Arnuity Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Arnuity Ellipta Used For?
Arnuity Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid used to treat asthma in patients 5 years and older. It helps control breathing difficulties when used regularly.
Primary Uses
Arnuity Ellipta is prescribed to treat asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways. It helps control symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. This medication is for regular daily use to prevent asthma symptoms, not for sudden breathing attacks.
How It Works
Fluticasone furoate reduces inflammation by decreasing swelling and irritation in the small air passages in your lungs. This makes breathing easier and helps prevent asthma attacks. The medication works by reducing inflammation, which is one of the main causes of asthma symptoms along with bronchoconstriction.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is available only with a prescription.
How to Take Arnuity Ellipta
Arnuity Ellipta should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take one inhalation once daily at the same time each day using the Ellipta inhaler device.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and adolescents (12+ years): One inhalation of 100 or 200 micrograms once daily. Children (5-11 years): One inhalation of 50 micrograms once daily. Patients with liver disease may need a maximum dose of 100 micrograms once daily. Use at the same time each day and continue for as long as your doctor recommends.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you become wheezy or breathless, use your fast-acting inhaler and seek medical advice.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without medical advice.
Available Tablet Strengths
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:
- headache
- nose, sinus, or throat infections
- flu (influenza)
- pain and irritation in back of mouth and throat
- pressure or pain in cheeks and forehead
- itchy, runny, or blocked nose
- cough
- hoarseness
- bronchitis
- back pain
- oral thrush
- weakening of bones
- rounded face
- slowing of growth in children and adolescents
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, rash, sudden weakness)
- blurred vision or eye pain (possible glaucoma)
- cataracts
- immediate breathing difficulties and wheezing after using the inhaler
Important Warnings
Before using Arnuity Ellipta, inform your doctor about all medical conditions and medications you’re taking.
Who Should Not Take Arnuity Ellipta
Do not use if you are allergic to fluticasone furoate, lactose, or milk protein. Do not give to children under 5 years old. Do not use if the package is expired, torn, or tampered with.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, tuberculosis or pneumonia history, eye problems (glaucoma or cataracts), weak bones (osteoporosis), long-standing infections, recent exposure to chickenpox or measles, or milk protein intolerance. Children under 12 with liver disease should not use this medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Arnuity Ellipta is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh benefits against potential risks. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication. It’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk, so discuss with your doctor if breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Arnuity Ellipta and affect how it works or increase side effects.
- ketoconazole (antifungal medication)
- ritonavir (antiviral medication)
- other similar corticosteroid inhalers (should not be used together)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Arnuity Ellipta affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but be cautious until you know how it affects you personally.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Store in original packaging to protect from moisture. Do not open foil lid until ready to use for the first time. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. If refrigerated, allow inhaler to return to room temperature for at least 1 hour before use. Keep away from children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground. Discard one month after opening foil tray or when counter reads ‘0’, whichever comes first.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Arnuity Ellipta, seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms may include faster heartbeat, feeling shaky, or headache. Immediately call Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Long-term use of larger doses may reduce natural steroid hormone production in your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arnuity Ellipta is designed for regular daily use to control asthma symptoms over time. It should be used consistently as prescribed to maintain effectiveness throughout the day and night.
No, Arnuity Ellipta is not addictive according to the medication information.
Do not stop using Arnuity Ellipta suddenly or change the dosage without checking with your doctor. The medication will only be effective as long as you are using it.
No, Arnuity Ellipta should not be used to relieve sudden attacks of breathlessness or wheezing. For sudden attacks, you must use a quick-acting inhaler such as Ventolin/salbutamol.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Arnuity Ellipta can be used in children 5 years and older. Children 5-11 years use 50 micrograms once daily, while those 12+ years may use 100-200 micrograms once daily. It should not be given to children under 5 years.
Yes, you should rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using the inhaler if possible. This helps reduce the likelihood of developing a sore mouth or throat as side effects.
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.