What is Trelegy Ellipta Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayTrelegy Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol/fluticasone furoate) is a combination of 3 prescription medications that is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It is indicated to treat asthma and COPD symptoms. Trelegy Ellipta inhaler is not a rescue medicine used for asthma exacerbations. You will still need a rescue inhaler if you experience sudden breathing problems.
What is Trelegy Ellipta used for?
Trelegy Ellipta is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone furoate), an anticholinergic (umeclidinium), and a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (vilanterol). It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for:
- Maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema
- maintenance treatment of asthma in adults over the age of 18
Trelegy Ellipta is not indicated to treat acute bronchospasms.
How does Trelegy Ellipta work?
Trelegy Ellipta uses medications from 3 different drug classes to treat lung diseases such as COPD and asthma:
- Fluticasone furoate is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in your lungs by a wide range of actions on pro-inflammatory cell types and mediators.
- Umeclidinium bromide is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (anticholinergic). Inhibition of the M3 receptor in the smooth muscles of your airways leads to bronchodilation and increased airflow.
- Vilanterol is a long-acting agonist at the beta-2 receptors in your heart and bronchial smooth muscle. Stimulation of these receptors relaxes the smooth muscles in your lungs which causes bronchodilation and improves bronchial airflow.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Trelegy Ellipta?
- 100 mcg/62.5 mcg/ 25 mcg per actuation
- 200 mcg/62.5 mcg/ 25 mcg per actuation
Before taking Trelegy Ellipta
Before starting Trelegy Ellipta, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Heart problems such as high blood pressure
- Seizures
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Liver impairment
- Osteoporosis
- Weakened immune system
- Glaucoma or other eye problems such as cataracts
- Allergic to milk proteins
- Bladder dysfunction or problems passing urine
- Fungal infection
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Trelegy Ellipta
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with Trelegy Ellipta.
- Your doctor should show you how to properly use your inhaler before you start taking Trelegy Ellipta.
- Use your Trelegy Ellipta inhaler exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Do not change your dose or stop taking Trelegy Ellipta without discussing it with your doctor.
- Use 1 inhalation of Trelegy Ellipta once a day at the same time each day.
- If you miss a dose of Trelegy Ellipta, take it as soon as possible and then take your next dose at its regular time. Do not take more than 1 inhalation of Trelegy Ellipta per day.
- If you think you have taken too much Trelegy Ellipta, call your doctor for medical advice or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms such as worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, or increased heart rate.
- Trelegy Ellipta does not replace your rescue inhaler. You should always keep one with you to treat sudden symptoms.
- Store Trelegy Ellipta at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), away from heat and sunlight. Trelegy Ellipta should be stored in the unopened tray until it is ready for use. Trelegy Ellipta should be discarded 6 weeks after the tray has been opened or if the counter reaches “0” before 6 weeks have passed.
Trelegy Ellipta contraindications
Trelegy Ellipta is contraindicated in patients who:
- Have had an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta or any of its inactive ingredients
- Are having severe asthma or COPD symptoms that are getting worse or require intensive treatment
- Have an allergy to milk proteins
Trelegy Ellipta warnings
- Long-acting beta agonists (vilanterol) increase your risk of serious complications from asthma.
- Do not use along with other long-acting beta-agonists as it can lead to an overdose.
- Oral fungal infections (thrush) may occur with Trelegy Ellipta. You should rinse your mouth with water without swallowing to reduce your risk.
- Increased risk of developing or worsening bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.
- Adrenal dysfunction may occur with Trelegy Ellipta.
- Use Trelegy Ellipta with caution if you have heart disease, seizures, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
- Increased risk of osteoporosis with long-term use. Your bone mineral density should be checked periodically.
- Increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
- Trelegy Ellipta may worsen urinary retention. It should be used with caution if you have prostate or bladder disorders.
Common side effects of Trelegy Ellipta
The most common side effects of Trelegy Ellipta include:
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Back pain
- Common cold
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infection
- Thrush
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Dry mouth
- Joint pain
- Blurred vision
- Upset stomach
- Increased blood sugar
Trelegy Ellipta can cause serious side effects including:
- Heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate, or high blood pressure
- Worsening of COPD or asthma symptoms
- Decreased bone mineral density
- Urinary retention
- Low potassium levels
- Eye pain, blurred vision, glaucoma
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including hives, swelling, or trouble breathing
Contact your doctor for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Trelegy Ellipta. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Trelegy Ellipta drug interactions
Be sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking, including:
- Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors such as Nizoral (ketoconazole) and Cardizem CD (diltiazem) can increase the levels of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol and lead to increased adverse effects.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
- Beta-blockers such as Tenormin (atenolol) and Lopressor (metoprolol) can block the bronchodilation of beta-agonists and cause severe bronchospasm.
- Diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide) may cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
- Other anticholinergic medications such as Atrovent (ipratropium) and Ditropan XL (oxybutynin).
Trelegy Ellipta alternatives
There are other medications that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Trelegy Ellipta is not the right medication for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
- Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate)
- Advair Diskus (salmeterol/fluticasone)
- Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol)
- Breo Ellipta (vilanterol/fluticasone furoate)
- Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol)
How does Trelegy Ellipta compare with Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol)?
Trelegy Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta are both FDA-approved for the long-term maintenance treatment of COPD. Trelegy Ellipta is also approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults 18 years of age and older.
In a clinical study that compared the 2 medications in patients with COPD, Trelegy Ellipta patients had approximately 25% fewer moderate to severe flare-ups than Anoro Ellipta patients. Patients on Trelegy Ellipta were also at a 16% lower risk of having a flare-up. Based on surveys taken during this 1-year study, 42% of patients on Trelegy Ellipta saw meaningful improvement in their COPD symptoms while 34% of patients on Anoro Ellipta saw meaningful improvement.
There is currently no generic alternative available for either medication. Trelegy Ellipta has an average cost of over $700 for #60 blisters of 100mcg/62.5mcg/ 25mcg while Anoro Ellipta costs over $500 for #60 blisters of 62.5mcg/ 25mcg.
Trelegy Ellipta FAQs
How long does Trelegy Ellipta stay in your system?
Trelegy Ellipta has a half-life of between 11 and 24 hours, so it will stay in your bloodstream for up to 5 days after your last dose.
How do I store Trelegy Ellipta?
Store Trelegy Ellipta at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), away from heat and sunlight. Trelegy Ellipta should be stored in the unopened tray until it is ready for use. Trelegy Ellipta should be discarded 6 weeks after the tray has been opened or if the counter reaches “0” before 6 weeks have passed.
How long does it take for Trelegy Ellipta to start working?
In clinical studies, patients on Trelegy Ellipta saw an improvement in breathing test (FEV1) scores with the first dose, but it took several weeks to see the full effects.
Can you take Trelegy Ellipta while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is insufficient data on the use of Trelegy Ellipta during pregnancy. It should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risks. There is no data on whether Trelegy Ellipta is found in breast milk or the effects it may have on the infant or milk production. 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 Trelegy Ellipta?
Currently, there is no generic for Trelegy Ellipta available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Trelegy Ellipta through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
