Anoro Ellipta (Umeclidinium Bromide And Vilanterol Trifenatate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Anoro Ellipta Used For?
Anoro Ellipta is a combination inhaler medication that contains two active ingredients that work together to help open your airways and make breathing easier.
Primary Uses
Anoro Ellipta is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term condition that slowly gets worse. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort and coughing up mucus.
How It Works
Anoro Ellipta belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators. The active ingredients work together to help open the airways and make it easier to breathe. When used regularly, it can help control breathing difficulties related to your disease and minimize the effects on your everyday life.
Not for sudden attacks: Do not use Anoro Ellipta to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness or wheezing. Use a quick-acting inhaler (e.g. Ventolin) instead.
How to Take Anoro Ellipta
Anoro Ellipta should be used regularly at the same time every day to help keep you symptom-free during both day and night.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one inhalation once a day. Take Anoro Ellipta at the same time each day. The inhaler is ready to use straight away – there is no need to prepare or check it before use. You inhale the medicine into your lungs through your mouth using the inhaler. After use, you may clean the mouthpiece with a dry tissue before closing the cover. Do not immerse the inhaler in water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, then go back to using it as you normally would. If you become wheezy or breathless or develop symptoms of an asthma attack, use a fast-acting inhaler (e.g. Ventolin) and seek medical advice.
Important: Do not take an extra dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Sore throat with or without runny nose
- Cough
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Painful and frequent urination (may be signs of urinary tract infection)
- Feeling of pressure or pain in cheeks and forehead (may be signs of sinusitis)
- Pain and irritation in back of mouth and throat
- Upper airway infection
- Hoarse voice
- Headache
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, coughing, swelling of lips/mouth/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, hives, skin rash, fainting, feeling weak or light headed)
- Immediate breathing difficulties and wheezing
- Decrease in vision or eye pain (possible signs of glaucoma)
- Blurred vision
- Increase in measured eye pressure
- Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention)
- Pain or discomfort when passing urine
- Irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, awareness of heartbeat (palpitations)
- Anxiety and feeling anxious
- Tremor, muscle spasms
- Changes in taste
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Anoro Ellipta should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Anoro Ellipta
Do not use if you are allergic to umeclidinium bromide, vilanterol trifenatate, or any ingredients listed. Do not use if you have a severe lactose or milk-protein allergy. Do not use in children or adolescents below 18 years of age. Do not use to treat asthma.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, an eye problem called narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty passing urine or a blockage in your bladder, or any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. It is unknown whether the active ingredients can pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Anoro Ellipta.
Emergency symptoms: If you get tightness of the chest, coughing, wheezing or breathlessness immediately after using Anoro Ellipta, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Anoro Ellipta and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Important: Do not take any other medicines to help you breathe without first checking with your doctor.
- Beta blockers (used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems)
- Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness until you know how Anoro Ellipta affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Anoro Ellipta affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Store in the original package in a cool dry place below 30°C away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. If stored in the refrigerator, allow the inhaler to return to room temperature at least 1 hour before use. Do not open the foil lid until ready to use for the first time. Once removed from the tray, store for a maximum of six weeks or when counter reads ‘0’, whichever occurs first. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Anoro Ellipta, you may need urgent medical attention. Signs may include faster than usual heartbeat, feeling shaky, or headache. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When used regularly, Anoro Ellipta can help control breathing difficulties related to COPD and minimize the effects on your everyday life. The medication should be used consistently at the same time each day for best results.
No, do not use Anoro Ellipta to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness or wheezing. If this happens, you must use a quick-acting inhaler like Ventolin instead.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.
Do not stop using this medicine or change the dosage unless your doctor tells you to. Follow your doctor’s instructions and use Anoro Ellipta until your doctor tells you to stop.
After using the inhaler, you may clean the mouthpiece using a dry tissue before closing the cover. Do not immerse Anoro Ellipta in water.
Do not take any other medicines to help you breathe without first checking with your doctor. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
Once removed from the tray, you may store it for a maximum of six weeks or when your counter reads ‘0’, whichever occurs first. Write the discard date on the label as soon as you remove the inhaler from the tray.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.