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Compare Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

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

Key takeaways

Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron) and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) are both used to help with breathing problems like asthma and COPD, but they work differently and have different uses. Theophylline is a nonselective PDE inhibitor that relaxes the muscles in your airways and helps strengthen your breathing muscles. It is taken orally and is not a first-choice medication because it requires regular blood tests and doesn't work as well as other options. Breo Ellipta, on the other hand, is an inhaled combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). It reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles in your lungs. Breo Ellipta is typically taken once a day and is available in a lower-cost generic form. Unlike Theophylline, Breo Ellipta can start to improve breathing within 15 minutes but needs to be taken daily for the best results. Breo Ellipta should not be used during an asthma or COPD attack. Theophylline can cause side effects similar to having too much caffeine like a headache or trouble sleeping, while upper respiratory infections are common while taking Breo Ellipta. Additionally, Breo Ellipta requires you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections, which is not a concern with Theophylline.

  • Theophylline
    Breo ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol)
  • Theophylline
    Breo ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol)

  • Summary of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Summary for PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Prescription only

    Theophylline is a long-term medication that helps you breathe easier when you have asthma or COPD, but it is not a first-choice medication for these problems.

    Summary for ICS / LABA combo
    Prescription only

    Breo is a combination inhaler used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults and children. It contains two active ingredients, fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid, or ICS) and vilanterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) is inhaled through the mouth once per day. It's available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can differ based on your age and your Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) dose, but generally include upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, and headache.

  • Indications of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    •Maintenance treatment of COPD

  • Pros and Cons of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Pros and Const for PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Pros
    •Can help you breathe easier when other medications do not work well enough
    •Available as a 24-hour pill form that can be taken once a day
    •Both the pill and liquid forms are available in cheaper generic versions
    Cons
    •Does not work quickly and will not help if you are currently having an asthma or COPD attack
    •Requires regular blood tests to check theophylline lab levels
    •Can interact with with other medications or supplements
    •Food affects absorption, so you have to be consistent with how you take theophylline
    Pros and Const for ICS / LABA combo
    Pros
    •Long-term control of asthma and COPD symptoms
    •Inhaled only once per day, unlike other similar inhalers which are used twice per day
    •Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
    Cons
    •Can't use if you're severely allergic to milk proteins because it contains lactose
    •Need to rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent fungal infections (thrush) in your mouth and throat
    •Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler

  • Common Side Effects of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling like you had too much caffeine (nausea, vomiting, headache, inability to sleep)
    Common Side Effects for

    COPD:

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

    Asthma (adults):

    •Headache (8%)
    •Common cold (7%)

    Asthma (children):

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

  • Warnings of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF OTHER CONDITIONS
    •THEOPHYLLINE TOXICITY
    •INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for asthma attacks, COPD flare ups, or worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium levels in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Learn more about Theophylline
    Learn more about Breo ellipta

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