How long does it take for Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) to work?

When you first start Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium), you might feel improvements in your breathing within [a day](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=dbb64747-1505-49d7-9a33-99dd402e96d3&type=display#section-13) after a dose. If you don't notice improvements to your breathing after using Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium), your pulmonologist might make changes to your COPD treatment.

Can you use Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) and Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) together?

Yes, Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) and [Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol)](https://www.goodrx.com/breo-ellipta/what-is) can be used together if prescribed by your healthcare team. Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long acting beta-agonist (LABA). Triple therapy with a LAMA, ICS, and LABA is [recommended](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29120273/) for certain people who still have severe COPD symptoms even though they're taking Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium). If you need triple therapy, the same manufacturer who makes Incruse Ellipta and Breo Ellipta also makes [Trelegy Ellipta](https://www.goodrx.com/trelegy-ellipta/what-is), which contains an ICS (fluticasone), LAMA (umeclidinium), and LABA (vilanterol).

Can Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) be used for asthma?

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) isn't FDA-approved for [asthma](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/asthma). But other types of long-acting muscarinic antagonists are approved to [help with asthma](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/asthma/long-acting-maintenance-asthma-inhalers-know-your-options). Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about treatment for asthma.

Does Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) cause hair loss?

No, [hair loss](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/alopecia) wasn't a side effect reported by people using Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) in clinical studies. If you notice hair loss while you're taking Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium), contact your primary care provider so they can help you figure out [possible causes](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hair-loss/most-common-causes-of-hair-loss).

Does Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) increase blood pressure?

No, Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) isn't known to increase (raise) blood pressure. So this medication might be an option for people who have [high blood pressure](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hypertension). Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) and blood pressure.

How many puffs are in Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) inhaler?

Each Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) inhaler has 30 doses, which lasts a month. There's a dose counter on the front face of the Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) inhaler. It should say "30" for a new inhaler. Use this counter to keep track of when you need to get a refill.

Incruse Ellipta

umeclidinium

Used for COPD

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) is an long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It's an inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) is inhaled through the mouth once per day. People who use Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) typically don't experience too many side effects, but ones reported include common cold symptoms, like sore throat and cough.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 25, 2024

What is Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)?

What is Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) used for?

Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults

How Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) works

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), a type of anticholinergic medication. It works by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine to relax the muscles in your airways.

Are you looking for information on Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol) instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsIncruse Ellipta

Drug ClassLAMA

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) essentials

Older man sitting on the couch with his son or grandson on his lap while the man is using an inhaler.
ljubaphoto/E+ via Getty Images

A Guide to COPD Inhalers

Written by Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Side effects of Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

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 (8%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
Cough (3%)
Joint pain (2%)

Less Common Side Effects

Sore throat
Muscle pain
Fast heart beat

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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

Source: DailyMed

The following Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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
Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
Trouble passing urine
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):

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Pros and cons of Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

Pros

Inhaled once per day
Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
Can be stored at room temperature

Cons

Can't use if you're severely allergic to milk proteins because it contains lactose
Not a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems
Brand-name medication only

Pharmacist tips for Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

Take an inhalation of Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) at the same time once per day to prevent COPD attacks. You can take Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) at any time of the day.
If you have sudden trouble breathing, use your rescue inhaler. Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) won't treat a COPD 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 COPD.
Let your prescriber know if you're taking other anticholinergic medications, such as tolterodine (Detrol) or hyoscyamine. They might consider switching you to a different medication because taking more than one anticholinergic raises your risk for side effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation, trouble urinating).
Store Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) at room temperature in a dry place away from heat or sunlight. Keep unused inhalers in the original foil pouch.

How to use Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium):

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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 Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) inhaler. It should say "30" for a new inhaler. Use this counter to keep track of when you need to get a refill.
You don't need to prime or shake the Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) inhaler before using it. Each time you open the cover of the inhaler, you're preparing 1 dose. Only open the cover of the inhaler if you're about to take a dose.
When you're ready to take your dose, slide the cover on the Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) inhaler until it clicks and hold it 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 Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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.
Never wash the Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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 Incruse Ellipta

No, Incruse Ellipta isn't a steroid; it's a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that's a bronchodilator. Both inhaled corticosteroids and LAMAs can be used to help with COPD, but they work in different ways. Inhale corticosteroids help you breathe better by lowering inflammation in the airways, whereas LAMAs do so by relaxing the muscles in your airways. Your pulmonologist might prescribe an inhaled steroid for you to use in addition to Incruse Ellipta to help treat COPD.

No, Incruse Ellipta doesn't typically make you tired. Incruse Ellipta can cause certain side effects, such as upper respiratory tract infections and muscle aches, that might make you feel more tired. But tiredness can also be a symptom of worsening COPD. Let your primary care provider know if you're feeling tired. They'll help try to figure out a cause.

When you first start Incruse Ellipta, you might feel improvements in your breathing within a day after a dose. If you don't notice improvements to your breathing after using Incruse Ellipta, your pulmonologist might make changes to your COPD treatment.

Yes, Incruse Ellipta and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) can be used together if prescribed by your healthcare team. Incruse Ellipta is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long acting beta-agonist (LABA). Triple therapy with a LAMA, ICS, and LABA is recommended for certain people who still have severe COPD symptoms even though they're taking Incruse Ellipta. If you need triple therapy, the same manufacturer who makes Incruse Ellipta and Breo Ellipta also makes Trelegy Ellipta, which contains an ICS (fluticasone), LAMA (umeclidinium), and LABA (vilanterol).

Incruse Ellipta isn't FDA-approved for asthma. But other types of long-acting muscarinic antagonists are approved to help with asthma. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about treatment for asthma.

No, hair loss wasn't a side effect reported by people using Incruse Ellipta in clinical studies. If you notice hair loss while you're taking Incruse Ellipta, contact your primary care provider so they can help you figure out possible causes.

No, Incruse Ellipta isn't known to increase (raise) blood pressure. So this medication might be an option for people who have high blood pressure. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about Incruse Ellipta and blood pressure.

Each Incruse Ellipta inhaler has 30 doses, which lasts a month. There's a dose counter on the front face of the Incruse Ellipta inhaler. It should say "30" for a new inhaler. Use this counter to keep track of when you need to get a refill.

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Risks and warnings for Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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 a rescue inhaler

Don't use Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) if you're experiencing trouble breathing 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 Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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.

Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)

Inhaled medications, including Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium), 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 Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.

Serious allergic reactions

Risk factors: Allergy to milk proteins (lactose)

Severe allergic reactions to Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like 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 using Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium).

Worsening narrow-angle glaucoma

Risk factors: Long-term use of Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) | History of glaucoma | History of high eye pressure

Although rare, Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) can raise the pressure in your eyes and worsen symptoms of glaucoma. Talk to your optometrist before using Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) if you have glaucoma 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.

Trouble urinating

Risk factors: Enlarged prostate | Bladder-neck obstruction (blockage)

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) should be used cautiously by people who have prostate problems or urinary retention, because it can worsen this condition and lead to difficulty urinating. Contact your prescriber if you notice difficulty urinating while using this medication.

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) dosage

The average cost for 1 inhaler of 30 blisters of 62.5mcg of Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) is $348.89 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.82% off the average retail price of $452.03.

Inhaler

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
30 blisters of 62.5mcg	1 inhaler	$348.89	$348.89

Typical dosage for Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

Each inhalation of Incruse Ellipta delivers 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium.

Adults: The typical dosing is 1 inhalation by mouth once daily.

How much does Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Incruse Ellipta (brand)

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Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) 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 Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) will not be safe for you to take.

Allergy to lactose or milk proteins

What are alternatives to Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

Used for:

Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults

$348.89Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Spiriva (tiotropium)

Used for:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only

$76.57Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium)

Used for:

Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults

$274.92Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

News about Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)

A Guide to COPD Inhalers

COPD inhalers may contain short- or long-acting medication, and there are a variety of devices on the market. Compare the best COPD inhalers with this guide.

What Are Ellipta Inhalers, and Are They Good for Asthma and COPD?

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol) is an inhalation powder used for the treatment of COPD. Other Ellipta inhalers are also available. Is one right for you? Find out here.

Dry Powder Inhalers: How to Use Them, Choose the Right Brand, and More

Dry powder inhalers (DPI) deliver powdered medication deep into your lungs — when used correctly. Here’s how to use a dry powder inhaler and pick the right device for you.

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) images

This medicine is White Inhaler.white - INCRUSE ELLIPTA 62.5mcg/actuation Powder for Inhalation

References

Best studies we found

Alagha, K., et al. (2014). Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic airway diseases. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease.

American Lung Association. (2024). Measuring your peak flow rate.

Calverley, P. M. A., et al. (2017). Triple therapy in COPD: What we know and what we don't. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

Incruse Ellipta