What is Onbrez Breezhaler?
Onbrez Breezhaler is an ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist (ultra-LABA) containing the active ingredient indacaterol. It is inhaled once daily and provides 24-hour bronchodilation in COPD.
Indacaterol combines the advantages of a rapid onset of action (within 5 minutes) with a 24-hour duration of action. Like Seebri, Onbrez is inhaled using the Breezhaler (capsule inhaler).
Onbrez is manufactured by Novartis. Indacaterol is also a component of the combination product Ultibro (with glycopyrronium).
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Indacaterolmaleat
Indacaterol acts as an ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist:
Mechanism of action:
- Activates beta-2 adrenoceptors
- Increases intracellular cAMP levels
- Relaxes the bronchial muscles
- Widens the airways
Special features:
- Rapid onset of action (5 minutes)
- Ultra-long duration of action (24 hours)
- High intrinsic activity
- Only needed once daily
Time course:
- Onset of action: 5 minutes
- Maximum effect: 2-4 hours
- Duration of action: 24 hours
Who is it suitable for?
Onbrez Breezhaler is suitable for:
- Long-term COPD maintenance therapy in adults
- Use as a long-acting bronchodilator
- Once-daily therapy
Advantages:
- Once daily
- Fast-acting and long-acting
- Breezhaler with acoustic feedback
Not suitable:
- For asthma (approved only for COPD)
- As an emergency medication
- For children and adolescents
Available Dosages
Onbrez Breezhaler:
- 150 µg indacaterol per capsule
- 300 µg indacaterol per capsule (higher dose)
Dosage:
- Recommended: 150 µg once daily
- If needed: 300 µg once daily
- Inhale 1 capsule once daily
Note: Do not swallow the capsules! Always inhale at the same time of day.
Dosage form and pack sizes
The medicines catalogue lists 2 pack variants: 2 strengths in one pack size.
- Dosage form
- Hartkapsel mit Pulver zur Inhalation
- Strengths
- 150 µg, 300 µg
- Pack sizes
- 30 units
| Strength | Pack | PZN | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 µg | 30 units | 07769904 | 30 days |
| 300 µg | 30 units | 07550057 | 30 days |
Packs listed in the German medicines catalogue. Which of them are currently available and what they cost is shown in the price overview.
The Pharmazentralnummer (PZN) is the nationwide unique identifier of a pack in Germany.
Duration is the catalogue value for the usual dosage. How long a pack actually lasts depends on the dose your doctor prescribes.
How to Take
Breezhaler (capsule inhaler): 1. Pull off the cap, open the mouthpiece 2. Insert the capsule 3. Close the mouthpiece, press the side buttons 4. Breathe out deeply 5. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, breathe in forcefully 6. The capsule must make a whirring sound 7. Hold your breath 8. If powder remains: inhale again
Coughing after inhalation: A brief cough after breathing in is common and normal with indacaterol. It does not affect the effectiveness.
Contraindications
Do not use in case of:
- Hypersensitivity to indacaterol or lactose
- Asthma (approved only for COPD; in asthma, long-acting beta-2 agonists can increase the risk of serious asthma-related events, including deaths)
Use with caution in case of:
- Severe cardiovascular diseases
- QT prolongation
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypokalemia
Pregnancy: Only if clearly indicated.
Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
Possible Side Effects
Common (1-10%):
- Cough after inhalation (harmless)
- Nasopharyngitis
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Muscle cramps
Uncommon:
- Palpitations
- Tremor
- Dizziness
Rare:
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
- Hypokalemia
Note: The cough after inhalation is typical of indacaterol and does not affect its effectiveness.
Interactions
Interactions:
- Beta blockers – can cancel out the effect of indacaterol
- QT-prolonging medications
- MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants
- Potassium-lowering medications
Useful combination:
- With a LAMA (e.g., glycopyrronium = Ultibro)
- With ICS if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
A brief cough after inhaling indacaterol is common and harmless. It does not affect the effectiveness. The cough is caused by local irritation and improves over time in most patients.
Indacaterol works for 24 hours (once daily), formoterol for only 12 hours (2x daily). Both have a rapid onset of action. Onbrez Breezhaler is approved only for COPD.
Similar Medications
Is Onbrez Breezhaler right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.