Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate And Vilanterol Trifenatate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Breo Ellipta Used For?
Breo Ellipta is a combination inhaler medication that contains two active ingredients working together to help control breathing problems.
Primary Uses
Breo Ellipta is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For asthma, it helps control symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. For COPD, it manages symptoms including shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort and coughing up phlegm.
How It Works
Breo Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate (a corticosteroid) and vilanterol trifenatate (a bronchodilator). The corticosteroid reduces inflammation by decreasing swelling and irritation in the small air passages in your lungs, helping to prevent asthma attacks. The bronchodilator relaxes the muscles around your airways, helping to keep them open and making it easier for air to flow in and out of your lungs.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing attacks – use your quick-acting inhaler like Ventolin for those situations.
How to Take Breo Ellipta
Breo Ellipta should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
For asthma: One inhalation of either 100/25 micrograms or 200/25 micrograms once daily, depending on what your doctor prescribes. For COPD: One inhalation of 100/25 micrograms once daily. The higher strength (200/25 micrograms) is not suitable for COPD treatment. Use at the same time each day and continue using as long as your doctor recommends, even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your usual dose time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re supposed to. If you remember soon after missing it, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent mouth and throat irritation.
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:
- fever
- headache
- changes in taste
- tremor
- feelings of anxiety
- common cold
- nose, sinus or throat infections
- upper airway infections
- 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
- joint and back pain
- muscle spasms
- stomach pain
- oral thrush
- high blood sugar
- weakening of bones
- rounded face
- slowing of growth in children and adolescents
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, rash, sudden weakness)
- pneumonia (fever, chills, increased sputum, change in sputum color, increased cough, breathing difficulties)
- irregular or fast heartbeat
- palpitations
- blurred vision or eye pain
- cataracts
- immediate breathing difficulties and wheezing after using the inhaler
Important Warnings
Before using Breo Ellipta, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications.
Who Should Not Take Breo Ellipta
Do not use if you are allergic to fluticasone furoate, vilanterol, lactose, or milk protein. Do not give to children under 12 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 (may require lower dose), heart problems or high blood pressure, diabetes or high blood sugar, history of tuberculosis or pneumonia, eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts, weak bones (osteoporosis), thyroid problems, seizures, immune system problems, or any infections. Also mention if you’ve been exposed to chickenpox or measles recently.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Breo Ellipta is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against risks if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk, so discuss with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding.
Age Restriction: Breo Ellipta 200/25 micrograms is not recommended for asthma patients aged 75 years and older.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with Breo Ellipta and affect how it works or increase your risk of side effects.
Important: Do not use other long-acting inhalers similar to Breo Ellipta together, as this may cause an overdose.
- ketoconazole (antifungal medication)
- ritonavir (antiviral medication)
- depression or mood disorder medications (monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants)
- beta-blockers for high blood pressure or heart conditions (should be avoided)
- other similar long-acting inhalers containing corticosteroids or bronchodilators
Alcohol & Driving
Breo Ellipta is not expected to significantly affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be cautious until you know how it affects you personally.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machines until you know how Breo Ellipta affects you. The medication is not expected to impair your ability to drive, but individual responses may vary.
Storage
Store Breo Ellipta in its original foil tray to protect from moisture. Do not open the foil lid until you’re ready to use the inhaler for the first time. Keep in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. If stored in the refrigerator, allow it to return to room temperature for at least one hour before use. Keep out of reach of children. Discard one month after opening the foil tray or when the counter reads ‘0’, whichever comes first.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Breo Ellipta, seek immediate medical attention. Signs may include faster than usual heartbeat, feeling shaky, or headache. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, even if you feel fine. Long-term use of larger than prescribed doses may affect your body’s natural steroid hormone production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breo Ellipta should be used regularly every day to control your breathing difficulties throughout the day and night. It’s designed for long-term control rather than immediate relief of breathing problems.
No, Breo Ellipta is not addictive according to the medication information.
Do not stop using Breo Ellipta suddenly or change the dosage without checking with your doctor. It will only be effective as long as you are using it, so continue taking it even if you feel better unless your doctor advises you to stop.
If you miss your usual dose time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re supposed to. If you remember soon after, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, Breo Ellipta should not be used to relieve sudden attacks of breathlessness or wheezing. For sudden breathing problems, you must use a quick-acting inhaler like Ventolin/salbutamol and seek medical advice.
Rinsing your mouth with water after using the inhaler (without swallowing) helps prevent developing a sore mouth or throat as side effects, and reduces the risk of oral thrush.
Breo Ellipta should not be given to children under 12 years of age, as safety and effectiveness in younger children have not been established.
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.