Breo Ellipta 50-25mcg Oral Inh (30)
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided.
Use your inhaler only for breathing in.
Take your medication at the same time every day.
Continue using your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you're feeling well.
Important Usage Instructions
Do not remove the inhaler from its foil tray until you're ready to use it for the first time.
After each use, close the device and only open it when you need to take a dose.
Do not disassemble or wash the device.
Do not use the inhaler with a spacer.
Avoid breathing out into the device.
Rinse your mouth with water after each use, but do not swallow the water. Instead, spit it out.
Using Multiple Inhaled Medications
If you're using more than one inhaled medication, consult your doctor about which medication to use first.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your inhaler at room temperature in a dry place, away from bathrooms.
Protect the inhaler from heat and sunlight.
The inhaler has a built-in dose counter to track the number of doses remaining.
* Dispose of the inhaler when the dose counter reaches "0", 6 weeks after opening the foil container, or after the expiration date, whichever occurs first.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or use extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Use Breo Ellipta once daily, at the same time each day, as prescribed. Do not use more than one inhalation per day.
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose to help prevent oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth). Do not swallow the water.
- Do not use Breo Ellipta for sudden breathing problems; use your rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol) for acute symptoms.
- Keep track of your symptoms and rescue inhaler use. Report any worsening symptoms or increased rescue inhaler use to your doctor.
- Do not stop using Breo Ellipta suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
- Avoid exposure to triggers that worsen your asthma or COPD (e.g., smoke, allergens, air pollution).
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum production, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Signs of low potassium levels: muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.
Signs of a weak adrenal gland: severe nausea or vomiting, extreme dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Chest pain or pressure, or a rapid heartbeat.
Shakiness or tremors.
Feeling nervous or excitable.
Bone pain.
Changes in vision, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Respiratory Emergency
This medication can cause severe breathing problems, which may be life-threatening. If you experience difficulty breathing, worsening breathing, wheezing, or coughing after taking this medication, use a rescue inhaler and seek immediate medical attention.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or don't go away, contact your doctor:
Headache.
Runny nose.
Nose or throat irritation.
Common cold symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms.
Changes in voice.
Back pain.
Joint pain.
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Sudden worsening of breathing problems (use rescue inhaler and seek immediate medical attention)
- Chest pain or fast/irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, increased mucus, change in mucus color)
- White patches in your mouth or throat (oral thrush)
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or halos around lights (possible glaucoma/cataracts)
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing/swallowing)
- Unexplained weight gain, swelling in ankles/feet, unusual fatigue (signs of systemic corticosteroid effects)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a milk allergy, as this may be relevant to your treatment.
* If you are currently taking another medication similar to this one. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best course of action.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Blood Sugar Control
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), this medication may cause your blood sugar levels to rise. Discuss with your doctor how to manage your blood sugar levels effectively.
Respiratory Problems
If your breathing problems worsen, your rescue inhaler is not working as well as it should, or you need to use it more frequently, contact your doctor immediately.
Dosage and Administration
Do not exceed the recommended dose or use this medication more often than prescribed. Overdosing on this type of medication can be fatal. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Transitioning from Oral Steroids
When switching from an oral steroid to another form of steroid, you may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or low blood sugar. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Stressful Situations
In cases of severe injury, surgery, or infection, you may require additional doses of oral steroids to help your body cope with the stress. Carry a warning card indicating that you may need extra steroids in such situations.
Long-term Use and Eye Health
Prolonged use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Consult your doctor and undergo regular eye exams as recommended.
Bone Health
Long-term use of this medication may also lead to osteoporosis (weak bones). Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and undergo bone density tests as advised.
Infection Risk
You may be more susceptible to infections while taking this medication. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with people who have infections, colds, or flu.
Viral Infections
If you have not had chickenpox or measles before, avoid exposure to these viruses, as they can be severe or even fatal in people taking steroid medications like this one. If you have been exposed, consult your doctor immediately.
Growth and Development in Children and Teens
This medication may affect growth in children and adolescents. Regular growth checks may be necessary. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication for you and your baby.
COPD Patients
If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia, which can be severe or even fatal. This medication may also increase the risk of hospitalization due to pneumonia. Discuss your risks with your doctor.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia, arrhythmias)
- Palpitations
- Tremor
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Exaggerated systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Consider cardioselective beta-blockers for cardiovascular effects, but use with extreme caution in patients with bronchospastic disease.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) due to increased systemic exposure to fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular and systemic corticosteroid adverse effects.
Major Interactions
- Other long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs): Concomitant use is not recommended as it may lead to an overdose of LABA.
- Beta-blockers (including ophthalmic): May block the pulmonary effect of vilanterol and produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma/COPD. Cardioselective beta-blockers should be used with caution, if at all.
- Diuretics (non-potassium-sparing): ECG changes and/or hypokalemia associated with non-potassium-sparing diuretics can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists.
Moderate Interactions
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): May potentiate the effect of vilanterol on the cardiovascular system. Use with extreme caution.
- Other sympathomimetic agents: May potentiate adverse cardiovascular effects.
- Corticosteroids (oral/parenteral): Increased risk of systemic corticosteroid effects.
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline lung function and assess disease severity (COPD/Asthma).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To assess for pre-existing cardiac abnormalities, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease, due to potential beta-agonist effects.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if cardiac risk factors are present.
Rationale: ICS can increase intraocular pressure and risk of cataracts.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in patients with risk factors or prolonged use.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., at each follow-up visit, daily patient self-monitoring)
Target: Improved symptom control, reduced exacerbations, improved quality of life.
Action Threshold: Worsening symptoms, increased rescue inhaler use, or new exacerbations warrant re-evaluation of therapy.
Frequency: At each follow-up visit
Target: Absence or minimal adverse effects.
Action Threshold: Presence of significant or persistent adverse effects may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., every 3-6 months)
Target: Normal growth velocity.
Action Threshold: Growth deceleration may indicate systemic corticosteroid effects and require re-evaluation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with long-term use or risk factors for osteoporosis.
Target: Stable BMD.
Action Threshold: Significant bone loss may require intervention or alternative therapy.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening shortness of breath
- Increased wheezing
- Increased cough
- Increased use of rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol)
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Blurred vision or eye pain
- Oral thrush (white patches in mouth/throat)
- Hoarseness or dysphonia
- Muscle cramps or weakness
- Unusual fatigue or weight gain (signs of systemic corticosteroid effects)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Breo Ellipta in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity with both fluticasone furoate and vilanterol at high doses. Untreated asthma in pregnancy poses risks to both mother and fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Caution should be exercised when Breo Ellipta is administered to a nursing woman. It is unknown if fluticasone furoate or vilanterol are excreted in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Breo Ellipta and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Breo Ellipta or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
Not indicated for children younger than 12 years for asthma or younger than 18 years for COPD. Growth velocity should be monitored in pediatric patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients. However, caution should be exercised in elderly patients with co-morbid cardiovascular conditions due to potential beta-agonist effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Breo Ellipta is a once-daily medication. Emphasize consistent daily use, not as a rescue inhaler.
- Always instruct patients to rinse their mouth and spit after each dose to minimize the risk of oral candidiasis (thrush).
- Educate patients on the difference between Breo Ellipta (controller) and their rescue inhaler (for acute symptoms).
- Patients should be advised not to stop Breo Ellipta abruptly, as this can lead to worsening of their underlying respiratory condition or adrenal insufficiency.
- Monitor for signs of pneumonia in COPD patients, as ICS use can increase this risk.
- Be aware of the Black Box Warning regarding increased risk of asthma-related death with LABAs, and ensure appropriate patient selection (not for acute symptoms, not for patients whose asthma is well-controlled on ICS alone).
Alternative Therapies
- Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone propionate, budesonide, mometasone)
- Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol)
- Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) (e.g., tiotropium, umeclidinium, glycopyrronium)
- Oral corticosteroids (for exacerbations)
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast)
- Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (e.g., roflumilast - for severe COPD)
- Biologic therapies (e.g., omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab - for severe asthma)