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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 furoate / vilanterol)
  • Theophylline
    Breo ellipta (fluticasone furoate / 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 Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    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 of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Indications for
    •Asthma - in adults and children 5 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults

  • 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 Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    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 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

    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 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
    •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 Theochron (branded generic) vs. Breo Ellipta

    Learn more about Theophylline
    Learn more about Breo ellipta

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