Anoro Ellipta side effects and how to avoid them

Anoro Ellipta is a brand-name medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While the Anoro Ellipta inhaler is generally well tolerated, there are some potential side effects that people should be aware of. The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta include infections. Less common, but more serious side effects, can include serious allergic reactions.

Learn more about the side effects of Anoro Ellipta and what you can do to avoid them.

What is Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol)?

Anoro Ellipta is a maintenance treatment prescribed to adults who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Anoro Ellipta is not for the treatment of asthma. COPD is a lung disease that causes long-term inflammation in your lungs and your airways, making it harder for you to get air in and out of your lungs.

Anoro Ellipta contains two active ingredients, umeclidinium bromide, and vilanterol. They are a bronchodilator combination that work together to help you breathe more easily and to provide relief from your symptoms.

Umeclidinium is an anticholinergic drug that helps to relax and open up your airways. It attaches to the surface of muscle tissue in your airways at sites called muscarinic receptors. This stimulates the muscarinic receptors, causing them to relax the muscle tissue, opening your airways.

Vilanterol is a drug called a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), and it also helps to relax the muscle tissue in your airways. It attaches to receptors on the surface of muscle tissue, called beta-adrenoreceptors, causing the muscle to relax.

Anoro Ellipta dosage

Anoro Ellipta is an inhalation powder that comes with a preloaded Ellipta inhaler device with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. The device loads a blister of Anoro Ellipta each time you use the inhaler.

Use Anoro Ellipta as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use 1 inhalation each day, at the same time each day, and do not use more than once in a 24-hour period. If you miss a dose of Anoro Ellipta use it as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the inhaler at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the inhaler in the sealed foil tray until ready to use. Discard the inhaler after 6 weeks from opening, or when the dose indicator shows a zero.

You are advised to read the patient information provided with this medicine for the full drug information and to always speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Anoro Ellipta side effects

The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta include:

• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• An increase in respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infection
• An increase in sinus infections
• Common cold symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Pain in your arms and legs
• Neck pain
• Chest pain
• Muscle spasms

Anoro Ellipta can cause more serious side effects, including:

• Serious allergic reactions to the medication that can cause rashes and hives, swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue, and shortness of breath
• Paradoxical bronchospasm – worsening of your breathing or wheezing
• Sudden breathing problems immediately after taking the medication
• Increased blood pressure
• Palpitations and/or irregular heartbeat and chest pain
• New or worsening eye problems, including acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Symptoms may include eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, vomiting or nausea, seeing halos or bright colors around lights, and red eyes
• Urinary retention – difficulty with urinating, urinating frequently, painful urination,
• Low potassium levels – leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest

If you experience any of these serious side effects, stop taking Anoro Ellipta and seek medical attention immediately.

Anoro Ellipta drug interactions

Anoro Ellipta can interact with other medications including:

• Other medications to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Other medicines that contain a LABA (beta2-adrenergic agonist)
• Beta-blocker medications, taken to manage various heart conditions
• Diuretic medications, also called water pills, taken to make you urinate more water and salt, often used to lower blood pressure
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Any anticholinergic medications, like tiotropium, ipratropium, or aclidinium
• Any HIV medications, including ritonavir
• Any antifungal medications, including ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Atropine, taken to treat a range of conditions, including nerve agent and pesticide poisoning, and a slow heart rate

Before taking Anoro Ellipta, be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking to ensure they are safe to take at the same time.

Anoro Ellipta warnings & precautions

Don’t take Anoro Ellipta if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredients umeclidinium bromide or vilanterol
• Have a known hypersensitivity to any of the other ingredients in in Anoro Ellipta, such as lactose
• Have a severe milk protein allergy
• Have asthma (Anoro Ellipta is for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease only)
• Are under 18 years of age

Talk to your doctor before taking Anoro Ellipta if you:

• Have any heart problems
• Have high blood pressure
• Have diabetes
• Have any liver problems
• Have any thyroid problems
• Have seizures
• Have any eye problems, particularly glaucoma
• Have any problems that make it difficult to pass urine, like an enlarged prostate or a bladder condition
• Are allergic to any milk proteins
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed – It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including Anoro Ellipta, to make sure it is safe for you.

Other warnings you should know about

• Anoro Ellipta is not used to treat sudden symptoms of COPD. You should always keep a rescue inhaler (an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator) with you to treat sudden symptoms of COPD
• You are recommended not to use other anticholinergic drugs such as ipratropium, tiotropium, or LABA drugs such as formoterol, or salmeterol while using this medication

How to avoid Anoro Ellipta side effects

The best way to avoid side effects is to take Anoro Ellipta as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not take more or less than prescribed.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to help reduce or prevent some of the side effects.

1. Stick to the recommended dosage

Take your prescribed dose of Anoro Ellipta that has been recommended by your healthcare professional. Do not take more or less than prescribed.

2. Monitor your blood sugar levels

If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while taking Anoro Ellipta. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and report any changes to your doctor immediately.

3. Don’t skip meals

Eating regular meals and snacks will help to prevent low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

4. Check your feet

If you have diabetes, check your feet for any cuts, sores, or redness regularly. Tell your doctor if you experience any problems with your feet while taking Anoro Ellipta.

5. Know the signs and symptoms of Anoro Ellipta side effects

Signs and symptoms of side effects of Anoro Ellipta include upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. If you experience any of these symptoms speak to your doctor for medical advice.

6. Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking

Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they can interact with Anoro Ellipta.

7. Get regular medical check ups

If you have COPD it is important to get regular medical check ups and monitor your medical conditions. Your doctor will monitor your side effects and may adjust your dose of Anoro Ellipta as needed.