What is a cheaper alternative to Anoro Ellipta?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath (even at rest), a persistent cough with phlegm that does not go away, frequent lung infections, and persistent wheezing. The two most common types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema develops when the alveoli (air sacs) in your lungs are damaged and you cannot get enough oxygen into your bloodstream. Chronic bronchitis is caused by inflammation (swelling) and irritation of your bronchial tubes. This leads to mucus buildup and along with the irritation and inflammation, it makes it harder for you to breathe.

Research and development have made great strides in developing inhalers that can decrease COPD symptoms and save lives. One commonly used brand-name inhaler is called Anoro Ellipta, which is manufactured by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline). It is approved for COPD including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. This device delivers two types of medications: one is vilanterol, which is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), and the other is umeclidinium, a long-acting muscarinic agent (LAMA).

Anoro Ellipta is a very effective inhaler, but it may not be the best for you. With no lower-cost alternative available, you may not be able to afford it if your Medicare or your private insurance plan does not cover it. Even if it is covered, your copay may still be too high.

Alternatives to Anoro Ellipta

Fortunately, there are many options available for COPD patients if you cannot afford Anoro Ellipta. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if any of these alternatives may be right for you:

  • Bevespi Aerosphere (formoterol/glycopyrrolate)

    Bevespi Aerosphre is a combination of an anticholinergic agent called glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate, which belongs to a class of drugs called long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). The usual dose is 2 puffs twice a day.

  • Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol)

    This inhaler is also a combination of an anticholinergic agent (tiotropium) and an LABA (olodaterol). The usual dose is 2 puffs twice a day.

  • Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol)

    Breo Ellipta is a powder inhaler that contains an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) and an LABA (vilanterol). The typical dose is 1 inhalation once daily.

  • Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)

    This inhalation aerosol contains an inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide) and an LABA (formoterol). The typical dose is 2 inhalations twice a day.

  • Advair HFA (fluticasone/salmeterol)

    Advair HFA is a metered-dose inhaler that contains an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) and an LABA (salmeterol). The typical dose is 2 inhalations twice a day.

  • Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol)

    This inhalation powder also contains an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) and an LABA (salmeterol). The typical dose is 1 puff twice a day.

  • Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium)

    The Spiriva Respimat inhaler comes preloaded and contains an anticholinergic agent (tiotropium). The usual dose is 2 puffs once daily.

  • Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium)

    The Handinaler differs from the Respimat inhaler in that you have to load each dose capsule into the inhaler before using it. They both contain the same active ingredient. The usual dose is 2 inhalations of one capsule contents once daily.

  • Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

    This is another inhalation powder that contains an anticholinergic medication. You typically take 1 inhalation once a day.

  • Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium)

    This inhaler also contains an anticholinergic and is typically taken as 1 inhalation twice daily.

  • Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium/formoterol)

    Duaklir Pressair contains aclidinium like Tudorza Pressair, but it also contains an LABA (formoterol). You will typically take 1 inhalation twice daily.

  • Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol)

    One of the new inhalers, Trelegy Ellipta contains 3 medications. An inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone), an anticholinergic (umeclidinium), and a LABA (vilanterol). The usual dose is 1 inhalation once a day.

  • Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol)

    Another newer medication, Breztri Aerosphere contains the same combination as Trelegy Ellipta, just with different medications. It contains an inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide), an anticholinergic (glycopyrrolate), and a LABA (formoterol). The usual dose is 2 inhalations twice a day.

Many of these alternatives do not have generics available. If your healthcare provider suggests one of these medications, it is best to talk to your insurance company to see if it is covered and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. You can also check with the drug manufacturer to see what available patient assistance programs they offer and if you qualify. Another way to save money is to check out Universal Drugstore (UDS). UDS is one of Canada’s oldest, largest, and most trusted online prescription referral services with over 20 years of experience helping people access affordable prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

If you would like to know more about Anoro Ellipta, keep reading and learn all of the important information about this COPD medication.

Anoro Ellipta FAQs

What is Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta is a combination prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance treatment of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not approved for the relief of acute bronchospasm (asthma attack) or symptoms. Sudden breathing problems should be treated with a short-acting bronchodilator (rescue inhaler) such as ProAir/Ventolin HFA (albuterol).

How does Anoro Ellipta work?

Anoro Ellipta is an inhalation powder that comes in a preloaded Ellipta inhaler device with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. It is used to administer Anoro Ellipta’s two active ingredients: umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol trifenatate. Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, which is often referred to as an anticholinergic, 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 and reducing the amount of COPD exacerbations (flare-ups).

What are the 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 tightening of your airways), with symptoms such as:

    • Cough
    • Trouble breathing after you use your inhaler

  • 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, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include:

    • 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 drug interactions are there 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) meds, vitamins, or supplements you take may interact with this medication. Some common drug interactions with Anoro Ellipta include:

  • Antibiotics such as clarithromycin and telithromycin
  • Antifungal medications such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
  • Antiviral medications used to treat HIV or hepatitis such as ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir, and saquinavir
  • Other inhaled bronchodilators that contain formoterol, arformoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, salmeterol, or vilanterol
  • 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

Who should not take Anoro Ellipta?

If you have a known allergy 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 (ICS) for the treatment of asthma. Using Anoro without a steroid can lead to an increased risk of asthma-related death.

What does your healthcare provider need to know before you start taking Anoro Ellipta?

You should be 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

What strength does Anoro Ellipta come in?

Anoro Ellipta comes as an inhalation powder and with a preloaded Ellipta inhaler device. It contains blister packs that administer 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol per inhalation.

Can you use Anoro Ellipta and ProAir/Ventolin HFA (albuterol) together?

Yes, you can use both Anoro Ellipta and an albuterol inhaler, but they should not be taken together often. Albuterol inhalers are rescue inhalers that you typically use when you are having sudden breathing problems. If you are using your rescue inhaler often, that means your maintenance medications may not be working well enough. It can also put you at risk of heart side effects if you use albuterol too much. If you are using your rescue inhaler frequently, talk to your healthcare provider to see if you need a change in your maintenance medications.

Which is cheaper, Trelegy Ellipta or Anoro Ellipta?

What you will pay for Trelegy Ellipta or Anoro Ellipta will depend on your insurance plan. Both of these medications can be expensive, especially if your insurance does not cover them. The average retail price of a 60-day supply of Anoro Ellipta is close to $600 while the average price for Trelegy Ellipta is almost $800 for a 60-day supply, per GoodRx.

Is there a generic version of Anoro Ellipta?

No, currently there is no generic version available for Anoro Ellipta. It is a relatively new medication so it will be some time before a generic becomes available. It is estimated that the earliest a generic version may come to the market is not until the end of 2030.

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