Trelegy Ellipta is an asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) inhaler that combines fluticasone, umeclidinium, and vilanterol to relax the airways in the lungs and alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Fluticasone is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. Umeclidinium is an anticholinergic, which blocks certain neurotransmitters to relax the muscles in the airway. Finally, vilanterol is a bronchodilator that makes breathing easier by widening the airways. This medication does not work as a fast-acting inhaler and should not be used during an asthma or COPD attack.

Trelegy Ellipta should be taken exactly as your doctor prescribes. For more information, refer to the medication packaging and prescription label.

• Use Trelegy Ellipta for long-term treatment only. Use a separate rescue inhaler during asthma attacks or bronchospasms.
• Follow your doctor’s prescribed dosing schedule.
• Do not take more than 1 inhalation of Trelegy Ellipta per day unless instructed by your doctor.
• Rinse mouth with water after use to prevent yeast infections. Do not swallow the water.
• Store this inhaler safely, away from heat, moisture, and light.
• Dispose when the indicator reaches zero, or when the inhaler device has been removed from the foil pouch for 6 weeks.

Before taking Trelegy Ellipta, inform your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Osteoporosis
• Thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease or hypothyroidism
• Heart disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• An epileptic seizure
• Vision problems, including glaucoma or cataracts

Additionally, tell your doctor if you are currently taking:

• Medication for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health disorders
• Atropine
• Antiviral medication
• Antifungal medicine
• Certain allergy medicine such as desloratadine and loratadine
• Medications for Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and overactive bladder (OAB)
• Other bronchodilators for asthma or COPD

Some of the common Trelegy Ellipta side effects are:

• Mouth sores
• Nausea, vomiting, or sinus inflammation
• Mouth pain or altered taste
• Cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough
• Headache
• Joint pain

More severe side effects should be reported to your doctor promptly. Trelegy Ellipta may cause the following severe side effects:

• High blood sugar levels
• Urinary retention or discomfort during urinating
• Tremors
• Low potassium levels, indicated by constipation, fatigue, and tingling or numbness
• Wheezing, difficulty breathing
• Sores or white patches in the mouth
• Eye problems, including tunnel vision, eye pain, or blurred vision
• Chest discomfort or stabbing pain

How to use Trelegy Ellipta?

Trelegy Ellipta is typically prescribed for once-daily dosing. The inhaler contains 30 doses (or 14 if it is a hospital sample). This inhaler does not require shaking prior to use. Before bringing this inhaler to your mouth, fully breathe out. Then, place the mouthpiece between your lips and take one long and steady breath in through the mouth, being careful not to breathe through your nose. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for approximately four seconds. Finally, breathe out gently and close the inhaler.

What should I avoid when taking Trelegy Ellipta?

When using Trelegy Ellipta, steer clear of patients who have been infected by chickenpox or measles. Trelegy Ellipta contains fluticasone, which can increase your risk of complications if infected. Additionally, avoid drug interactions by always asking your doctor before starting a new treatment. Drugs like albuterol, furosemide, prednisone, metformin, and trazadone can interact with Trelegy Ellipta and cause adverse symptoms. This list of drug interactions is not complete. Refer to your doctor’s advice if you are unsure whether a certain drug may cause problems with Trelegy Ellipta.