What is Breo Ellipta used for?
Breo Ellipta is prescribed to manage and prevent symptoms (such as shortness of breath and wheezing) caused by chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, including persistent bronchitis and emphysema). This inhaler contains 2 medical ingredients: fluticasone and vilanterol. Fluticasone is a part of a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Breo Ellipta functions by diminishing the inflammation of the airways in the lungs to make breathing more comfortable. Vilanterol is classified as a long-acting beta agonist. It opens airways to make breathing easier.Breo Ellipta Information
How to Use Breo Ellipta?
Use Breo Ellipta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s directions and read the medication guide before starting and whenever you refill your medication.
Breo Ellipta is not a rescue inhaler for sudden bronchospasm attacks. You should only use rescue inhalers for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems suddenly get worse.
Breo is a powder that comes preloaded in a special device in blister packs. Each time you use the Ellipta device it loads a blister of the Breo medication each time you use the inhaler.
Use Breo Ellipta at the same time daily, and no more than once in a 24 hour period.
Always rinse out your mouth with water after using Breo Ellipta in order to help you prevent thrush. Your doctor will also need to check you for lung infection on a regular basis. Your vision and bone mineral density may also need to get checked.
What are the drug interactions with Breo Ellipta?
Drug interactions can change how your medications work. Sometimes two drugs will interact in such a way that they should never be used together. In other cases your doctor can take precautions including changing the dose of Breo Ellipta so that you can safely use two medications that may otherwise have an interaction. Some of the medications that interact with Breo Ellipta include:
- Atazanavir
- Chloroquine
- Clomipramine
- Desipramine
- Haloperidol
- Mirtazapine
- Olanzapine
- Solifenacin
- Tetrabenazine
This is not an exhaustive list of medications that interact with Breo Ellipta. Ensure you give your doctor a list of every medication you take including all prescription, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products you take. If you have any questions about Breo Ellipta you can reach out to a pharmacist through our customer service team at 1-844-416-4282.
What are Side Effects of Breo Ellipta?
Along with the intended effects, Breo Ellipta can cause unwanted side effects. Though not all of these effects will occur, if they do occur they may need some medical attention.
The following side effects may occur while taking Breo Ellipta. If you experience the following check with your doctor immediately:
More Common
- Body aches or pain
- Chills
- Ear congestion
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of voice
- Muscle aches
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Less Common
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Joint or muscle pain
- Pounding in the ears
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Tightness of the chest
- Unusual weight gain or loss
- Vomiting
Incidence Not Known
- Noisy breathing
- Tremor
If you experience the following symptoms of overdose get emergency medical attention:
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- Chest discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
You may experience some Breo Ellipta side effects that don’t require medical attention. These kinds of side effects will go away once your body adjusts to the medication and usually don’t need medical attention.
If the following effects persist talk to your doctor:
Less Common
- Creamy white, curd-like patches in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty with moving
- Muscle stiffness
- Pain when eating or swallowing
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you experience side effects not listed here, talk with your doctor ass soon as possible. If you have any questions about side effects you can reach a licensed pharmacist through our customer care team by calling 1-844-416-4282.
What is the recommended dosage for Breo Ellipta?
The recommended dosage for Breo Ellipta depends on the condition being treated:
- For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the usual dosage is one inhalation of 100 mcg/25 mcg once daily.
- For asthma, the usual starting dose is one inhalation of 100 mcg/25 mcg once daily, but some patients may need 200 mcg/25 mcg once daily for better control.
Always take it at the same time each day and follow your doctor's instructions.
Breo Ellipta Price in Canada
Starting price of Breo Ellipta 100mcg/25mcg Inhaler in Canada
- 30 doses - $255.95 USD ($8.53 per doses)
- 60 doses - $484.60 USD ($8.08 per doses)
- 90 doses - $692.24 USD ($7.69 per doses)
Breo Ellipta FAQs
Is Breo Ellipta used for asthma or COPD?
Breo Ellipta is used to treat both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- For asthma, it helps prevent symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
- For COPD, it is used to reduce flare-ups and improve breathing.
It is a long-term, maintenance medication, not meant for sudden breathing problems.
How long does Breo Ellipta take to work?
Breo Ellipta starts to work within a few hours of taking your first dose, but it may take a few days to a week for you to notice significant improvement in your breathing. For full benefits, it may take up to two weeks of regular use. It's important to take it daily as prescribed, even if you don't feel immediate effects.
How often should I use Breo Ellipta?
You should use Breo Ellipta once daily. Take one inhalation at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it more than once a day, and avoid skipping doses to ensure it works effectively.
Are there long-term side effects of using Breo Ellipta?
Yes, using Breo Ellipta long-term can have some side effects. It may weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. You could also get oral thrush, which is a fungal infection in the mouth, but this can be prevented by rinsing your mouth after each use. Long-term use might also weaken your bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and may cause eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma. It's important to discuss these risks with your doctor and have regular check-ups to monitor for any side effects.
Does Breo Ellipta cause anxiety or mood changes?
Yes, Breo Ellipta can cause anxiety or mood changes in some people, though this is not a common side effect. As it contains a corticosteroid, some users may experience mood swings, nervousness, or increased anxiety. If you notice significant changes in your mood or anxiety levels, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help assess whether the medication is the cause and discuss other treatment options if needed.