Theo LA® (theophylline extended‑release) tablets for asthma and COPD

What Theo LA® Is and How It Works

Theo LA® is an extended-release form of theophylline, a methylxanthine bronchodilator used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is taken by mouth as long-acting tablets, usually once or twice daily. Many people compare Theo LA price options, including Theo LA without insurance, to manage ongoing therapy costs. The medicine relaxes airway smooth muscle by increasing intracellular cAMP and blocking adenosine receptors. This helps reduce wheeze, chest tightness, and nocturnal symptoms, and may improve exercise tolerance.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba. Orders are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and you can order online or by phone during posted hours. We offer brand and generic medications at Canadian prices, and also carry over-the-counter items.

We partner only with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brand medicines and a broad selection at fair prices.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized based on age, weight, symptoms, smoking status, and blood levels. Extended-release tablets are designed for steady blood concentrations over 12 or 24 hours. Do not crush or chew.

• Starting: prescribers often begin with a low daily dose and adjust after several days.
• Titration: doses may increase every 3–5 days while monitoring tolerability and levels.
• Administration: swallow tablets whole with water, at the same time each day.
• Food: try to take with the same food pattern to keep levels stable.
• Missed dose: if close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double.
• Lab monitoring: periodic theophylline levels help maintain an effective, safe range.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep tablets in the original container with the label.
• When you travel, pack doses in your carry-on and bring a copy of your prescription.
• Avoid extreme temperatures, such as a hot car or direct sunlight.

Smoking, high fever, liver disease, and some medicines can change theophylline levels. Tell your prescriber about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements. Keep caffeine intake consistent, since caffeine may add stimulant effects.

Benefits and Savings

Theo LA® helps prevent nighttime and early morning asthma symptoms by providing sustained bronchodilation. Some people notice less rescue inhaler use and improved breathing comfort through the day and night. Tablets may be helpful where inhaler technique is challenging, or as an add-on in persistent disease.

Buying through YouDrugstore often delivers 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Many patients compare costs with or without insurance and find extended-release tablets affordable at Canadian pricing. Our team can help you review options and quantities to meet your prescription.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects depend on dose and blood concentration. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range, so monitoring is important.

• Common: nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, headache, insomnia, tremor, nervousness.
• Less common: palpitations, lightheadedness, increased urination, irritability.
• Serious: severe or persistent vomiting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizures, confusion, rash or hives, severe restlessness.

Seek urgent care if serious symptoms occur. Risk of side effects rises with higher levels, drug interactions, liver impairment, fever, or dehydration. Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, fluvoxamine, verapamil, cimetidine, and certain antivirals can increase theophylline levels. Smoking tobacco can lower levels. Alcohol misuse may increase adverse effects.

Use only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Not all extended-release tablets are equivalent; do not switch brands without approval.

Onset Time

After a dose of extended-release theophylline, bronchodilation typically begins within 1–2 hours. Steady-state blood levels are usually reached within 2–3 days of consistent dosing. Symptom prevention is most evident when levels are kept within the target range over time. Keep the dosing schedule consistent to help maintain control.

Compare With Alternatives

Theo LA® is an oral bronchodilator. Many asthma and COPD regimens rely on inhaled anti-inflammatory therapy as first line. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and are preferred for persistent asthma. Options include budesonide and beclomethasone. For example, nebules like Pulmicort® Nebuamp or an inhaler such as Qvar® Aerosol Inhaler may be used as controller therapy.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (such as montelukast) offer an oral alternative for some patients, especially with concomitant allergies. Long-acting beta agonists and long-acting muscarinic antagonists are common in COPD, usually combined with inhaled corticosteroids. The choice depends on diagnosis, severity, age, comorbidities, and tolerance. Theophylline may be used when symptoms persist despite inhaled therapy, or when inhalers are unsuitable.

Combination Therapy

Theo LA® is often used with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators for added benefit. Combination plans should be individualized, with attention to drug interactions and blood level monitoring. Avoid other xanthines and limit excess caffeine. Report new medications, smoking changes, or illness that could alter theophylline clearance. Your prescriber may adjust the dose after any change.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Theophylline may suit patients who need oral maintenance therapy, have nocturnal symptoms, or require add-on treatment. It may be less suitable with significant arrhythmias, seizure disorders, active peptic ulcer disease, or severe hepatic impairment. Older adults and those with impaired clearance may need lower doses and closer monitoring.

To help manage costs, consider a multi-month supply when your prescription allows. Multi-pack purchases can lower the monthly price due to bulk efficiencies. You can turn on gentle reorder reminders in your account so you never run short. For seasonal needs, align your refill to expected flares.

If you are comparing options for Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, our customer-service chat is available during posted office hours to help with ordering questions. For safety topics such as organ impairment, see our article Drug Caveats With Liver And Kidney Disease, and speak with your prescriber.

Theo LA coupon details and bulk options are posted on our promotions page.

Many patients ask about overall affordability without insurance. Canadian pricing often reduces out-of-pocket costs for long-term controller medicines. If your clinician considers a different formulation or dose strength, ask whether fewer tablets per day could help reduce the total cost.

Authoritative Sources

Review official information before starting or changing therapy. See the Health Canada Drug Product Database (theophylline) and the DailyMed theophylline listings for current labeling. For patient-friendly guidance, visit the MedlinePlus theophylline overview.

You can order from YouDrugstore with confidence. Our pharmacists review prescriptions, and our team supports your order from checkout to delivery with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to the US where required.

This content is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the package labeling for your specific product.