Breo Ellipta

Breo Ellipta Drug Information

• Breo Ellipta Overview

  Breo Ellipta is used to prevent and decrease symptoms (wheezing and trouble breathing) caused by asthma and ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema).fluticasone and vilanterol. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the swelling of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Vilanterol belongs to a class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists. It works by opening airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. When used alone, long-acting beta agonists (like vilanterol) may rarely increase the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems. However, combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonists, such as Breo Ellipta, do not increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing problems. For asthma treatment, Breo Ellipta should be used when breathing problems are not well controlled with one asthma-control medication (such as inhaled corticosteroid) or if your symptoms need combination treatment. Before using Breo Ellipta, it is important to learn how to use it properly. Breo Ellipta must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.

• How to Use Breo Ellipta

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using Breo Ellipta and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of Breo Ellipta. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Inhale Breo Ellipta by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not use more than 1 inhalation daily. If you open and close the cover without inhaling Breo Ellipta, you will lose the dose. If this happens, you should load a new dose and inhale it. If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use it as needed for sudden shortness of breath. Contact your doctor for details. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication, and use Breo Ellipta last. To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water. Use Breo Ellipta regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose, use Breo Ellipta more often, or stop using it without talking to your doctor. Also, do not use other long-acting beta agonists while using Breo Ellipta. If Breo Ellipta stops working well, or you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often than usual (4 or more puffs daily or use of more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks), get medical help right away. It may be a sign of worsening asthma or COPD, which is a serious condition. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. If you are regularly taking corticosteroids by mouth (such as prednisone), continue to follow your doctor's instructions on taking them. Do not stop taking them. Your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually. It may take several weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of Breo Ellipta. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Breo Ellipta Precautions

  Before using Breo Ellipta, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to fluticasone or vilanterol; or if you have any other allergies. Breo Ellipta may contain inactive ingredients (such as milk proteins), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Breo Ellipta, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,high blood pressure, bone loss (osteoporosis), depression, diabetes, eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma), heart problems (such as angina, irregular heartbeat), any recent infection, liver problems, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures. Fluticasone/vilanterol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using fluticasone/vilanterol,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using fluticasone/vilanterol safely. If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using Breo Ellipta in higher-than-usual doses for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Breo Ellipta or have used a corticosteroid taken by mouth within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid medications. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Fluticasone/vilanterol can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Breo Ellipta may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. However, poorly controlled asthma can also slow down growth. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Breo Ellipta, especially QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, Breo Ellipta should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Breo Ellipta passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Breo Ellipta Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Breo Ellipta, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Breo Ellipta Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Other medications can affect the removal of fluticasone from your body, which may affect how fluticasone works. Examples include boceprevir, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), some azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), among others.

• Breo Ellipta Side Effects

  What are Breo Ellipta side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Breo Ellipta may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Breo Ellipta as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Breo Ellipta

  The side effects of Breo Ellipta may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Breo Ellipta. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Breo Ellipta may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Breo Ellipta, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Breo Ellipta.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Breo Ellipta, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Breo Ellipta and the side effects associated with Breo Ellipta are described in the following:

  Common Breo Ellipta Side Effects

  Severe

  • bronchitis

  Less Severe

  • oral candidiasis
  • pharyngeal candidiasis
  • pharyngitis
  • upper respiratory infection
  • sinusitis
  • myalgias
  • headache disorder
  • cough
  • headache disorder

  Less Frequent Breo Ellipta Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • voice change
  • pharyngitis
  • cough
  • nervousness
  • nasal congestion
  • palpitations
  • influenza
  • tachycardia
  • tremor
  • pain
  • muscle spasm

  Rare or Very Rare Breo Ellipta Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypercortisolism
  • aggressive behavior
  • glaucoma
  • cataracts
  • paradoxical bronchospasm
  • urinary tract infection
  • skin and skin structure infection
  • urticaria
  • osteoporosis
  • osteopenia
  • skin rash
  • hyperglycemia
  • angioedema
  • pneumonia
  • immunosuppression
  • anaphylaxis
  • hypersensitivity angiitis
  • esophageal candidiasis
  • central serous chorioretinopathy
  • extrasystoles
  • hypertension
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • anaphylaxis
  • upper respiratory infection
  • sinusitis
  • bronchitis
  • hyperglycemia
  • paradoxical bronchospasm
  • chest pain
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • hypokalemia
  • angioedema
  • supraventricular tachycardia

  Less Severe

  • symptoms of anxiety
  • agitation
  • hyperkinesis
  • ecchymosis
  • laryngitis
  • rhinitis
  • depression
  • dental discoloration
  • sore throat
  • xerostomia
  • pruritus of skin
  • arthralgias
  • dizziness
  • viral infection
  • fever
  • fatigue
  • weight gain
  • dyspnea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • irritability
  • eosinophilia
  • rhinorrhea
  • dyspepsia
  • muscle rigidity
  • dental caries
  • facial edema
  • blurred vision
  • oral candidiasis
  • fever
  • peripheral edema
  • arthralgias
  • urticaria
  • skin rash
  • symptoms of anxiety

• Breo Ellipta Storage

  Different brands of Breo Ellipta have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not remove the inhaler from its original foil package until ready to use. Discard the inhaler 6 weeks after you remove it from the original foil package or when the counter reads "0," whichever is sooner. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Breo Ellipta when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.