Fluticasone and Vilanterol - Medication Detail

Medication Type:  Long Term Control, should be taken every day as prescribed

Generic Names:  Fluticasone and Vilanterol

Brand Names:  Breo Ellipta®

Description:  Breo Ellipta inhalation powder contains a combination of fluticasone and vilanterol. This inhaler is used once every day for long term control of asthma symptoms. It prevents irritation and swelling in the airways and causes muscles in the airways to relax, opening them for easier breathing.

Delivery

DPI (dry powder inhaler)

Spacer

Breo cannot be used with a spacer.

Dosage

Adults: one inhalation once a day

Proper Use

  • See instructions for proper use. Take this medication at the same time each day and not more than once in a 24 hour period.
  • Breo comes in a foil tray. Peel back the lid and throw away the tray and drying packet that comes with the tray.
  • Write the date that you opened the tray on the inhaler label. The inhaler is good for 6 weeks only, so also write the “discard date” on the label (discard date is 6 weeks after you opened the tray).
  • Do not open the inhaler cover until you are ready to use. Each time you open the cover, a dose is prepared for use. When you are ready to use, open the cover. You should hear a “click”.
  • Do not shake the inhaler.
  • Breathe out fully and hold the inhaler like a hamburger with both hands. Bring the mouthpiece to your mouth and close your lips around the curved mouthpiece.
  • Breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth. Do not block the air vent with your fingers.
  • Remove the mouthpiece and hold your breath for 3 or 4 seconds. Breathe out slowly and gently. Close the inhaler.
  • Rinse your mouth with water and spit out.

Missed Dose

  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
  • Do not take more than 1 inhalation per day.
  • Take your next dose at your usual time.

 

Precautions

  • Do NOT use this drug to treat an asthma attack. Continue to use this medication as prescribed, even if asthma symptoms are not present.
  • If you have been taking this drug for many weeks, talk with your doctor before stopping. You may want to slowly stop this drug.
  • Avoid being near anyone with chickenpox or measles.
  • Talk with your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, high blood sugar (diabetes), a fast heartbeat, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, soft and brittle bones (osteoporosis), overactive thyroid, seizures, if you are being treated for any type of infection, or if you have a severe milk allergy.
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Common Interactions

Some of the medications Breo Ellipta interacts with include antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole; ritonavir or other HIV/AIDS medicine; or heart medication – atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, nebivolol, and many others.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions.

Possible Side Effects

Tell your doctor or seek medical attention if your breathing gets worse quickly, or if breathing problems get worse over time while using it.

Possible side effects include body aches or pain, chills, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, ear congestion, headache, loss of voice, muscle aches, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy/runny nose, unusual tiredness or weakness.

Proper Storage

  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat, light, and moisture.
  • Do not store in a bathroom.

When there are fewer than 10 doses remaining, the dose counter will show a “red” color as a reminder to get a refill. When the dose counter says 0 or the discard date has been reached (whichever happens first), throw the inhaler away.