How It Works
Trelegy Ellipta targets specific problems to keep airways clear:
- Calming the swelling: Trelegy helps reduce redness and swelling in your airways to make them less sensitive to triggers.
- Relaxing the tightness: Trelegy blocks tightening signals to prevent the muscles around your airways from squeezing shut.
- Keeping airways open: Trelegy helps keep those same airway muscles relaxed for hours.
By addressing swelling and muscle tightness simultaneously, Trelegy Ellipta provides a comprehensive way to keep your airways open throughout the day and night.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Trelegy Ellipta |
| Drug Class | ICS / LAMA / LABA combination |
| Generic Status | No generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Trelegy Ellipta is a once-daily inhaler. Because it provides 24-hour coverage, taking it more than once a day can lead to serious side effects.
- Typical dose: Providers typically recommend one inhalation (puff) once daily.
- Timing: It is generally recommended to take your dose at the same time every day. This maintains a consistent level of medicine in your lungs.
- Technique: Slide the cover down until you hear a click to load the dose. Breathe out fully away from the inhaler, then put the mouthpiece in your mouth and take a steady, deep breath.
- Hold your breath: Hold your breath for 3 to 4 seconds to let the powder settle into your lungs before breathing out slowly.
- Missing a dose: If you miss a dose, it is generally advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next day’s dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
The FDA has approved Trelegy Ellipta for:
- COPD maintenance: Long-term treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Asthma maintenance: Daily treatment for patients with asthma whose symptoms are not well-controlled on other medications.
Off-Label Uses
You may see Trelegy Ellipta prescribed for uses that are not FDA-approved. This is a common and legal practice called off-label prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
Side Effects
Most people tolerate Trelegy Ellipta well, but because the medication can affect both the lungs and the nervous system, side effects can occur.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Sore throat or cough
- Back and joint pain
- Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth)
- Stuffy or runny nose
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop taking the medication and immediately call the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pneumonia
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
- Heart rhythm changes
- Vision changes
- Urinary issues
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Rinse and Spit
After your daily puff, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This practice removes leftover powder and helps prevent thrush, a yeast infection, from forming on your tongue or throat.
Discard After 6 Weeks
Once you take the inhaler out of its foil tray, the medicine is sensitive to moisture. Providers generally advise throwing the device away 6 weeks after opening, even if the counter doesn’t read 0.
Don’t Wash The Device
Standard guidelines advise against using water to clean your inhaler. Instead, wipe the mouthpiece with a dry tissue once a week.
No Shaking Or Priming
Unlike spray-type inhalers, you do not need to shake the Trelegy Ellipta device.
Watch The Counter
The large number on the front indicates how many doses remain. When it reaches the red zone, be prepared to refill.
Avoid If You Have a Severe Milk Allergy
This medication contains lactose. If you have a severe milk protein allergy, avoid Trelegy Ellipta.
Drug Interactions
Trelegy Ellipta contains multiple ingredients that can interact with other pills or inhalers. Let your doctor know if you take:
- Beta-blockers: These common blood pressure medications (such as metoprolol) can block the airway-opening component of Trelegy Ellipta and may worsen breathing.
- Other LABAs or LAMAs: It is generally advised to avoid using other maintenance inhalers like Spiriva or salmeterol while on Trelegy, as you could overdose on similar types of medicine.
- Antifungals: Certain medications for fungal infections can raise steroid levels in your blood, increasing the risk of whole-body side effects.
- Diuretics: Some water pills can lower your potassium. Combined with Trelegy Ellipta, this could cause heart rhythm issues.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Why do you have to rinse your mouth with water after inhaling a dose of Trelegy Ellipta?
Trelegy Ellipta contains an inhaled steroid. If the powder stays on the surface of your mouth or throat, it can weaken the local immune system, making it easier for a fungal infection like thrush to grow. Rinsing and spitting removes that residue.
How many times a day should Trelegy Ellipta be used for asthma or COPD maintenance?
It is a once-daily medication. Its ingredients are designed to stay active in your lungs for a full 24 hours.
Can Trelegy Ellipta be used as a rescue inhaler during a sudden asthma attack?
No. Trelegy is meant for daily maintenance. In an emergency when you can’t catch your breath, you should use a fast-acting rescue inhaler for treatment, such as albuterol.
Why do you need to discard the Trelegy Ellipta device six weeks after opening the foil tray?
The powder inside the inhaler can absorb moisture from the air once the airtight foil tray is opened. This can cause the powder to clump, meaning you might not get the full dose after six weeks.
How do you verify that a full dose of Trelegy Ellipta was inhaled?
If the dose counter decreases by 1 after inhalation, the dose has been prepared and delivered through the inhaler. You may not always taste or feel the powder, which is normal. If you are unsure whether you are using the inhaler correctly, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Is it necessary to shake the Trelegy Ellipta device before opening the cover to inhale the medication?
No. Shaking is not required and does not change how the dose is delivered.
Can a plastic spacer chamber be attached to the mouthpiece of the Trelegy Ellipta inhaler?
No. Spacers are for spray-type inhalers (MDIs). The Trelegy Ellipta is a dry-powder device that relies on your own breath to draw the medicine into the device. A spacer could block the powder from reaching your lungs.
How should the mouthpiece of the Trelegy Ellipta inhaler be cleaned to prevent buildup?
Wipe it with a dry cloth or tissue. It is generally advised never to use water or soap, as moisture can clog the device.
Is it safe to use Trelegy Ellipta with a daily albuterol nebulizer treatment?
Yes, many patients use albuterol nebulizers for quick relief while also using Trelegy for long-term control. However, your doctor will determine the safest overall treatment plan.
Comparable Medications
Breo Ellipta, Spiriva, Albuterol, or Respiclick?
Here are some potential alternatives to Trelegy Ellipta:
Breo Ellipta
From $589.99
Breo contains two medicines (a steroid and a bronchodilator). Trelegy contains a third ingredient for extra muscle relaxation. Trelegy is often the next step for people who still have symptoms while using Breo.
Spiriva
Spiriva only contains one type of medicine (a LAMA). While it is effective for COPD, it does not treat inflammation.Trelegy contains three types of medicines in a single inhaler.
Albuterol HFA
From $43.99
Albuterol is a rescue medicine that works for a few hours. Trelegy Ellipta is a maintenance medicine that provides 24-hour coverage. Trelegy is used every day, and albuterol is used only when needed.
Respiclick
Respiclick is a different type of dry-powder device, usually used for albuterol or single-steroid inhalers. The main difference is that Trelegy provides triple therapy, while most Respiclick devices provide one or two medicines.
We Have Trelegy Ellipta Inhaler in Stock. Get Yours Today!
Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.