{"id":14783,"date":"2020-08-05T10:38:20","date_gmt":"2020-08-05T14:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=14783"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:44:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:44:51","slug":"incruse-ellipta-vs-spiriva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/incruse-ellipta-vs-spiriva\/","title":{"rendered":"Incruse Ellipta vs. Spiriva: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you or a loved one has <\/span>chronic obstructive pulmonary disease<\/span><\/a> (COPD), you may have heard about Incruse Ellipta and Spiriva. Both are long-acting anticholinergic inhalers (also known as long-acting muscarinic antagonists, or LAMAs) used for the maintenance treatment of COPD, helping to manage symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

But which inhaler works better\u2014and which one is more affordable? A 12-week clinical study found that Incruse Ellipta may be slightly more effective than Spiriva, but both improve quality of life and are considered safe. Cost and insurance coverage often play a significant role in determining which option is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Incruse Ellipta and Spiriva<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nIncruse Ellipta<\/b><\/td>\nSpiriva<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nAnticholinergic<\/span><\/td>\nAnticholinergic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBrand\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(Spiriva Handihaler is also available in generic form)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nThe active ingredient is umeclidinium (but a generic version is not yet available)<\/span><\/td>\nTiotropium bromide<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nIncruse Ellipta Inhaler (inhalation powder)<\/span><\/td>\nSpiriva Handihaler (capsules for inhalation), Spiriva Respimat (inhalation mist)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nOne oral inhalation (62.5 mcg) once daily at the same time every day<\/span><\/td>\nSpiriva Handihaler: <\/span>Two oral inhalations of the powder contents of one Spiriva capsule (18 mcg) once daily, with the Handihaler device (capsules are for oral inhalation only; not to be swallowed)<\/span><\/p>\n

Spiriva Respimat: 2 oral inhalations (of 1.25 mcg or 2.5 mcg) once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHandihaler: Adults (COPD)<\/span><\/p>\n

Respimat: Adults (COPD, asthma) and children six years and older (asthma)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Incruse Ellipta and Spiriva<\/span><\/h2>\n

Incruse Ellipta and Spiriva are both FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Spiriva Respimat has one additional indication: maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 6 years and older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither drug is a rescue inhaler or to be used for an acute attack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Incruse Ellipta or Spiriva more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is minimal direct data comparing the two drugs. A <\/span>12-week clinical trial<\/span><\/a> compared the efficacy and safety of Incruse Ellipta and Spiriva in just over 1,000 people with COPD. <\/span>The primary endpoint was the trough forced expiratory volume in one second (also called FEV1) at day 85. Patients were evaluated using St George\u2019s Respiratory Questionnaire and other assessments. Both drugs showed meaningful improvements in quality of life and were well-tolerated in terms of safety. The study concluded that Incruse Ellipta was more effective than Spiriva.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only your healthcare provider can determine the most effective medication for you. They can consider the severity of your symptoms and your medical history, along with other medicines you take that could interact with Incruse Ellipta or Spiriva.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Incruse Ellipta vs. Spiriva<\/span><\/h2>\n

Insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover both Incruse Ellipta and Spiriva, but the coverage amount varies by plan. To determine if your specific plan covers either medication, please contact your plan directly for more information about coverage and costs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Comparing the cost of Incruse Ellipta vs. Spiriva<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nIncruse Ellipta<\/b><\/td>\nSpiriva<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\nOne inhaler<\/span><\/td>\nOne Handihaler or one Respimat<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\n$0-407<\/span><\/td>\nVaries based on which formulation and Medicare plan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$76<\/span> at Kroger<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$266 for generic Spiriva Handihaler<\/span> at CVS<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

$62 for Spiriva Respimat<\/span> at Kroger<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code November 13, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Incruse Ellipta vs. Spiriva<\/span><\/h2>\n

Incruse Ellipta<\/b><\/h3>\n