(fluticasone / vilanterol)
Breo Ellipta
Breo Ellipta combines fluticasone furoate and vilanterol to manage asthma and COPD. It reduces inflammation, relaxes airways, and improves lung function, helping prevent asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations. It is available in two strengths and is used once daily via a dry powder inhaler. Caution is advised due to potential side effects like pneumonia and adrenal suppression. Patients should follow prescribed dosages and consult healthcare providers for any concerns.
Product Overview
Breo Ellipta is a powerful medication designed for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This inhaler combines two active ingredients, fluticasone furoate, and vilanterol, to relieve dual action. Fluticasone furoate, a corticosteroid, reduces inflammation in the airways, while vilanterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA), relaxes muscles around the airways, making breathing easier.
Used once daily, Breo Ellipta helps improve lung function, reduces symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing, and prevents asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations. It is available in two strengths: 100 mcg fluticasone furoate / 25 mcg vilanterol and 200 mcg fluticasone furoate / 25 mcg vilanterol, administered via a dry powder inhaler.
Regular use under medical supervision is essential for optimal effectiveness. However, caution is advised as it may increase the risk of pneumonia, adrenal suppression, and other systemic effects. Patients should adhere strictly to prescribed dosages and consult healthcare providers for concerns or adverse reactions.
Uses of Breo Ellipta
- Continuous treatment to manage asthma.
- Continuous care to control COPD symptoms.
Benefits of Breo Ellipta
- Combines fluticasone (corticosteroid) and vilanterol (long-acting beta agonist).
- Reduces inflammation and relaxes airways.
- It improves lung function and reduces symptoms.
- It helps prevent asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations.
Side Effects of Breo Ellipta
Common Breo Ellipta side effects may include:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Headache
- Thrush (oral candidiasis)
- Back pain
- Pneumonia (in COPD patients)
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Cough
- Oropharyngeal pain (sore throat)
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Nasal congestion
- Pharyngitis
- Fever
- Dysphonia (voice changes)
- Increased blood pressure
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Tremor
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Potential for osteoporosis with long-term use
- Potential adrenal suppression
- Possible increased risk of asthma-related death (black box warning for LABA component)
[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Breo Ellipta Dosage
Forms & Strengths
Breo Ellipta comes in the form of a Dry powder inhaler and the following dosages:
- Fluticasone furoate / Vilanterol (100 mcg / 25 mcg)
- Fluticasone furoate / Vilanterol (200 mcg / 25 mcg)
Recommended Dosages
Asthma
- Adults and adolescents (12 years and older): Usually one inhalation of Breo Ellipta 100/25 mcg or 200/25 mcg once daily.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Adults: Typically, one inhalation of Breo Ellipta 100/25 mcg or 200/25 mcg once daily.
How to Take Breo Ellipta?
To use the Breo Ellipta inhaler correctly and effectively, follow these steps:
- Open the Inhaler: Slide the cover down until you hear a ‘click,’ which indicates the inhaler is ready to use.
- Exhale Fully: Before putting the mouthpiece in your mouth, exhale fully to empty your lungs. Do not exhale into the inhaler.
- Inhale the Medication: Place the mouthpiece between your lips, close your mouth tightly around it, and breathe quickly and deeply through your mouth.
- Hold Your Breath: After inhaling, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 3 to 4 seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
- Close the Inhaler: Slide the cover upwards to close the inhaler.
- Rinse Your Mouth: After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water to help prevent irritation and reduce the risk of developing oral thrush. Spit out the water after rinsing.
- Check Dose Counter: Always check the dose counter on the inhaler to monitor the number of doses left.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Breo Ellipta inhaler, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to catch up. Resume your regular dosing schedule. If unsure, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
[Note: Do not simultaneously take two doses of Breo Ellipta to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]
Overdose
Overdose of Breo Ellipta inhaler may lead to symptoms such as increased heart rate, tremors, headache, and nausea. Immediate medical attention is necessary if an overdose is suspected. Using Breo Ellipta strictly as prescribed is essential to avoid such risks and complications.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Breo Ellipta Work?
Breo Ellipta is a combination inhaler that contains fluticasone furoate, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing. It’s used once daily to manage asthma and COPD by preventing airflow obstruction and controlling symptoms. It is a compelling long-term treatment option for reducing flare-ups and improving overall lung function.
Important Safety Precautions
- Use Breo Ellipta strictly as prescribed.
- Not for acute asthma symptoms; have a rescue inhaler.
- Monitor for allergic reactions and infections.
- Long-term use may lead to osteoporosis and adrenal suppression.
- Regular eye exams are recommended; they may cause eye issues.
- Use cautiously in cardiovascular conditions; monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
- Inform the healthcare provider of all medications to avoid interactions.
Storage
- Store the inhaler at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Keep the inhaler in a dry place away from moisture, such as bathrooms.
- Store the inhaler in its original packaging or pouch to protect it from light.
- Always keep the cap closed when the inhaler is not used to protect it from dust and debris.
- Avoid freezing the inhaler.
- Check the expiration date on the inhaler and discard it if it has expired.
Breo Ellipta Interactions
The Breo Ellipta inhaler, due to its active ingredients, can interact with various medications. Here are vital interactions to be aware of:
- Beta-blockers: Can counteract vilanterol’s effects, diminishing Breo Ellipta’s efficacy.
- Diuretics: This may increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels) when used with Breo Ellipta.
- MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: Increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects from vilanterol.
- Steroid medications: Using other corticosteroids with Breo Ellipta can enhance systemic corticosteroid effects, increasing the risk of side effects.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir): May increase plasma levels of fluticasone, potentially leading to greater systemic corticosteroid effects.
- Anticholinergics: Concurrent use may enhance effects on the respiratory system, requiring careful monitoring.
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]
Breo Ellipta Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to the Breo Ellipta inhaler:
- Other ICS/LABA combination inhalers:
- Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol)
- Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)
- Dulera (mometasone/formoterol)
- AirDuo RespiClick (fluticasone/salmeterol)
- Single-agent inhaled corticosteroids (ICS):
- Flovent (fluticasone)
- Pulmicort (budesonide)
- Qvar (beclomethasone)
- Asmanex (mometasone)
- Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABA):
- Serevent (salmeterol)
- Foradil (formoterol)
- Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA):
- Spiriva (tiotropium)
- Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)
- LABA/LAMA combinations:
- Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol)
- Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol)
- Triple combination inhalers (ICS/LABA/LAMA):
- Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol)
- Leukotriene modifiers:
- Singulair (montelukast)
- Accolate (zafirlukast)
- Biologics (for severe asthma):
- Xolair (omalizumab)
- Nucala (mepolizumab)
- Fasenra (benralizumab)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Breo Ellipta alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Breo Ellipta to start working?
When starting Breo Ellipta, you may experience improved breathing approximately 15 minutes after each dose. However, it typically takes a few weeks of regular use for Breo Ellipta to effectively control symptoms. If there is no noticeable improvement after 2 weeks, your pulmonologist may adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments.
Is Breo Ellipta a steroid?
Yes, Breo Ellipta includes fluticasone, which is an inhaled corticosteroid, alongside vilanterol, a long-acting beta agonist. These components work in tandem to enhance respiratory function over time.
How long does Breo Ellipta remain in your system?
Most of Breo Ellipta is eliminated from the body within about 5 days after a dose, based on its estimated half-life. However, for optimal control of your symptoms, it’s important to take this medication once daily as prescribed.
Does Breo Ellipta lead to weight gain?
Weight gain has not been commonly reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Breo Ellipta. While fluticasone, a component of Breo Ellipta, is a corticosteroid that can potentially cause weight gain when taken orally and over long periods, the risk is lower with inhaled forms like in Breo Ellipta. If you notice weight changes while using this medication, discussing this with your pulmonologist is advisable.
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