What is Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta is a combination medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It consists of vilanterol and umeclidinium bromide, a long-acting beta 2 adrenergic agonist (LABA), and a long-acting muscarinic anticholinergic (LAMA), respectfully. Anoro Ellipta treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but is not used for the treatment of asthma or the relief of acute bronchospasm.

How does Anoro Ellipta work?

Given the two active ingredients, Anoro Ellipta works in two specific ways to reduce COPD-induced breathing problems and increase lung function. Umeclidinium helps you breathe more easily by relaxing the muscles in your lung’s airways, while vilanterol helps open the airways in your lungs.

What doses of Anoro Ellipta are available?

Anoro Ellipta is only taken as an oral inhalation. Each inhaler contains two foil blister strips of powder. One blister strip contains umeclidinium 62.5 mcg, and the other contains vilanterol 25 mcg. For the maintenance treatment of COPD, one inhalation daily is the normal dosage.

How do you use Anoro Ellipta?

Ensure you follow all directions given by your healthcare provider and read all drug information on the medication guide or instruction sheets. Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol 62.5 mcg/25 mcg) is usually administered as a once-daily oral inhalation. You should take Anoro Ellipta at the same time every day and it should not be taken more than once in 24 hours. Do not take more often or at a higher dose than the recommended dose given by your doctor. You should seek immediate medical attention if your breathing problems do not improve, or they get worse.

A short-acting bronchodilator such as Proair HFA (albuterol) might also be prescribed for quick relief of COPD symptoms.

Keep Anoro Ellipta at room temperature in the moisture-protective foil tray until immediately before you use it. Discard any leftover medication six weeks after removing it from the moisture-protective foil tray or when the counter reads “0”. Do not reuse the inhaler or take the inhaler apart.

Speak to your doctor if you have any additional questions, including how often you should receive regular medical tests/labs, such as heart rate and lung function tests. You should seek immediate medical attention if your breathing problems do not improve, or get worse.

What are the side effects of Anoro Ellipta?

The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

Swelling of the sinuses
Irregular heartbeat
Sore throat and swelling of the throat
Constipation
Pharyngitis
Lower respiratory tract infection
Blurred vision
Pain in your feet or hands
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Neck pain
Palpitations
Muscle spasm
Chest pain
Urinary tract infection

Rarely, Anoro Ellipta may cause some serious side effects, including:

Serious allergic reactions
- People who are allergic to milk proteins should not take Anoro Ellipta.
- Allergic reaction symptoms could include:
  - Trouble breathing
  - Hives
  - Swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue
Signs of paradoxical bronchospasm.
- Make sure to speak to your doctor immediately. This may be life-threatening.

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Anoro Ellipta. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Anoro Ellipta drug interactions

If you take Anoro Ellipta with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Some drug interactions with Anoro Ellipta include:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Tricyclic antidepressants
Any beta-blockers
Potassium-sparing diuretics
Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors including ketoconazole and ritonavir
Fluconazole

Anoro Ellipta precautions

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you:

Have asthma.
- Anoro Ellipta must be taken with an inhaled corticosteroid if you have asthma.
Have hypersensitivity to milk proteins or lactose.
Have a history of narrow-angle glaucoma.
Have a history of urinary retention.
Have high blood pressure or other heart problems.
Are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Have any type of eye pain or vision problems.
Have a thyroid problem or disorder.
Have any worsening signs of a preexisting condition.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, including:

Any anticholinergics medications (eg. tiotropium).
Any other LABAs (including salmeterol, formoterol, and indacaterol).

Is there a generic available for Anoro Ellipta?

Currently, there is no generic available for Anoro Ellipta in the United States.

How do you store Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta should be stored at room temperature. That is considered between 68°F and 77°F, or 20°C and 25°C. However, limited time at the extremes of 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) is permitted. Keep away from any moisture, direct sunlight, or heat. Keep out of the reach of children.