Anoro Ellipta dosage, forms, and strengths

Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium-vilanterol) is a brand-name combination inhaler prescribed as a maintenance treatment for adults with (COPD). Anoro is the name of the combination drug, which contains an (umeclidinium) and a (vilanterol) to , whereas is the name of the inhaler. Anoro Ellipta is not approved to treat or work as a rescue inhaler. Anoro Ellipta is taken as a single actuation (1 puff) once per day.

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Anoro Ellipta is not approved for use in children or adolescents.

Anoro Ellipta dosage for COPD

COPD is a general term for two chronic, progressive lung conditions that cause trouble breathing: chronic and . Anoro Ellipta combines two bronchodilators that help control COPD symptoms over the long-term. As a long-acting maintenance treatment, Anoro Ellipta is inhaled once a day at the same time each day. It is not safe to use it more than once per day, and it should never be used to try to treat an active airway closure (bronchospasm) or airway swelling. Those situations may require an such as . People in need of a rescue inhaler should ask their prescribers for medical advice.

Personalized dosing considerations

No dosage adjustment necessary for older adults or people with hepatic impairment (liver disease) or renal impairment (kidney dysfunction). 

Anoro Ellipta safety info

Anoro Ellipta is not for everyone. It is never safe for people with a severe milk protein allergy, which is different from lactose intolerance. It is also not safe for people with asthma, as vilanterol, one of the active ingredients in Anoro Ellipta, can increase the risk of asthma-related death when used without an inhaled corticosteroid. 

There is not enough data to know if Anoro Ellipta is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drug-related contraindications

People taking MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and other anticholinergic drugs should avoid or use extreme caution when using Anoro Ellipta. The drug company also recommends additional monitoring for people on Anoro Ellipta who are also taking , (water pills), and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole.

Exacerbation of other health conditions

Anoro Ellipta can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, a condition in which a patient's airway becomes more constricted after dosing. This can be life-threatening. If a paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, seek urgent medical attention and ask your healthcare provider about discontinuing Anoro Ellipta.

People with cardiovascular disease (heart disease) should carefully monitor symptoms while on Anoro Ellipta. Vilanterol, one of the drug's active ingredients, can cause cardiovascular effects such as a fast heart rate and heart palpitations. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience these side effects, as you may need to quit Anoro Ellipta and start a new COPD treatment. 

In some cases, using Anoro Ellipta can worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, a serious cause of eye pain and blurred vision. This inhaler can also worsen urinary retention, low blood potassium, and high blood sugar. 

Bottom line: Before using Anoro Ellipta, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have. Once you begin treatment, report any worsening symptoms or new side effects right away. 

Adverse reactions

Common adverse effects include pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis, constipation, muscle spasms, and chest pain. Report any severe adverse reactions to a healthcare professional, as you may need to discontinue Anoro Ellipta. 

Like other drugs, Anoro Ellipta can cause allergic reactions. Seek urgent medical attention if you notice signs of a hypersensitivity reaction, including trouble breathing, hives, or mouth or throat swelling.

How to take Anoro Ellipta

Anoro Ellipta comes in a fixed-dose inhaler and is inhaled into the lungs. It should be administered once a day at the same time each day.

To take , follow these instructions from the manufacturer:

1. Slide down the cover to expose the mouthpiece. Listen for a click, and then check the dosage meter to ensure it counts down by 1 (the inhaler should start with 30 doses). Do not shake the inhaler.

2. While holding the inhaler away from your mouth, exhale completely. Do not breathe out into the mouthpiece of the inhaler.

3. Close your lips firmly around the mouthpiece and inhale one long, steady breath through your mouth. 

4. Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for 3-4 seconds before exhaling slowly and steadily.

5. Close the inhaler by sliding the cover up and over the mouthpiece.

6. Do not open the cover until it is time for your next dose, as opening the cover activates the meter and releases the next dose.

It's important to know that an Anoro Ellipta inhaler that does not click upon opening is considered defective. If this happens, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Anoro Ellipta dosage FAQs

How long does it take Anoro Ellipta to work?

It starts to work after the first dose, but like this must be taken daily to continue helping prevent and manage symptoms. Other factors, such as the person's lifestyle, other medications, and exposure to smoke or air pollutants, can all affect how much Anoro Ellipta reduces symptoms of COPD.

How long does Anoro Ellipta stay in your system?

Anoro Ellipta has a half-life of 11 hours, which means it takes 11 hours for half the medication to be out of your system, and a few days to completely be out of your system if you stop taking it. However, when taken every day, the medicine builds up to a steady level in your body to help manage COPD symptoms. 

What happens if I miss a dose of Anoro Ellipta?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, you should not take more than one dose per day or take two doses at once. If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, you can take it at the regularly scheduled time. 

Can you overdose on Anoro Ellipta?

Yes. Using this inhaler more than once in 24 hours can cause an overdose, which requires urgent medical attention and monitoring due to the risk of a heart attack. Symptoms of overdosage include, but are not limited to, irregular heartbeat, seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, dry mouth, and nausea. 

What interacts with Anoro Ellipta?

Serious drug interactions can occur if you combine Anoro Ellipta with (MAOIs), , or other anticholinergics or long-acting beta agonists (LABA). Check with your healthcare provider to make sure Anoro Ellipta is safe with all the medicines you take—including Rx and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements. 

How do I stop taking Anoro Ellipta?

Stopping Anoro Ellipta doesn't usually cause withdrawal problems, but quitting may cause COPD symptoms to get worse. This inhaler is meant to be used long-term, so don't stop taking Anoro Ellipta without consulting your healthcare provider first. If Anoro Ellipta is causing severe side effects or no longer controlling COPD symptoms, your provider may recommend an such as , , or . 

Sources

• Anoro Ellipta, DailyMed (2023)

• How to use Anoro Ellipta, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

• Umeclidinium and vilanterol oral inhalation, MedlinePlus (2022)

• COPD treatment, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)