Anoro Ellipta (Umeclidinium & Vilanterol) Inhalation: Uses & Dosage

Brand: Anoro Ellipta

Generic: Umeclidinium and Vilanterol

Anoro Ellipta is prescribed for the treatment of airflow obstruction. It is generally given in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. But this medicine is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Inhaled umeclidinium is an anticholinergic agent. On the contrary, inhaled vilanterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. Such bronchodilators are breathed in through the mouth to open up the air passages in the lungs. However, this combination medicine is available in powder form only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Anoro Ellipta, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Here, the suitable drug therapy is chosen by the doctor with the active participation of the patient.

There are some important factors such as drug interactions, metabolic impairment, hypersensitivity reaction, pregnancy, lactation etc. which may alter the desired therapeutic effects of such medications.

Sometimes the presence of other health disorders affects the beneficial effects of this medicine and even may cause serious toxic effects. If you have had any allergic reactions to any medicine then you must inform your doctor about that.

You should tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Allergy to milk proteins
Bladder blockage
Diabetes
Enlarged prostate (BPH, prostatic hyperplasia)
Cardiovascular ailments such as arrhythmia prolonged QT interval etc.
History of seizures
High blood pressure
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood)
Ketoacidosis
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Seizures

Besides, certain drugs should not be used concurrently with such medications. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are in need of some other medications or even any over-the-counter medicine for another health problem in order to avoid unwanted toxic effects.

This combination drug may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), antidepressants, beta‐blockers, diuretics, and other anticholinergic drugs.

Using this combination medicine with any of the following drugs is not recommended:

Amifampridine
Bepridil
Cisapride
Dronedarone
Fluconazole
Ketoconazole
Mesoridazine
Nelfinavir
Pimozide
Piperaquine
Posaconazole
Saquinavir
Sparfloxacin
Terfenadine
Thioridazine
Ziprasidone

Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. That’s why; this drug should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly indicated. Thus, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this drug or if you become pregnant during treatment.

To use Anoro Ellipta properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The dosage schedule and the duration of drug therapy depend on the particular medical problem for which you are using this medicine.

The therapeutic dose may also vary with the patient’s condition or requirement and the strength of the medicine as well. This combination medicine (umeclidinium/vilanterol 62.5 mcg/25 mcg) should be administered as 1 inhalation once daily by the orally inhaled route only.

This drug should be used at the same time every day and not more than 1 time every 24 hours. Use of this medicine in children is not recommended.

Further, it is advised to store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. All kinds of medicines should be kept out of the reach of children. However, outdated medicines should be disposed of by an appropriate way.

Before using Anoro Ellipta, there are some precautions you must take. Firstly, regular visits to your doctor are recommended to check that this medicine is working properly or not.

You should follow the following guidelines while you are receiving this combination drug:

This drug should not be used if you are having a severe COPD attack, or if symptoms of a COPD attack have already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine in case of an acute COPD attack.
You should contact your doctor if the symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for 1 week or if they become worse.
This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening. Thus, you should check with your doctor immediately if you have coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using this medicine.
If you develop hives, skin rashes or any allergic reaction to this medicine, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have developed blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment, you must visit your physician right away. Sometimes your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.
This medicine may affect the blood sugar level as well as the potassium level. If you have heart disease or you are a diabetic patient, then you must check with your doctor in case of a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar or potassium tests.
This drug should not be taken together with similar inhaled medicines such as arformoterol (Brovana®), budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®), formoterol (Foradil®, Perforomist®), indacaterol (Onbrez®), or salmeterol (Serevent®).
Further, you should not take other medicines including over-the-counter medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements unless they have been discussed with your doctor.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Anoro Ellipta. These side effects usually go away during the treatment episode as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Your healthcare professional may advise you about the ways how to prevent or reduce those unwanted side effects.