Is Anoro Ellipta a steroid?

Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) is not a steroid (corticosteroid) medication and does not contain any steroids. It contains two inhaled bronchodilators: umeclidinium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and vilanterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA).

Inhaled steroids, or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), are anti-inflammatory drugs that help treat breathing disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you have asthma or COPD, inflammation narrows your airways and restricts breathing. Inhaled corticosteroids block inflammatory cells and cut off inflammatory signals, which reduces the narrowing and opens your airways.

There are several advantages to using inhaled corticosteroids, rather than taking them orally. Inhalation allows higher levels of the drugs to reach the airways while lower reach the rest of your body. When taken by mouth, corticosteroids can have more adverse effects than when inhaled. Taking inhaled corticosteroids can also decrease your need for oral corticosteroids. Some examples of inhaled corticosteroids include Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate), QVAR (beclomethasone), Alvesco (ciclesonide), Pulmicort (budesonide), Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate), Asmanex Twisthaler (mometasone furoate), and Beclovent (beclomethasone).

Keep reading as discuss important information you need to know before starting Anoro Ellipta and answer other frequently asked questions.

Anoro Ellipta FAQs

What is Anoro Ellipta used for?

Anoro Ellipta is a combination medication manufactured by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline). It is FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is not approved for the relief of sudden breathing problems. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled, short-acting beta-2 agonist (rescue inhaler) such as albuterol.

What does Anoro do for your lungs?

Anoro Ellipta contains two active ingredients: umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol trifenatate. They are both bronchodilators that are FDA-approved to relieve COPD symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups. Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, which is often referred to as an anticholinergic, and it helps relax and open up your airways. Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that also helps relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier for you to breathe.

What is the dose for Anoro Ellipta?

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to use Anoro Ellipta correctly. The usual recommended dosage is one inhalation of 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol once a day. You should take it at the same time each day. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose at your usual time. Don’t take more than 1 dose per day.

What are the common side effects of Anoro Ellipta?

While Anoro Ellipta is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta seen in clinical trials when compared to placebo include:

  • Sore throat (pharyngitis)
  • Sinus infection
  • Lower respiratory tract infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Pain in your limbs
  • Muscle spasms
  • Chest pain
  • Neck pain

Other side effects seen with Anoro Ellipta include:

  • Common cold symptoms
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Indigestion

What are the serious side effects of Anoro Ellipta?

While less common, some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Anoro Ellipta. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical assistance:

Paradoxical bronchospasm (a sudden tightening of your airways), with symptoms such as:

  • Cough
  • Trouble breathing after you use your inhaler
  • If this occurs treat immediately with a fast-acting bronchodilator such as albuterol

Heart problems with symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Dizziness

New or worsening kidney problems with symptoms such as:

  • Pain while urinating
  • Urinary retention
  • Urinating more often than normal

New or worsening eye problems, including narrow-angle glaucoma. Symptoms can include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain
  • Seeing halos

Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) with symptoms such as:

  • Muscle spasms and weakness
  • Palpitations
  • Irregular heartbeat

High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), with symptoms such as:

  • Lack of energy
  • Increased thirst
  • Urinating more often
  • Unexplained weight loss

Worsening lung function and COPD symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath, even when sitting or lying down
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Wheezing

Serious allergic reactions with symptoms such as:

  • Hives
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling of the mouth, throat, and tongue

These are not all of the possible side effects of Anoro Ellipta. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

What drugs should not be taken with Anoro Ellipta?

When Anoro Ellipta is taken with other drugs, it can change how they work or make some side effects more likely or severe. You should ask your healthcare professional if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, or supplements you take may interact with this medication. Some common drug interactions with Anoro Ellipta include:

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, and nortriptyline
  • Beta-blockers such as atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, and propranolol
  • Anticholinergic medications such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, ipratropium, and tiotropium
  • Non-potassium sparing diuretics such as furosemide, torsemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and chlorthalidone
  • Clarithromycin
  • Telithromycin
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Voriconazole
  • Ritonavir
  • Indinavir
  • Lopinavir
  • Saquinavir
  • Formoterol
  • Arformoterol
  • Indacaterol
  • Olodaterol
  • Salmeterol
  • Vilanterol

Who should not take Anoro Ellipta?

If you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to umeclidinium bromide, vilanterol, lactose, or milk proteins, you should not take Anoro Ellipta. You should also not take this medication without an inhaled corticosteroid if you have asthma. Using Anoro alone can lead to an increased risk of asthma-related death.

You should make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your medical conditions before you start taking Anoro Ellipta, including:

  • Enlarged prostate or trouble passing urine
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease or high blood pressure
  • Heart rhythm problems such as arrhythmias or a prolonged QT interval
  • Low potassium levels
  • Ketoacidosis (high ketone levels in your blood)
  • Seizures
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma or vision problems
  • Thyroid problems
  • Liver disease
  • Pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, as it is not known if Anoro Ellipta will harm your unborn baby
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as it is not known if Anoro Ellipta is found in your breast milk and if it may harm your baby

When is the best time to take Anoro Ellipta?

Because the active ingredients in Anoro Ellipta are effective for 24 hours, you only need to take it once a day. You can take it any time of the day but it is important to take it at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember but do not take more than one dose in a day.

How should you store your Anoro Ellipta inhaler?

Store your inhaler at room temperature from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It may be stored between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for short periods of time if needed. It should be stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. You should not take it out of its foil tray until you are ready to use it. Dispose of your Anoro inhaler 6 weeks after you remove it from the foil tray or after every blister has been used (when the dose counter reads 0).

How long does it take Anoro Ellipta to work?

Anoro will start working within 5 to 15 minutes after inhaling your dose and will last up to 24 hours. However, Anoro does not work fast enough to be used as a rescue inhaler. You will still need to use your rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems.

Related medications

  • Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol)
  • Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)
  • Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol)
  • Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol)
  • Breztri (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol)
  • Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate/formoterol)

Sources