Rilast Rapihaler (Budesonide And Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rilast Rapihaler Used For?
Rilast Rapihaler is a pressurised metered dose inhaler that contains two active ingredients working together to treat breathing problems. It combines budesonide (a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation) with formoterol (a beta-2-agonist that opens airways).
Primary Uses
Rilast Rapihaler treats asthma in adults and adolescents 12 years and over, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in adults 18 years and over. For asthma, it can be used as an anti-inflammatory reliever when symptoms occur, as daily maintenance therapy to prevent attacks, or both. For COPD, it helps control breathing difficulties and symptoms like persistent cough and increased sputum.
How It Works
Budesonide acts directly on your airways to reduce inflammation and swelling. Formoterol opens up the airways to help you breathe more easily. Together, they help improve your condition, prevent asthma attacks, and make breathing easier during flare-ups.
Good to know: Some people can use Rilast Rapihaler only when needed for symptoms, while others need it daily for maintenance – your doctor will determine the best approach for you.
How to Take Rilast Rapihaler
Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions, as dosing varies based on your condition and how you’re using the medication. Each pack contains detailed instructions for proper inhaler technique.
Dosage Instructions
For Asthma (12+ years): As anti-inflammatory reliever only (100/3): Take 2 inhalations when symptoms occur, wait a few minutes, take 2 more if needed. Maximum 12 inhalations per occasion, 24 per day. As maintenance therapy (100/3): Usually 4 inhalations daily (2 morning and evening, or 4 once daily). As fixed-dose maintenance (100/3): 2-4 inhalations twice daily, maximum 8 daily. For (200/6): 2 inhalations twice daily, maximum 4 daily. For COPD (Adults): Rilast Rapihaler 200/6: 2 inhalations twice daily (also maximum dose).
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this increases the risk of side effects. If using as a reliever medicine, consult your doctor about correct usage.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose. Always rinse your mouth with water after taking your daily doses and spit it out to prevent thrush.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Sore, yellowish, raised patches in mouth (thrush)
- Hoarse voice
- Unpleasant taste in mouth
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Headache
- Trembling or shaking
- Muscle cramps
- Irritation of tongue and mouth
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or restless
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash or bruising
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle twitching
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, severe rash)
- Pneumonia signs (fever, chills, increased or color-changed phlegm, increased cough, breathing difficulties)
- Eye problems (blurred vision or other eyesight issues)
Important Warnings
Before using Rilast Rapihaler, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and medications to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Rilast Rapihaler
Do not use if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or any ingredients in the medication. Not recommended for children under 12 years unless directed by a doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: thyroid problems, diabetes, heart problems, liver problems, tuberculosis (TB), low potassium levels, current infections, or any other medical conditions. The medication may hide signs of infection, making you think you’re better when you’re not.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Rilast Rapihaler during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
COPD Patients: Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs of pneumonia: fever, chills, increased or color-changed phlegm, increased cough, or breathing difficulties.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Rilast Rapihaler or be affected by it. Your doctor may need to adjust doses or change medications.
- Beta-blockers for heart problems or high blood pressure
- Diuretics and antiarrhythmics (disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine)
- Beta-blockers for glaucoma
- Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, phenothiazines
- Antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds
- Antifungal medicines (ketoconazole)
- Xanthine derivatives (theophylline) for asthma and COPD
- Medicines for Addison’s disease (fludrocortisone)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery, especially when first starting Rilast Rapihaler, as it may affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material. Consult your doctor about alcohol use while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Rilast Rapihaler may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some people when they first start using it. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how the medication affects you.
Storage
Keep your Rilast Rapihaler in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Always replace the mouthpiece cover after use. Dispose of the inhaler within 3 months after removing from foil pouch. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep away from children. The canister contains pressurised liquid – do not expose to temperatures higher than 50°C, pierce, break, puncture, or burn even when empty. Clean the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth only – never let it get wet.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Rilast Rapihaler, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, trembling, feeling shaky, agitated, anxious, restless, or unable to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
When used as a reliever, you should wait a few minutes after taking 2 inhalations to see if you feel better. If not, you can take 2 more inhalations. For daily maintenance therapy, it helps control your condition over time.
No, do not stop using Rilast Rapihaler suddenly without checking with your doctor. If prescribed for daily use, keep using it even when you feel well, as it helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it.
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, but never take a double dose to make up for the missed one. If you’re using it as a reliever medicine, consult your doctor about correct usage.
Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after your daily doses helps prevent thrush (fungal infection) in your mouth. You don’t need to rinse if you’re only taking occasional doses for symptom relief.
For asthma relief, don’t use more than 12 inhalations on a single occasion or 24 inhalations in any day. If symptoms continue to worsen over 3 days despite additional inhalations, tell your doctor immediately.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Rilast Rapihaler during pregnancy.
The 100/3 contains 100mcg budesonide and 3mcg formoterol per dose, while 200/6 contains 200mcg budesonide and 6mcg formoterol per dose. The 200/6 is a higher strength typically used for maintenance therapy, while 100/3 can be used as both reliever and maintenance therapy.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.