Anoro Ellipta vs. Trelegy Ellipta: Differences, similarities & side effects

In this article:

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Is Trelegy better than Anoro?
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Warnings

In this article

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Is Trelegy better than Anoro?
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Warnings

Anoro Ellipta and Trelegy Ellipta are two brand-name medications indicated for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Trelegy can also be used to prevent and control asthma symptoms and exacerbations (worsening of symptoms). Asthma and COPD symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough. These medications are both made by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and are inhaled by mouth to prevent and control symptoms. While Anoro Ellipta and Trelegy Ellipta have some similarities, they have differences as well. Continue reading to learn more about both medications. 

Anoro vs. Trelegy: Key differences

Anoro Ellipta contains two ingredients: umeclidinium, which is classified as an anticholinergic (also known as a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and vilanterol, which is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). The dose is one puff by mouth once a day. Anoro works by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. 

Trelegy contains the same two ingredients, along with fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid. Like Anoro, the dose is one puff by mouth once a day. After using Trelegy, patients should rinse their mouths with water and spit. This helps prevent a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Trelegy works the same way as Anoro, but the addition of fluticasone helps decrease inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Note that in this article, we refer to Anoro and Anoro Ellipta interchangeably—and Trelegy and Trelegy Ellipta interchangeably. Anoro and Trelegy are the medications’ names, while Ellipta is the type of inhaler. An Ellipta inhaler is a type of dry powder inhaler that was developed to deliver once-daily medication to people with asthma or COPD. 

Compare Anoro vs. Trelegy key differences
Comparison	Anoro	Trelegy
Drug class	Anticholinergic and LABA	Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS),  anticholinergic, and LABA
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic	Brand
What is the generic name?	Umeclidinium/vilanterol	The active ingredients are fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol, but there is no generic available
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Dry powder inhaler (inhalation powder) 62.5 mcg umeclidinium, 25 mcg vilanterol	Dry powder inhaler (inhalation powder) 100 mcg fluticasone, 62.5 mcg umeclidinium, 25 mcg vilanterol 200 mcg fluticasone, 62.5 mcg umeclidinium, 25 mcg vilanterol
What is the standard dosage?	1 puff inhaled by mouth once a day	1 puff inhaled by mouth once a day; rinse mouth with water and spit after using
How long is the typical treatment?	Long-term	Long-term
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults	Adults

Anoro vs. Trelegy: Conditions treated

Anoro and Trelegy are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults. Additionally, Trelegy can be used in adult patients with asthma to prevent and control symptoms. Neither drug is FDA approved for use in pediatric patients.

Note: Anoro and Trelegy do not treat sudden, acute symptoms such as an asthma attack or sudden difficulty breathing.

Compare Anoro vs. Trelegy conditions treated
Condition	Anoro	Trelegy
COPD maintenance treatment (adults)	Yes	Yes
Asthma maintenance treatment (adults)	No	Yes

COPD Coupons & Resources

Is Trelegy better than Anoro?

A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine studied over 10,000 people with COPD over the period of one year. The researchers compared Trelegy (which has three ingredients) to two different inhalers (Anoro and Breo Ellipta), each of which has two ingredients. The primary outcome was the annual rate of moderate or severe exacerbations of COPD during treatment. 

The researchers found that people who took Trelegy had a lower rate of exacerbations, as well as a lower rate of COPD-related hospitalizations. They also reported better lung function and a better health-related quality of life. However, people who took Anoro had a lower rate of pneumonia as a side effect of medication than those who took Breo or Trelegy. 

A 2025 review of studies found that once-daily single-inhaler triple therapy (such as Trelegy) offers significant benefits for COPD patients, especially those at high risk, when compared with LAMA/LABA dual therapy (such as Anoro). 

There are many factors that contribute to deciding the best medication for a patient, including the benefits and risks of each treatment, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. Only a healthcare provider can determine the best treatment option for your condition, considering individual factors such as symptoms, medical conditions, medical and family history, potential side effects, and drug interactions. 

Anoro vs. Trelegy: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans often provide some type of coverage for Anoro or Trelegy, but out-of-pocket costs will vary by plan. You can always contact your health insurance provider for more information and the most recent pricing estimates on your medication. Similar drugs for those with breathing problems who may want to explore other options with their healthcare provider include inhalers like Advair, Symbicort, Spiriva, or Breo Ellipta. 

For uninsured patients paying out of pocket, the average retail price of one brand-name  62.5 mcg/25 mcg Anoro inhaler (14 blisters) is about $173. Using a SingleCare coupon can lower the price to $117. Switching to generic Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium-vilanterol) could save you even more money.

For uninsured patients, a Trelegy inhaler costs approximately $914 for one, 100 mcg/62.5 mcg/25 mcg inhaler (a one-month supply), but using a SingleCare coupon can bring the price down to $534. 

RELATED: How to save money on Trelegy Ellipta

Compare Anoro vs. Trelegy cost and coverage
Comparison	Anoro	Trelegy
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Yes
Average cost	$173 for one, 14-blister inhaler	$916 for one 60-blister inhaler
Saving options	Free Anoro Ellipta coupon	Free Trelegy Ellipta coupon

Anoro vs. Trelegy side effects

Common side effects of Anoro include:

• Sore throat
• Common cold symptoms 
• Arm or leg pain
• Chest pain
• Sinus infection
• Constipation 
• Muscle spasms
• Lower respiratory tract infection 
• Diarrhea 
• Neck pain

Common Trelegy side effects for people with COPD include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection 
• Flu 
• Sinus infection 
• Sore throat and mouth pain
• Runny nose, cough
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Yeast infection of the mouth or throat
• Headache
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Altered taste
• Stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• A hoarse voice 

Common Trelegy side effects for people with asthma include:

• Sore throat 
• Common cold, runny nose
• Flu 
• Upper respiratory tract infection 
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infection 
• UTI 
• Headache 
• Back pain

In rare cases, serious side effects may occur. People with symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, should seek emergency medical attention. 

This is not a full list of side effects, and other side effects can occur. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about the side effects of Anoro or Trelegy. 

Anoro and Trelegy drug interactions

Before taking Anoro or Trelegy, tell your healthcare professional about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. 

Anoro and Trelegy have many of the same drug interactions, such as beta blockers, diuretics (water pills), certain antidepressants, and more. 

This is not a full list of drug interactions, and others may occur. Talk to your healthcare provider about drug interactions and how they may affect you.

Compare Anoro vs. Trelegy drug interactions
Drug	Drug class	Interacts with Anoro?	Interacts with Trelegy?
Ketoconazole	Antifungals	Yes	Yes
Atenolol Metoprolol	Beta blockers	Yes	Yes
Phenelzine  Tranylcypromine	Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)	Yes	Yes
Amitriptyline  Nortriptyline	Tricyclic antidepressants	Yes	Yes
Furosemide  Hydrochlorothiazide	Certain diuretics (water pills)	Yes	Yes
Certain cold or allergy medicines Overactive bladder medications Parkinson’s disease medications	Anticholinergic drugs	Yes	Yes

Anoro and Trelegy drug warnings

Before using Anoro or Trelegy, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including any heart, thyroid, urinary, prostate, or bladder problems, seizures, diabetes, or glaucoma. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding. 

If you are allergic to milk proteins, check with your healthcare provider. People with a severe milk protein allergy should not use either of these inhalers and would instead require an inhaler that does not contain lactose. 

Some people experience a rare side effect of Anoro or Trelegy where the lungs constrict—instead of relaxing—after using the inhaler. If this happens, stop using Anoro or Trelegy, use your rescue inhaler (such as albuterol), and call your healthcare provider right away or get urgent medical help. 

During your treatment, your healthcare provider will monitor you carefully. Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments and any other related appointments, such as for lab work. Always check in with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Nov. 10, 2025. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Anoro and Trelegy coupon pages for updated prices near you.