Question 1

What is Breo Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

Breo Ellipta is a combination medicine containing two active components: fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. Fluticasone furoate belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids, while vilanterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist.

Together, these substances work to decrease swelling in the respiratory passages and help the muscles around the airways stay relaxed. This dual action helps to maintain open airways and facilitate easier breathing over an extended period.

Question 2

What is Breo Ellipta used for?

Accepted Answer

Breo Ellipta is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .

Question 3

How does Breo Ellipta work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Breo Ellipta contains two active ingredients that target different aspects of respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):

Fluticasone furoate: This is an inhaled corticosteroid. It works by decreasing the body's inflammatory response in the lungs. By reducing swelling and irritation in the airways, it helps prevent symptoms from starting.

Vilanterol: This is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It works by stimulating receptors in the muscles surrounding the airways, causing them to relax. This process, known as bronchodilation, helps keep the airways open for an extended period.

Because vilanterol is long-acting, the medication is typically used once daily to provide continuous airway support. It is important to note that Breo Ellipta is designed for long-term maintenance and does not work fast enough to treat a sudden asthma attack or respiratory distress.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Breo Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Breo Ellipta are Fluticasone furoate and Vilanterol .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Breo Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Breo Ellipta may include:

upper respiratory infection

headache

oral thrush

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Breo Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

Breo Ellipta belongs to the inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Breo Ellipta and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Use

Breo Ellipta is for oral inhalation only. It is typically used once every 24 hours at the same time each day. It should be used regularly to be effective, even if you do not feel symptoms.

To use the inhaler:

Slide the cover down until you hear a click.

Breathe out fully, being careful not to breathe into the inhaler.

Place the mouthpiece between your lips and take one long, steady, deep breath through your mouth.

Hold your breath for a few seconds.

Remove the inhaler and breathe out slowly.

Close the inhaler by sliding the cover back up over the mouthpiece.

After using the medication, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the water. This helps prevent yeast infections in the mouth and throat.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.

Important Considerations

This medication is intended for maintenance treatment and should not be used to treat a sudden onset of breathing problems. Always have a separate rescue inhaler available for emergency use.

Question 8

Is Breo Ellipta safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

It is not currently known if Breo Ellipta will harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should consult your healthcare provider to discuss whether the benefits of using this medication outweigh the potential risks. While animal studies have shown some risks with high doses of corticosteroids, human data is limited.

One of the active ingredients in Breo Ellipta, vilanterol, belongs to a class of drugs called long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs). These medications may interfere with uterine contractions during labor and delivery. Because of this potential effect, the use of Breo Ellipta during labor should be carefully managed by a medical professional.

Breastfeeding

It is unknown if the active ingredients in Breo Ellipta, fluticasone and vilanterol, pass into human breast milk. There is also no information available regarding the medication's effect on milk production or its impact on a nursing infant. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor about the safest way to manage your condition.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Breo Ellipta come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Forms

Breo Ellipta is supplied as a dry powder for oral inhalation. The medication is contained within a plastic inhaler device that includes the following features:

Inhalation Powder: The active ingredients are formulated as a dry powder stored in separate foil blister strips inside the device.

Inhaler Device: A disposable plastic inhaler designed to deliver the combined medications each time it is activated.

Dose Counter: The device features a built-in counter to track the number of remaining doses.

This medication is intended for oral inhalation only and should not be used with a spacer device.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Breo Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval History

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Breo Ellipta in May 2013. It was initially indicated for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It was also approved to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of flare-ups.

In 2015, the FDA expanded the approval of Breo Ellipta to include the treatment of asthma in adults aged 18 years and older. This indication was further expanded in 2020 to include pediatric patients aged 12 years and older.

Regulatory Status and Safety

Breo Ellipta is classified as a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). While LABA medications previously carried a boxed warning regarding the risk of asthma-related death, the FDA removed this warning requirement for ICS/LABA combination products in late 2017. This decision followed a review of large safety clinical trials that demonstrated these combination products do not significantly increase the risk of serious asthma-related events compared to inhaled corticosteroids alone.

The medication is approved for maintenance treatment only and is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm, also known as rescue therapy. It is not available as an over-the-counter product.

Question 11

What should I know about Breo Ellipta and cost?

Accepted Answer

Factors Influencing Price

The retail price of Breo Ellipta is influenced by several factors, including your location and the specific pharmacy you visit. Because it is a brand-name medication, it is generally more expensive than generic alternatives.

Generic Availability

A generic version of the fluticasone furoate and vilanterol combination is available. Generic drugs typically cost less than brand-name versions because they do not require the same initial research and development costs.

Insurance and Assistance

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover Breo Ellipta, though the specific copay amount depends on the plan tier system. For those without insurance or with high out-of-pocket costs, the manufacturer may offer patient assistance programs or savings cards to help lower the price. It is advisable to compare prices at different pharmacies and check for available coupons before filling a prescription.

Breo Ellipta

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Additional Resources

Support & Help Resources

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