Question 1

What is Trelegy Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

This medication combines three active ingredients: fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol. It contains a corticosteroid to reduce airway inflammation, along with an anticholinergic and a long-acting bronchodilator to help keep the airways open.

This combination therapy is designed to improve overall lung function by targeting multiple pathways in the lungs. It provides long-term support to help maintain open airways and manage persistent symptoms.

Question 2

What is Trelegy Ellipta used for?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

How does Trelegy Ellipta work?

Accepted Answer

Three-Way Action

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active ingredients that target different aspects of lung disease to improve breathing:

Fluticasone furoate: This is an inhaled corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways. By calming the immune response in the lungs, it helps prevent the airways from becoming overly sensitive and narrow.

Umeclidinium: This is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), also known as an anticholinergic. It blocks the action of a chemical called acetylcholine, which normally causes the muscles around the airways to tighten. By blocking this chemical, the muscles stay relaxed.

Vilanterol: This is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It works by stimulating specific receptors in the lungs that trigger the airway muscles to relax and stay open.

Maintenance vs. Rescue

The ingredients in Trelegy Ellipta are long-acting, meaning they provide a steady effect over a 24-hour period. This medication is designed to be used once every day to prevent symptoms from occurring. Because it takes time for the medication to work, it will not stop a sudden attack of breathlessness or wheezing. A separate fast-acting rescue inhaler is required for the immediate relief of sudden symptoms.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Trelegy Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Trelegy Ellipta are:

Fluticasone furoate

Umeclidinium

Vilanterol

Question 5

What are the side effects of Trelegy Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Trelegy Ellipta may include:

upper respiratory tract infection

headache

cough

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Trelegy Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

Trelegy Ellipta belongs to the inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting beta2-agonist combination drug class.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

How to Use Trelegy Ellipta

This medication is for oral inhalation only. It should be used at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in the body. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat a sudden attack of shortness of breath or wheezing.

Administration Steps

Do not open the inhaler cover until you are ready to take a dose.

Slide the cover down until you hear a click. The dose counter will count down by one.

Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.

Place the mouthpiece between your lips and take one long, steady, deep breath through your mouth. Do not breathe in through your nose.

Hold your breath for about 3 to 4 seconds, or as long as comfortable.

Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out gently.

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

After Use

Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose. Do not swallow the water. This helps reduce the risk of developing a yeast infection in the mouth or throat.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take more than one inhalation in a 24-hour period. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Question 8

Is Trelegy Ellipta safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Trelegy Ellipta in pregnant women. Because human data are limited, the risk of birth defects or miscarriage is not fully known. In animal studies, the individual components of this medication showed some adverse effects on fetal development, but these typically occurred at doses much higher than those used by humans.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with your doctor. It is important to keep asthma or COPD well-controlled during pregnancy, as poorly managed respiratory conditions can pose risks to both the parent and the fetus.

Labor and Delivery

Trelegy Ellipta contains vilanterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist. These types of medications may interfere with uterine contractions during labor. Use during labor and delivery should be limited to cases where the benefit clearly justifies the risk to the mother.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether the components of Trelegy Ellipta pass into human breast milk, affect the breastfed child, or impact milk production. While some corticosteroids can be found in breast milk, the amount absorbed into the body after inhalation is typically very low. Consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against any potential risks to the infant.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Trelegy Ellipta come in?

Accepted Answer

Dosage Forms

Trelegy Ellipta is provided as a dry powder for oral inhalation. The medication is contained within a plastic inhaler device that houses foil blister strips.

Inhalation Powder: A dry powder formulation intended for oral inhalation using the provided inhaler.

The inhaler is a disposable device that delivers the medication when the user inhales through the mouthpiece. It is designed to be used without a spacer.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Trelegy Ellipta?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval Status

Trelegy Ellipta is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a combination inhalation powder. It contains three active ingredients: fluticasone furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid), umeclidinium (an anticholinergic), and vilanterol (a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist).

Approved Indications

The medication is indicated for the following uses in patients 18 years of age and older:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is used for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is also approved to help reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations.

Asthma: It is used for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma.

Limitations of Use

Trelegy Ellipta is not approved for the relief of acute bronchospasm. It is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden breathing problems.

Regulatory Safety Information

There is currently no Boxed Warning or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) required by the FDA for Trelegy Ellipta. While long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA) were previously subject to specific safety warnings when used alone for asthma, the FDA has determined that these risks are significantly reduced when a LABA is used in a fixed-dose combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Question 11

What should I know about Trelegy Ellipta and cost?

Accepted Answer

Generic Status

Trelegy Ellipta is currently available only as a brand-name medication. There are no FDA-approved generic versions of the fluticasone, umeclidinium, and vilanterol combination inhaler at this time. Generic versions typically become available only after the brand-name manufacturer's patents expire.

Insurance and Coverage

The amount you pay for Trelegy Ellipta often depends on your insurance plan. Most Medicare Part D and private insurance plans provide coverage, though the medication may be placed on a specific tier in the plan's formulary, which determines the copay or coinsurance amount.

Financial Assistance

For individuals without insurance or those with high out-of-pocket costs, there may be options to reduce the price:

Manufacturer Savings: The manufacturer may offer savings cards or coupons for patients with commercial insurance.

Patient Assistance Programs: Programs may be available for eligible patients who meet specific income requirements or are uninsured.

Pharmacy Discounts: Some retail pharmacies offer discount programs that may lower the cash price of the medication.

Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider or pharmacist to determine the exact out-of-pocket cost based on their specific coverage.

Trelegy 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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