Triple Therapy Inhaler: What It Is and Who It Helps

Triple therapy inhalers combine three medicines in one device: an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to reduce inflammation, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) to open airways, and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) to relax airway muscles. You’ll hear this called single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT). These inhalers are mainly used for people with moderate-to-severe COPD and some people with uncontrolled asthma who need extra control.

How triple therapy inhalers help

Putting three medicines in one inhaler makes life simpler. Fewer devices usually means better adherence — people take their meds more reliably when everything is in one device. Clinical trials for popular products have shown fewer flare-ups (exacerbations) and better symptom control versus using two inhalers or dual therapy in many patients. Brands you might see include Trelegy (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol) and Trimbow (beclometasone/formoterol/glycopyrronium), though brand names depend on your country.

If you struggle with multiple inhalers, frequent exacerbations, or ongoing breathlessness despite treatment, a triple therapy inhaler might be worth discussing with your doctor. It isn’t automatic for everyone — your doctor will consider your diagnosis, symptoms, exacerbation history, and inhaler technique.

Using and managing your triple therapy inhaler

Start by learning the device. Some are once-daily, some twice. Read the patient leaflet and watch a demonstration from your clinician or pharmacist. Proper technique matters: full exhale, steady inhalation, and a breath-hold of 5–10 seconds. If you cough or taste medicine, check technique before changing treatments.

Common side effects include throat irritation, hoarse voice, oral thrush (fungal mouth infection), dry mouth, and sometimes increased heart rate. Rinse your mouth after inhaling corticosteroid-containing inhalers and report recurring thrush or chest infections to your clinician.

Cost and access vary. Triple inhalers can be pricier than older drugs. Check insurance coverage, manufacturer savings programs, and generic options where available. If cost is a barrier, ask your prescriber about alternatives or a stepwise plan that may include separate inhalers.

When to call your clinician: if you get more breathless, need rescue inhaler more often, have repeated coughing fits, or develop side effects that bother you. Also get a check when your prescription is renewed — inhaler technique often drifts over time.

Quick tips: keep a backup inhaler at home, track symptoms and rescue inhaler use, and bring your inhaler to appointments so staff can watch your technique. Switching to a triple therapy inhaler can simplify treatment and cut flare-ups for the right person, but it should follow a clear discussion with your clinician about benefits, risks, and cost.