What is Anoro Ellipta Uses, warnings & interactions
Complete a free online enrollment application to find out if you’re eligible to pay only $49 per month for your Anoro Ellipta medication.
Get started todayAnoro Ellipta (umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol) is a combination inhaler that is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It was approved in 2013 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What is Anoro Ellipta used for?
Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol) is a combination of a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) and an anticholinergic medication. It is FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for reducing the number of flare-ups.
Anoro Ellipta is not indicated to treat asthma or acute bronchospasms. It should not be used to relieve sudden symptoms of COPD. You will still need a rescue inhaler to treat any sudden problems with breathing.
How does Anoro Ellipta work?
Anoro Ellipta contains active ingredients from 2 different classes of medications that are used to relieve COPD symptoms. Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or an anticholinergic medication. It binds to the M1 through M5 subtypes of muscarinic receptors in the lungs. It is thought that inhibiting the M3 receptor in the smooth muscle of your airways causes bronchodilation. Vilanterol is a selective adrenergic agonist at beta-2 receptors. Stimulating beta-2 receptors in your lungs relax bronchial smooth muscle and cause bronchodilation.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Anoro Ellipta?
- An Anoro Ellipta inhaler contains 2 foil blister strips of inhalation powder. One strip contains umeclidinium 62.5 mcg per blister and the other contains vilanterol 25 mcg per blister.
Before taking Anoro Ellipta
Before starting Anoro Ellipta, tell your healthcare professional if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Heart problems such as high blood pressure
- Seizures
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Bladder or prostate problems such as problems with passing urine
- Allergy to milk proteins
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Anoro Ellipta
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with your Anoro Ellipta.
- Your doctor should teach you the proper way to use your Anoro Ellipta inhaler before you take your first dose.
- Use Anoro Ellipta as your doctor prescribes it to you. Do not change your dose or stop taking Anoro Ellipta without discussing it with them.
- Use 1 inhalation of Anoro Ellipta once a day, at the same time every day.
- If you miss a dose of Anoro Ellipta, take it immediately. Do not take more than 1 inhalation of Anoro Ellipta per day.
- If you think you have taken too much Anoro Ellipta, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms such as chest pain, worsening shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or increase in heart rate.
- Do not stop Anoro Ellipta treatment without discussing it with your doctor as your breathing symptoms may worsen if you suddenly stop this medication.
- Anoro Ellipta will not replace your rescue inhaler. You should always keep a rescue inhaler with you to relieve sudden breathing problems.
Anoro Ellipta contraindications
Anoro Ellipta is contraindicated in patients who have any of the following medical conditions:
- Serious allergic reaction to milk proteins (lactose) or any ingredients in Anoro Ellipta
- The use of Anoro Ellipta without an inhaled corticosteroid is contraindicated in patients with asthma.
Anoro Ellipta warnings
- Anoro Ellipta should not be used to treat acute breathing symptoms or if you have worsening COPD.
- Do not use Anoro Ellipta with other LABA medications as it increases your risk of overdose.
- Discontinue Anoro Ellipta if you experience paradoxical bronchospasms.
- Caution should be used if you have heart disease, convulsive disorders, thyroid disease, glaucoma, or diabetes.
- Worsening of urinary retention has occurred with Anoro Ellipta. Use with caution if you have prostate or bladder problems.
Most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta
The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta (incidence ≥1% and more common than placebo) are:
- Sore throat
- Sinusitis
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Muscle spasms
- Neck pain
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
Anoro Ellipta can sometimes cause serious side effects including:
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, hives, and anaphylaxis
- Significant cardiovascular effects including increased heart rate and blood pressure
- High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
- Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
- Narrow-angle glaucoma (eye discomfort or pain, blurred vision, seeing halos or colors around lights)
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any adverse effects you experience while taking Anoro Ellipta. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Anoro Ellipta drug interactions
When Anoro Ellipta is taken with other drugs, it may change how they work and increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take, including:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors – ketoconazole, clarithromycin, diltiazem
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors – selegiline
- Tricyclic antidepressants – amitriptyline
- Beta-blockers – atenolol, metoprolol
- Diuretics – furosemide, HCTZ
- Anticholinergics – hyoscyamine, scopolamine
Anoro Ellipta alternatives
There are other COPD medications that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Anoro Ellipta is not the right medication for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
- Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol/umeclidinium)
- Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol)
- Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol)
- Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol)
- Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate/formoterol)
- Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)
How does Anoro Ellipta compare with Trelegy Ellipta?
Anoro and Trelegy are both used in the long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While they both contain umeclidinium and vilanterol, Trelegy also has the corticosteroid fluticasone in it. Trelegy has some additional side effects and drug interactions because of this. Anoro and Trelegy are both taken as 1 inhalation once daily.
These 2 medications have been compared in a 12-month clinical study in patients with COPD. It found that the people who took Trelegy had 25% fewer moderate to severe flare-ups. This study also used surveys to compare the improvement in quality of life. These surveys showed that more Trelegy patients had a significant improvement in quality of life when compared to Anoro.
There is currently no generic alternative available for either medication. Anoro Ellipta has an average cost of around $525 for #60 blisters of 62.5mcg/25mcg while Trelegy Ellipta costs over $700 for #60 blisters of 100mcg/62.5mcg/25mcg.
Anoro Ellipta FAQs
How long does Anoro Ellipta stay in your system?
The half-lives of umeclidinium and vilanterol are both about 11 hours and will stay in your bloodstream for a little over 2 days after your last dose.
How do I store Anoro Ellipta?
You should store this medication at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) in a dry place without exposure to sunlight. You should only open the foil tray when you are ready to use it. Anoro Ellipta should be disposed of 6 weeks after you open the tray or when the counter reads “0”, whichever comes first.
How long does it take for Anoro Ellipta to start working?
Anoro Ellipta will be absorbed into your lungs within 5 to 15 minutes after you take your dose and will last up to 24 hours.
Do I still need to take Anoro Ellipta if I feel better?
Anoro Ellipta is a preventative medication, so it will only work for as long as you are using it. Stopping Anoro Ellipta can cause your COPD symptoms to worsen.
Does it matter what time of day I take Anoro Ellipta?
No, it does not matter the time of day you take Anoro Ellipta, but it should be taken at the same time each day.
Can you take Anoro Ellipta while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no human studies evaluating the effects Anoro Ellipta may have during pregnancy or labor and delivery. Beta-agonists may interfere with uterine contractility so Anoro Ellipta should only be used during labor if the benefits outweigh the risks. There is no information available on whether Anoro Ellipta is found in human milk or the effects it may have on your breastfed child. Animal studies suggest that it is excreted in breast milk.
You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Is there a generic for Anoro Ellipta?
Currently, there is no generic for Anoro Ellipta available on the market. However, you can save on brand-name drugs like Anoro Ellipta through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
