fluticasone furoate/vilanterol ellipta

Don't use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) if you're experiencing an asthma attack or COPD flare up because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.

Breo Ellipta contains fluticasone, a steroid medication. When inhaled, it can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat called thrush. To lower your risk for thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit after each inhalation of Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol). If you develop thrush, your pulmonologist might prescribe you a medication to treat this condition and ask you to temporarily stop using Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol). Let your pulmonologist know if you notice symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, cotton-like feeling in your mouth, pain while eating or swallowing, or loss of taste.

Inhaled medications, including Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you have a hard time breathing after inhaling Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.

Like all corticosteroid-containing medications, Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for infections, including upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. Your risk for infections is higher if you're also taking other medications that also weaken your immune system. If you're currently being treated for a serious infection, such as tuberculosis, let your pulmonologist know. They might need to consider a different medication for your condition until you get better. Let your pulmonologist or primary care provider know right away if you have symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, or body aches.

Use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Doing so can cause more of the steroid to be absorbed into the body and raise your risk for symptoms such as higher blood sugar or blood pressure.

Children who use inhaled steroids, like Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol), might experience a delay in growth. To lower the risk of growth problems, your child's pulmonologist will only prescribe the lowest dose needed to help their condition. Your child's care team will check your child's growth regularly while your child is using this medication. If you're concerned about how Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's pulmonologist to see if this medication is right for them.

Although rare, people using inhaled steroids over a long period of time have reported having higher pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to your optometrist before using Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) if you have glaucoma or cataracts 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.

The vilanterol in Breo Ellipta might cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol). Your pulmonologist or cardiologist might ask you to regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home if you have high blood pressure or other heart problems. Don't use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) more often than recommended. If you find that you need to use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) more often, let your providers know so they can see if you need any changes to your treatment plan. Tell your pulmonologist if you have dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness after you use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol).

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. In most cases, this happens if you use more Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) than recommended. Drops in blood potassium levels are typically mild and your levels should go back to usual with time. Sometimes, low potassium can cause tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, and a "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet. Tell your provider if you experience any of these symptoms while you're using Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol). Also let your provider know if you need to use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) more often than instructed. Your treatment plan might need to be adjusted to better control your symptoms.