What is Anoro Ellipta, and how does it work?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause restricted airflow and breathing-related problems. People who suffer from COPD can have symptoms that include frequent coughing or wheezing, production of excess mucus and phlegm, and shortness of breath. Smoking and air pollution are the most common causes of COPD.

If you have been diagnosed with COPD, your healthcare provider may prescribe Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) as part of your treatment plan. It is a combination medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) that is used as a maintenance treatment for COPD. When used every day, it can help you to breathe easier and decrease the number of COPD flare-ups. However, it is not used to treat sudden breathing problems and should not replace your rescue inhaler.

In this blog, we will discuss Anoro Ellipta’s common and serious side effects, what is used for, potential drug interactions, and answer other frequently asked questions.

Anoro Ellipta FAQs

What is Anoro Ellipta used to treat?

Anoro Ellipta is a combination medication that is FDA-approved 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. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled, short-acting beta-2 agonist (rescue inhaler) such as albuterol.

How does Anoro Ellipta work?

Anoro Ellipta contains two active ingredients: umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol trifenatate. They are both bronchodilators that are FDA-approved to provide relief from the symptoms of COPD. 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 dosages are Anoro Ellipta available in?

Anoro Ellipta is available as an inhalation powder and comes with a preloaded Ellipta inhaler device. The Ellipta device itself is a plastic inhaler with a light grey body, a red mouthpiece cover, and a dose counter. It contains blister packs that administer 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol per actuation.

How often should you use 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 once a day, 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 some 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 drugs interact with Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta may interact with other medications, supplements, or foods, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all the medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including:

  • 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 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

What is the cost of Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta is a brand-name medication that does not have a generic available. It can be expensive if your insurance does not cover it. The average retail price of one Anoro Ellipta 62.5 mcg/25 mcg inhaler (60-day supply) is almost $600. However, at UDS, you can get the same medication delivered to you for around $250 with a valid prescription.

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. Once opened, discard your inhaler after 6 weeks or when the counter reads “0” whichever comes first.

Is Anoro Ellipta a steroid inhaler?

No, Anoro Ellipta does not contain a steroid. It’s a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (umeclidinium) and a long-acting beta-agonist (vilanterol). Both of these medications work together to help you breathe easier if you have COPD.

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)

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