Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol) is a brand-name inhaler that’s prescribed for COPD. This article covers topics such as side effects, dosage, and how Trelegy Ellipta works.

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active ingredients, each from a different drug class: an inhaled corticosteroid, an anticholinergic, and a long-acting bronchodilator. Trelegy Ellipta is not available in a generic version.

Read on for more information about Trelegy Ellipta for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You can also refer to this in-depth Trelegy Ellipta for a comprehensive look at this drug and its other uses.

COPD is a group of conditions that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. With emphysema, you have permanent damage to the air sacs in your lungs. With chronic bronchitis, you have long-term inflammation in the lungs. Both conditions make it difficult to breathe.

There are four stages of COPD, ranging from mild to severe. Your doctor will determine the stage of your condition and recommend the right course of treatment.

To learn more about this condition, visit our COPD hub.

Symptoms of COPD

Symptoms of COPD may include:

Who Trelegy Ellipta is prescribed for

Doctors prescribe Trelegy Ellipta for adults with COPD. The drug is used long term to ease COPD symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups (periods of worsening symptoms).

Doctors won’t prescribe Trelegy Ellipta to treat sudden breathing problems caused by COPD. Instead, they’ll prescribe a rescue inhaler for this purpose.

Keep reading for details about how Trelegy Ellipta works to treat COPD.

The way Trelegy Ellipta works

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active ingredients. Each works in the following ways to treat COPD:

  • fluticasone, which is an inhaled corticosteroid, works by reducing swelling in your airways
  • umeclidinium, which is an anticholinergic, works by relaxing the muscles in your airways
  • vilanterol, which is a long-acting bronchodilator, works by opening your airways

To learn more about how Trelegy Ellipta works, talk with your doctor or visit the drug manufacturer’s website.

Trelegy Ellipta has been shown to be effective for treating COPD. In clinical trials, treatment with the drug reduced symptoms and the number of COPD flare-ups (periods of worsening symptoms).

To learn more about how Trelegy Ellipta performed in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information or talk with your doctor.

Below is information about the dosage of Trelegy Ellipta for COPD in adults. However, it’s important to take the dosage your doctor has prescribed.

For more information about the drug’s dosage, you can also see our Trelegy Ellipta dosage article or the drug’s prescribing information.

Dosage

For COPD, your doctor will prescribe one inhalation of Trelegy Ellipta to be taken once per day. Each dose contains the following strengths: 100 micrograms (mcg) of fluticasone, 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium, and 25 mcg of vilanterol. This is typically written as 100/62.5/25 mcg.

Note: In addition to treating COPD, Trelegy Ellipta is also used for asthma. Keep in mind that the drug’s dosage may differ with this other use. To learn more, talk with your doctor. You can also see our Trelegy Ellipta dosage article for more information.

How to use

Trelegy Ellipta comes as a dry powder inhaler. You’ll inhale the powder using the Ellipta device.

Your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to use Trelegy Ellipta. You can also view these written instructions or visit the drug manufacturer’s website.

It’s important to rinse your mouth with water after using Trelegy Ellipta. This helps to prevent oral thrush, which is a possible side effect of this drug. Be sure to spit out the water after rinsing and do not swallow it.

How often to use

You’ll use Trelegy Ellipta once daily.

The use of Trelegy Ellipta for COPD* may cause side effects that are mild or serious. The lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported with Trelegy Ellipta. For information about other potential side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see our Trelegy Ellipta side effect article to learn more or refer to Trelegy Ellipta’s prescribing information.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a medication, it tracks and reviews side effects of the drug. If you develop a side effect while taking Trelegy Ellipta and would like to inform the FDA, visit MedWatch.

* Trelegy Ellipta is also approved to treat asthma. It’s important to note that side effects from Trelegy Ellipta may differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.

Mild side effects

Below are mild side effects that can occur with Trelegy Ellipta:

These side effects of Trelegy Ellipta may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, or if they bother you or become severe, it’s important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects that can occur with Trelegy Ellipta include:

Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects while using Trelegy Ellipta. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Trelegy Ellipta can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Before using Trelegy Ellipta, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned below.

If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Trelegy Ellipta if you:

  • have diabetes
  • have an eye problem
  • have high blood pressure or a heart problem
  • have an infection
  • have a liver problem
  • have osteoporosis
  • have a problem with your immune system
  • have a prostate or bladder problem
  • have seizures
  • have a thyroid problem
  • are pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering either
  • have had an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta drug or any of its ingredients, including milk proteins

Keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about Trelegy Ellipta.

How long does it take for Trelegy Ellipta to work?

Trelegy Ellipta starts working after you take your first dose. However, you may not notice the drug working in your system. This is because Trelegy Ellipta is not used for the short-term relief of COPD symptoms. Instead, the drug is used daily to ease COPD over time.

If you have questions about what to expect during Trelegy Ellipta treatment, talk with your doctor.

Does Trelegy Ellipta have a 200-mcg dose for COPD?

No, Trelegy Ellipta does not have a 200-microgram (mcg) dose for COPD. However, this dose may be prescribed for asthma.

To learn about the dosage of Trelegy Ellipta for COPD, see the “Using Trelegy Ellipta” section.

For details about the 200-mcg dosage, you can see our Trelegy Ellipta dosage article or the drug’s prescribing information.

How much Trelegy Ellipta costs is based on several factors. These can include your prescribed treatment regimen, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

Trelegy Ellipta is a brand-name drug. It’s not available as a generic.

To save money on your Trelegy Ellipta prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.