How It Works
Anoro Ellipta works by combining two medicines that keep the airways open:
- Umeclidinium: This long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) works by blocking muscarinic receptors on the muscles surrounding the airways, preventing a chemical called acetylcholine from causing those muscles to tighten.
- Vilanterol: This long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) targets beta-2 receptors in the lungs, which relaxes the airway muscles.
By combining these two medications, Anoro Ellipta helps relax and open the airways, making it easier for a person with COPD to breathe throughout the day.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Anoro Ellipta |
| Drug Class | Combination long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long-acting beta agonist (LABA) |
| Generic Status | Generic is available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
The recommended dose of Anoro Ellipta is 1 inhalation by mouth once daily. The inhaler dispenses a dry powder formulation. Each inhalation delivers 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol.
Here are some general guidelines for using the Anoro Ellipta inhaler:
- Open the inhaler by sliding the cover down until it clicks.
- Exhale fully while holding the inhaler away from your mouth.
- Hold the inhaler and close your lips around the mouthpiece.
- Take a long, steady, and deep breath in through your mouth.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 3–4 seconds.
- Exhale slowly and close the inhaler.
Note: The dosing information below is for educational purposes 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
Anoro Ellipta is FDA-approved as a maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Off-Label Uses
You may see Anoro Ellipta prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very 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.
There are currently no common off-label uses for Anoro Ellipta.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Anoro Ellipta can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Neck or chest pain
- Pain in the arms or legs
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using Anoro Ellipta and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema); difficulty breathing or swallowing; racing heart; or severe rash or itching.
- Sudden breathing problems: Inhaled medications can sometimes cause the smooth muscle around the airways to tighten rather than relax. Symptoms include a sudden worsening of symptoms immediately after using Anoro Ellipta.
- Cardiovascular effects: Anoro Ellipta may increase heart rate or blood pressure, or cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Symptoms include chest pain and fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Vision problems: Use of Anoro Ellipta can increase intraocular pressure, which can cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. Symptoms include vision loss, eye pain or redness, severe headache or vomiting, or seeing halos around lights.
- Urinary retention: Anoro Ellipta may make it difficult to empty the bladder completely. Symptoms include difficult, painful, or frequent urination.
- Low potassium levels (hypokalemia): Anoro Ellipta may lower blood potassium levels. Symptoms include unusual tiredness or weakness, constipation, irregular or fast heartbeat, and muscle cramps or twitching.
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Anoro Ellipta may raise blood sugar levels. Symptoms include increased thirst, hunger or urination, headache, fatigue, and blurry vision.
- Nervous system effects: Some people develop tremors, shaking, or nervousness when taking Anoro Ellipta.
Call your doctor or 911 immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Take Your Dose Consistently
It is recommended to use Anoro Ellipta at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
Keep Anoro Ellipta Inside Its Unopened Foil Tray Until You’re Ready To Use It
After opening the foil tray, Anoro Ellipta should be used within 6 weeks. Write the discard date on the inhaler label when you remove it from the foil tray.
Only Open The Cover When You’re Ready For A Dose
You do not need to shake or prime this inhaler before taking a dose. Opening the cover automatically prepares the dose, so only open it when you are ready to inhale.
Order A Refill When The Dose Counter Gets Low
The front face of the device features a dose counter that starts at 30. You can use this counter as a reminder to order your refill.
Keep A Rescue Inhaler Nearby
Anoro Ellipta is a maintenance inhaler and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. It’s recommended to keep a fast-acting rescue inhaler readily available for sudden breathing attacks.
Never Expose The Inhaler To Water Or Liquids
Moisture can cause the internal powder to clump, clogging the delivery mechanism. Instead, clean the mouthpiece by gently wiping it with a dry cloth.
Store At Room Temperature
Anoro Ellipta should be stored at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.
Tell Your Provider If You’re Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
It is not known if Anoro Ellipta can affect pregnancy or if the medication passes into breast milk. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be, so they can advise whether you need to change your medication.
Try To Avoid Missing A Dose
If you miss a dose of Anoro Ellipta, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take more than one dose per day.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with Anoro Ellipta, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:
- Beta-blockers: Medications used for blood pressure or heart conditions, such as metoprolol or propranolol, can interact with Anoro Ellipta.
- Other anticholinergics: Combining Anoro Ellipta with other anticholinergics (like tiotropium, ipratropium, or aclidinium) can increase the risk of serious side effects.
- Other long-acting beta agonists (LABAs): Do not use Anoro Ellipta with other inhalers containing LABAs (like salmeterol or formoterol), as this can lead to serious cardiovascular side effects.
- Diuretics: Also known as “water pills,” some medications used for blood pressure and water retention may increase the risk of experiencing low potassium levels.
- Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) within the past 2 weeks. These medications may increase the risk of heart-related side effects when used with Anoro Ellipta.
- HIV/AIDS medications: Anoro Ellipta can interact with medications like ritonavir or indinavir.
- Antibiotics: Some medications that treat bacterial infection, such as clarithromycin or telithromycin, may interact with Anoro Ellipta and increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
- Antifungals: Some antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, may interact with Anoro Ellipta and increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
- QT prolonging drugs: Any medications known to prolong the QT interval (a serious heart rhythm problem) can increase the risk of severe heart rhythm abnormalities when used with this inhaler.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Why is Anoro Ellipta prescribed exclusively for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Anoro Ellipta is FDA-approved as a maintenance treatment for adults with COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It’s a controller inhaler designed to provide long-term relaxation of airway smooth muscle and improve lung function. It is not considered safe for the treatment of asthma.
How many times a day should Anoro Ellipta be administered?
Anoro Ellipta should be taken just once per day. A single daily dose consists of one inhalation.
Can Anoro Ellipta be used as a rescue inhaler during acute shortness of breath?
No, Anoro Ellipta is strictly a daily maintenance medication and will not work fast enough to relieve sudden breathing attacks. Individuals must use a designated fast-acting rescue inhaler for sudden breathing attacks.
Why must Anoro Ellipta be discarded six weeks after opening the foil tray?
The dry powder medication in the inhaler is highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Without the moisture-protective foil tray with a desiccant, the medication is more exposed. Exposure to moisture over time can cause the powder to clump together, which may clog the inhaler and prevent accurate dosing.
Does Anoro Ellipta require me to rinse my mouth after use, like corticosteroid inhalers?
Because Anoro Ellipta does not contain an inhaled steroid, you don’t have to rinse your mouth out after every use. However, some people find that rinsing their mouth afterward helps relieve the common side effect of throat irritation.
Can I attach a spacer chamber to the Anoro Ellipta dry powder inhaler?
No, the Anoro Ellipta should never be used with a spacer chamber. Attaching anything to the Anoro Ellipta inhaler may interfere with your ability to receive a full dose of the medication.
Is Anoro Ellipta contraindicated for patients with a milk protein allergy?
Yes, people with a severe allergy to milk proteins are advised not to use Anoro Ellipta. The dry powder formulation contains lactose, which can trigger an allergic reaction in highly sensitive individuals.
How should the mouthpiece of the Anoro Ellipta device be cleaned to prevent powder accumulation?
You can clean the mouthpiece by wiping it gently with a dry cloth. Never wash the inhaler with water or any other liquid. Moisture will damage the medication powder inside.
How can I verify how many doses are left in the Anoro Ellipta inhaler before requiring a refill?
The front face of the Anoro Ellipta inhaler comes with a built-in dose counter. A brand-new inhaler will display the number “30” and count down by 1 each time you open the cover to prepare a dose. You can use the dose counter to help you remember when it’s time to order a refill.
Comparable Medications
Anoro Ellipta, Stiolto Respimat, Trelegy Ellipta, Spiriva, or albuterol?
There are several medications that your doctor can consider prescribing instead of Anoro Ellipta. Here are a few possible alternatives below.
Stiolto Respimat
A daily maintenance inhaler used for managing COPD. Stiolto Respimat contains the same type of dual therapy as Anoro Ellipta (LAMA and LABA), but it delivers the medication as a soft mist rather than a dry powder. It may be preferable for patients who have difficulty using a dry powder device.
Trelegy Ellipta
From $899.99
A daily maintenance inhaler for COPD and asthma that contains the same two medicines as Anoro Ellipta, plus an inhaled corticosteroid. Prescribers may consider Trelegy Ellipta over Anoro Ellipta for patients who have features of asthma alongside COPD.
Spiriva Respimat
A daily maintenance inhaler used for managing COPD and asthma. Spiriva Respimat contains a single long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA) rather than the two found in Anoro Ellipta. It may be preferable for patients with milder COPD or when a simpler regimen is appropriate.
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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.