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Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Montelukast (Singulair) and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) are both used to manage asthma, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling by blocking leukotrienes. It is taken orally once daily, usually in the evening. Montelukast also helps manage seasonal and year-round allergies and can prevent exercise-induced asthma. Breo Ellipta, on the other hand, is an inhaled combination of a corticosteroid (fluticasone) and a long-acting beta agonist (vilanterol). It helps by reducing lung inflammation and relaxing lung muscles to open airways. Breo Ellipta is also used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is taken once daily through inhalation. Montelukast is available in various forms, including chewable tablets and granules, making it suitable for children. Breo Ellipta requires rinsing your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections, while montelukast does not have this requirement. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

Montelukast

(Singulair)

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Breo Ellipta

(fluticasone furoate / vilanterol)

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Summary for Singulair

Prescription only

Montelukast, the generic for Singulair, is used to help control asthma over time and prevent breathing problems during exercise in both adults and children. It's also used to help relieve allergy symptoms. Montelukast (Singulair) comes as tablets, chewable tablets, or oral granules and is usually taken by mouth once a day. Common side effects include upper respiratory infection and headache, and it has a boxed warning for serious mood and behavior changes.

Indications for Singulair

Pros and Cons for Singulair

Pros

  • Only need to take once a day
  • Helps prevent asthma symptoms and allergies
  • Available in child‑friendly forms (chewable tablets, oral granules)

Cons

  • Not for treating sudden asthma attacks
  • Might cause serious mood or behavior changes
  • Not always a first‑choice option for allergies

Common Side Effects for Singulair

  • Upper respiratory infection
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Earache or ear infection
  • Flu
  • Runny nose
  • Sinus infection

Warnings for Singulair

  • Mood or behavior changes
  • Not for asthma attacks
  • High white blood cell counts
  • Chewable tablets not for people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

Summary for Breo Ellipta

Prescription only

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) is a maintenance inhaler used every day to help manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's a combination of two medications: fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces swelling in your lungs, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that helps relax your airways. The typical dose is one puff by mouth once a day. Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) isn't for sudden breathing problems or asthma attacks. Side effects include oral thrush, sore throat, and headache.

Indications for Breo Ellipta

Pros and Cons for Breo Ellipta

Pros

  • Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
  • Inhaled only once a day
  • Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
  • Safe for children 5 years and older for asthma

Cons

  • Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
  • Not safe for those severely allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
  • Can cause thrush in mouth or throat
  • No need to prime or shake the inhaler before use

Common Side Effects for Breo Ellipta

Asthma (adults):

  • Common cold symptoms (7-10%)
  • Headache (5-8%)

Asthma (children):

  • Common cold symptoms (10%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

COPD:

  • Common cold symptoms (9%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Oral thrush (5%)

Warnings for Breo Ellipta

  • Worsening asthma or COPD
  • Overdose
  • Oral thrush
  • Pneumonia
  • Higher risk of infection
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Heart problems
  • Risk of bone loss
  • Slowed growth in children
  • Eye problems
  • High blood sugar and low potassium

Prices with our coupons for Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

Price Card Drug Icon
Montelukast30 tablets / 10mg
$8.73$93.48
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Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Ellipta1 inhaler / 60 blisters of 100mcg/25mcg
$228.01$415.96
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