fluticasone
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children ages 5 years and older. Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) comes as an Ellipta inhaler, which is a type of dry powder inhaler. The dosage is typically 1 inhalation through the mouth once per day. Some common effects include the common cold and headaches.
What is Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)?
What is Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) used for?
- Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 5 years and older
How Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) works
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid. It helps you breathe better by lessening inflammation and swelling in the lungs.
Drug facts
Side effects of Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Common cold (up to 13%)
- Headache (up to 13%)
- Bronchitis (swelling of your airways) (7%)
- Flu (7%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Oral fungal infection
- Mouth and throat pain
- Sinus infection
- Toothache
- Throat irritation
- Hoarseness
- Cough
- Stomach pain
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough
The following Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
- Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, fatigue, dizziness
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
- Thrush—white patches in the mouth
- Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in taste
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Sore throat
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Pros and cons of Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
Pros
- Only used once per day
- Inhaling into the lungs has fewer side effects than taking a pill by mouth
- Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
Cons
- Must rinse mouth after each use to prevent thrush
- Contains lactose; not for people allergic to milk proteins
- Only available as a brand medication
Pharmacist tips for Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
- Use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) once per day at the same time every day to prevent asthma attacks. You can take Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) at any time of the day.
- If you have sudden trouble breathing during an asthma attack, use your rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol (Ventolin)). Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) won't treat an asthma attack as it's happening.
- Call your pulmonologist if your breathing or peak flow meter results worsen. Also contact your pulmonologist if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. These could be signs that you need another long-acting medication to help manage your asthma.
- Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) expires in 6 weeks after you remove it from the foil tray. Write the expiration ("use by") date on the first blank line on the inhaler.
- There's a dose counter on the front face of the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler. It should say "30" for a new inhaler. Use this counter to keep track of when you need to get a refill.
- Store Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) at room temperature in a dry place away from heat or sunlight. Keep unused inhalers in the original foil pouch.
Tips for how to use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone):
- Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) comes in 3 different strengths: 50 mcg/inhalation, 100 mcg/inhalation, and 200 mcg/inhalation. Your prescriber will adjust your dose, or prescribe you a new strength, based on how you respond to the medication. Make sure you know which strength you have and what your dose of Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is.
- You don't need to prime or shake the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler before using it.
- Each time you open the cover of the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler, you're preparing 1 dose. Only open the cover of the inhaler if you're about to take a dose. Don't open and close the cover if you don't plan to take a dose of the medication. You will lose doses of the medication.
- When you're ready to take your dose, slide the cover on the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler until it clicks and hold in a flat position, like a hamburger. Then, breathe out as long as you can. Then, without blocking the vent, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece and take a long, steady, and deep breath.
- After you inhale from the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler, try to hold your breath for 3-4 seconds, or for as long as you comfortably can. This allows the medication to reach deep into your lungs.
- After you're done using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), rinse your mouth with water and then spit. This helps lower the risk of thrush (fungal infection) in the mouth and throat.
- Never wash the Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler with water or any liquid. Instead, clean the mouthpiece every once in a while by wiping it with a dry cloth. Just make sure you don't get water or moisture on or near the inhaler. Moisture can make the dry powder medication clump together and clog the inhaler.
Common questions about Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
Yes. The active ingredient in Arnuity Ellipta is fluticasone, which is an inhaled corticosteroid (or steroid). Steroids work to help keep your airways open by lowering inflammation. This helps you breathe better.
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is a long-acting medication that works over time to lower inflammation in your lungs. Some people might notice their asthma symptoms getting better after a few hours. But you need to use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) daily for 1-2 weeks or longer to experience the maximum benefit. If you're still having symptoms after this time, your healthcare team can raise your dose of Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) or talk with you about other medication options. Keep in mind that because it takes a while for Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) to work, it shouldn't be used as a rescue inhaler like albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) to treat an asthma attack.
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) isn't FDA-approved to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But pulmonologists sometimes prescribe inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone, for COPD treatment, typically for people with more advanced COPD. Usually, inhaled corticosteroids are prescribed along with other inhalers for COPD. Talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about COPD treatments.
There are many different inhaled steroids for asthma that are similar to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone). Examples of other inhaled steroids include budesonide (Pulmicort), fluticasone (Flovent Diskus, ArmonAir Digihaler), and beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler). In general, inhaled corticosteroids are first-choice options for treating asthma. Your healthcare team can help you choose one based on your needs and preferences, taking into account different factors such as cost and ease of use. Ask your care team about possible alternative options to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone).
No, Arnuity Ellipta and Flovent aren't the same. They're brand name medications that contain different forms of fluticasone as the active ingredient. Arnuity Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate, whereas Flovent contains fluticasone propionate. The biggest difference is that fluticasone furoate is used once per day, whereas fluticasone propionate is used twice per day. Another difference is the inhaler devices that each medication comes as. Flovent comes as both an HFA (aerosolized) and Diskus inhaler (a dry powder inhaler). Arnuity Ellipta only comes as a dry powder inhaler, but it's a different type of an inhaler than the Flovent Diskus called an Ellipta inhaler. The main difference between both dry powder inhalers is the Ellipta inhaler might be easier to use because it doesn't require as strong as an inhalation as the Diskus does to deliver the dose. Lastly, Arnuity Ellipta is available as a brand name only, whereas Flovent is available as a generic only.
Each new Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) inhaler contains 30 puffs. This means one inhaler will last for 30 days. There is a dose counter on the face of the inhaler that'll help you keep track of how many puffs you have left. Make sure to request a refill in a timely manner before your inhaler runs out so you don't miss any doses.
No, there isn't a lower-cost generic for Arnuity Ellipta; it's available by brand-name only. If you're concerned with the cost of Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), talk to your care team about ways to save.
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Risks and warnings for Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
Don't use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) if you're experiencing an asthma attack because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.
If you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, let your pulmonologist know because this could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. Don't use more doses Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) than recommended because this won't improve your breathing. Rather, this can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as heart problems, tremors, and dizziness.
Fungal infection in the mouth
- Risk factors: Not rinsing and spitting after using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) | Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), like all inhaled steroids, 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 Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone). If you develop thrush, your pulmonologist might prescribe you a medication to treat this condition and ask you to temporarily stop using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone). 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.
Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
Inhaled medications, including Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), 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 Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.
Higher risk of infections
Like all corticosteroid-containing medications, Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) 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.
Changes in stress hormone levels
- Risk factors: Using Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) for a long time | Using too much Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
Use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Doing so can cause more steroid to be absorbed into the body and raise your risk for symptoms such as higher blood sugar or blood pressure.
On the other hand, if you're transitioning to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) from oral steroids, you might experience symptoms of low steroid hormone, such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. When you transition to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), your pulmonologist will work with you to lower your dose of oral steroids slowly over time to prevent these side effects.
Delayed growth in children
Children who use inhaled steroids, like Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone), 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 Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's pulmonologist to see if this medication is right for them.
Eye and vision problems
- Risk factors: History of glaucoma or cataracts
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 Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) 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.
Allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergy to milk proteins (lactose)
Allergic reactions to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) are possible. These reactions can include life-threatening facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone).
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) dosage
Inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 blisters of 50mcg | 1 inhaler | $135.09 | $135.09 |
| 30 blisters of 100mcg | 1 inhaler | $137.22 | $137.22 |
| 30 blisters of 200mcg | 1 inhaler | $167.82 | $167.82 |
Typical dosage for Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) comes in three different strengths. Each inhalation can contain 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 200 mcg of fluticasone furoate.
- Ages 12 years and older: The typical starting dose is 100 mcg inhaled through the mouth once per day. After 2 weeks, your prescriber can raise the dose to 200 mcg once daily if you need a higher dose to help control your asthma.
- Ages 5 to under 12 years: The typical dose is 50 mcg inhaled through the mouth once per day.
How much does Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) cost?
Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) will not be safe for you to take.
- Treatment of sudden, severe asthma attack
- Allergy to lactose or milk proteins
What are alternatives to Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)?
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