve adherence for some patients.
• AirDuo RespiClick (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) — a generic dry powder ICS/LABA inhaler option.

Talk to your doctor before switching medications. They can help determine which alternative best matches your current asthma control needs.

Yes, Dulera has several notable drug interactions:

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, itraconazole) — can increase the systemic effects of mometasone, raising the risk of adrenal suppression and other corticosteroid side effects. Use with caution.
• Beta-blockers — may block the bronchodilating effect of formoterol and can cause severe bronchospasm. Avoid use together when possible.
• MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants — may increase the cardiovascular effects of formoterol, including elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
• Non-potassium-sparing diuretics — may worsen low potassium levels (hypokalemia) and increase the risk of heart rhythm changes.
• Other long-acting beta2-agonists — should not be used together with Dulera due to risk of overdose and cardiovascular side effects.

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Dulera remains an effective option for managing moderate to persistent asthma, but finding it in 2026 can be a challenge. With no generic available, a cash price of $400 to $500, and an ongoing shortage of the 100 mcg/5 mcg strength, patients may need to do some legwork to fill their prescriptions.

If you have commercial insurance, the Organon Dulera Savings Card can reduce your copay to as little as $15 per prescription. Uninsured patients should explore the Organon Patient Assistance Program or consider switching to a more affordable generic alternative like Symbicort or Advair with their doctor's guidance.

Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that currently have Dulera in stock — it can save you the frustration of calling around during a shortage.