fluticasone furoate / vilanterol

Don't use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) during an asthma attack or COPD flare-up because it won’t give quick relief. Instead, use a rescue inhaler like albuterol if you're having trouble breathing.

Using Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) more often, at a higher dose than prescribed, or with other LABAs can raise your risk of overdose. Taking too much can lead to serious side effects like heart problems, and in rare cases, even death. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, tremor, headache, or nervousness.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) contains fluticasone furoate, a steroid that can sometimes cause a mouth and throat infection called oral thrush. To help prevent thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose.

Studies show that people with COPD who use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) can have a higher risk of getting pneumonia. In some cases, pneumonia has led to hospitalization or even death. Symptoms of pneumonia can look a lot like a COPD flare-up, so it’s important to watch for warning signs such as fever, chills, cough with mucus, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) can make it harder for your body to fight infections. Infections like tuberculosis, chickenpox, and measles can be more serious if you're using this medication. Don't use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) if you have an active or ongoing infection without talking with your prescriber first. Let them know right away if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever, body aches, tiredness, vomiting, pain, chills, or nausea.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) can be absorbed into your bloodstream. At the recommended dose, it usually doesn’t affect your adrenal glands, which make important stress hormones. But if you take more than prescribed or also take certain medicines that interact with Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol), you might experience adrenal insufficiency, a condition where your body doesn't make enough of its own steroid hormones.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) can sometimes cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your airways tighten instead of relax. This is rare but can be life threatening. If you notice more wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing after using Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol), stop using it and use a rescue inhaler (like albuterol) right away. Contact your prescriber since you might need to switch to a different treatment.

Serious allergic reactions to Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) are possible. These reactions can include hives, swelling of the face or throat, rash, or trouble breathing. Stop using this inhaler right away if you have any of these reactions and get medical help. Because Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) contains lactose, people with a severe milk protein allergy shouldn't use this medication.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) can sometimes affect your heart. It might raise your heart rate or blood pressure and can cause irregular heart rhythms. Your risk is higher if you take more than prescribed or if you already have heart problems like high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. If you notice heart-related problems, your prescriber might have you stop using this medication.

If you take Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) for a long time, you might be at risk for bone loss. It's not certain if this will lead to broken bones, but your risk is higher if you're an older adult, postmenopausal, have a poor diet, smoke, or take certain medications. Your prescriber might check your bone density regularly to help protect your bone health. If you've had broken bones or a history of osteoporosis, talk to your prescriber before starting this medication.

Children who use inhaled steroids like Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) might grow more slowly. To help lower this risk, your child's pulmonologist will prescribe the lowest dose needed to control their asthma. Your child's care team will also check their growth regularly while they use this inhaler. If you're concerned about how Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) might affect your child's growth, talk with your child’s pulmonologist to see if it’s the best option.

Using Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) for a long time can raise eye pressure, worsen glaucoma, or lead to cataracts. Talk to your prescriber right away if you experience blurry vision, eye discomfort, or other changes in your vision. You might need an eye exam to check for these problems.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) can raise blood sugar levels. Let your prescriber know if you're feeling more thirsty or hungry than usual, confused, or urinating more often. These can be signs of high blood sugar.