Symbicort Alternatives: What to Know About Advair, Generics, and More
Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is an inhaler that treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Learn about alternative breathing treatments here.
umeclidinium / vilanterol
Used for COPD
Used for COPD
Anoro Ellipta is a steroid-free inhaler that contains umeclidinium (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, or LAMA) and vilanterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). It's FDA-approved for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. This Ellipta inhaler is inhaled through the mouth once per day. Side effects aren't common, but some people have reported sore throat and diarrhea.
What is Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)?
What is Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) used for?
- Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
How Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) works
Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) is a combination of two medications that work together to help you breathe easier.
- Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), a type of anticholinergic medication. It blocks a chemical called acetylcholine to relax the muscles in your airways.
- Vilanterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). It relaxes the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Anoro Ellipta |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | LAMA / LABA combo |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) essentials
Side effects of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Sore throat (2%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Sinus infection
- Pneumonia
- Constipation
- Muscle spasms
- Neck pain
- Chest pain
- Pain in the limbs of the body
Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, chest pain or tightness
- Heart problems: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tremor, irregular heartbeat, worsening symptoms of heart problem that you already have
- Serious allergic reaction: hives; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue; difficulty breathing
The following Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Trouble passing urine
- Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Tremors or shaking
- Trouble sleeping
Get your GoodRx coupon
$552.94
GoodRx discount
$273.21
Pros and cons of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
Pros
- Combination of two bronchodilators within a single inhaler
- Inhaled once per day
- No need to rinse your mouth after a dose since it doesn't contain a steroid
Cons
- Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler for sudden trouble breathing
- Can't use if you're severely allergic to milk proteins because it contains lactose
- Might not be a good choice for people who've trouble urinating
Pharmacist tips for Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
- Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) is meant to be used at the same time every day to prevent COPD flare ups. You can take Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) at any time of the day.
- Use a rescue inhaler such as albuterol (Ventolin) if you have worsening symptoms of COPD. Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) won't work to treat sudden trouble breathing.
- Call your pulmonologist if your breathing or peak flow meter results worsen. Also contact your pulmonologist if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. These could be signs that Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) alone isn't enough to manage your COPD.
- Don't start any new medications while you're taking Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) without asking your pulmonologist or primary care provider first. Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) might interact with other medications, such as beta blockers), anticholinergic medications, and tricyclic antidepressants. Your healthcare professionals (HCP) can check for interactions to make sure your medications are safe to take.
- Store Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) at room temperature in a dry place away from heat or sunlight.
How to use Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol):
- Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) expires in 6 weeks after you remove it from the foil tray. Write the expiration ("use by") date on the first blank line on the inhaler.
- There's a dose counter on the front face of the Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) inhaler. It should say "30" for a new inhaler. Use this counter to keep track of when you need to get a refill.
- You don't need to prime or shake the Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) inhaler before using it. Each time you open the cover of the inhaler, you're preparing 1 dose. Only open the cover of the inhaler if you're about to take a dose.
- When you're ready to take your dose, slide the cover on the Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) inhaler until it clicks and hold it in a flat position, like a hamburger. Then, breathe out as long as you can. Then, without blocking the vent with your fingers, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece and take a long, steady, and deep breath in through your mouth.
- After you inhale from the Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) inhaler, try to hold your breath for 3-4 seconds, or for as long as you comfortably can. This allows the medication to reach deep into your lungs.
- Never wash the Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) inhaler with water or any liquid. Instead, clean the mouthpiece every once in a while by wiping it with a dry cloth. Just make sure you don't get water or moisture on or near the inhaler. Moisture can make the dry powder medication clump together and clog the inhaler.
Risks and warnings for Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Not for COPD flare ups or worsening breathing
Don't use Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) if you're experiencing a COPD exacerbation because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.
If you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, let your pulmonologist know because this could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. Don't use more doses of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) than recommended because this won't improve your breathing. Rather, this can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as heart problems, tremors, and dizziness.
In addition, don't use Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) with other inhalers containing a LABA, such as salmeterol (Serevent Diskus) or formoterol (Perforomist). Doing so can also worsen side effects.
Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
Inhaled medications, including Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your airways. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you have a hard time breathing after inhaling Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergy to milk proteins (lactose)
Severe allergic reactions to Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol).
Worsening narrow-angle glaucoma
- Risk factors: Long-term use of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) | History of glaucoma | History of high eye pressure
Although rare, umeclidinium in Anoro Ellipta can raise the pressure in your eyes and worsen symptoms of glaucoma. Talk to your optometrist before using Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) if you have glaucoma because they might ask you to come in more often for eye exams. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication.
Trouble urinating
- Risk factors: Enlarged prostate | Bladder-neck obstruction (blockage)
Anoro Ellipta should be used cautiously by people who have prostate problems or urinary retention. Umeclidinium in the inhaler can worsen these conditions and lead to difficulty urinating. Contact your prescriber if you notice difficulty urinating while using this medication.
Heart problems
- Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) than recommended
Vilanterol in Anoro Ellipta can potentially raise your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as cause changes in heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol). Your healthcare team might ask you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly at home if you have high blood pressure or other heart problems. Don't use Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) more often than recommended. Tell your care team if you have dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness after you use Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol).
Low potassium level in the blood
- Risk factors: Taking too much Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
Vilanterol in Anoro Ellipta might cause potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. This is more likely to happen if you take too much Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol). Symptoms of low potassium include tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, and a racing heart. Don't take more Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) than prescribed. Seek medical help right away if Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) isn't helping your breathing get better.
Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) dosage
The average cost for 1 inhaler of 60 blisters of 62.5mcg/25mcg of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) is $273.21 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 50.59% off the average retail price of $552.94. 
Inhaler
Inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 blisters of 62.5mcg/25mcg | 1 inhaler | $273.21 | $273.21 |
Typical dosage for Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
Each inhalation of Anoro Ellipta contains 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol.
- Adults: The typical dose is 1 inhalation by mouth once per day.
How much does Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) will not be safe for you to take.
- Use for the treatment of asthma without an inhaled steroid
- Allergy to milk proteins
What are alternatives to Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) images
