Uses
What is Anoro Ellipta used for?
Anoro Ellipta is commonly used as a controller inhaler for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Anoro Ellipta may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Anoro Ellipta work (mechanism of action)?
People with COPD have chronic and ongoing airflow problems in the lungs. Anoro Ellipta contains two medicines, umeclidinium and vilanterol, which relax the muscles around the airways. This can help to make it easier to breathe.
How is Anoro Ellipta supplied (dosage forms)?
Anoro Ellipta is available in the following dosage form that is inhaled.
- 62.5 mcg/25 mcg inhalation powder (Ellipta inhaler)
How should I store Anoro Ellipta?
Anoro Ellipta should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight.
Keep the inhaler inside of its unopened foil tray until you are ready to use it. Once the foil tray has been opened, Anoro Ellipta is only good for 6 weeks. If the inhaler is not empty after 6 weeks, it should be thrown out and replaced.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta?
The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Pain in the arms or legs
There may be other side effects of Anoro Ellipta that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Anoro Ellipta?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Anoro Ellipta are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Anoro Ellipta may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Anoro Ellipta and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Sudden Breathing Problems. Anoro Ellipta may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing, which can be serious. Stop using Anoro Ellipta and contact your healthcare provider right away if your ability to breathe worsens right after using the medicine.
Glaucoma. Using Anoro Ellipta for a long time may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache or vomiting
- Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Anoro Ellipta might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage or trouble peeing. Stop using Anoro Ellipta and call your healthcare provider right away if you have a hard time peeing or have a weak stream, if peeing is painful, or you are peeing frequently.
Heart Effects. Anoro Ellipta may increase your risk of certain effects on the heart, such as raising your heart rate, blood pressure, or causing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Also call your healthcare provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.
Increased Blood Sugar. Anoro Ellipta may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Anoro Ellipta can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.
- Weakness
- Unusual tiredness
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Constipation
Nervous System Effects. Anoro Ellipta may cause nervous system effects, including tremor or nervousness. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop these symptoms.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Anoro Ellipta?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Anoro Ellipta.
- Anoro Ellipta
- Lactose
- Milk proteins
- Umeclidinium
- Vilanterol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Anoro Ellipta.
Asthma. Anoro Ellipta is a controller inhaler for COPD. One of the medicines in Anoro Ellipta (vilanterol) should not be used for asthma without a medicine known as an inhaled corticosteroid. If you have asthma, talk with your healthcare provider about which inhalers you need to manage your symptoms.
What should I know about Anoro Ellipta before using it?
Do not use Anoro Ellipta unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Using Anoro Ellipta more often than prescribed may increase the risk of serious side effects.
Do not share Anoro Ellipta with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Anoro Ellipta out of the reach of children.
Anoro Ellipta is a medicine used daily to prevent symptoms. Do not use it when a quick response to breathing problems is needed. Other inhaled medicines, sometimes called rescue inhalers, should be used to treat sudden symptoms. Get medical help right away if your breathing does not get better after using a rescue inhaler.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Anoro Ellipta?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Anoro Ellipta is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Bladder problems
- Diabetes
- Eye problems, such as glaucoma
- Heart problems, including arrhythmias
- High blood pressure
- Liver problems
- Prostate problems
- Seizures
- Thyroid problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Anoro Ellipta may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Anoro Ellipta, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Anoro Ellipta could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Anoro Ellipta passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Anoro Ellipta?
For more information about Anoro Ellipta, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.anoro.com or call them at 888-825-5249.
Interactions
Does Anoro Ellipta interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Anoro Ellipta and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Anoro Ellipta.
Does Anoro Ellipta interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Anoro Ellipta.
- A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- A long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA), such as salmeterol (Serevent), formoterol (Perforomist), arformoterol (Brovana), or olodaterol (Striverdi) which is an inhaled medicine used to help control asthma or COPD
- A medicine for HIV or AIDS
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- A tricyclic antidepressant within the past 2 weeks, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- Medicines within the past 2 weeks that can cause QT prolongation, which is a dangerous heart rhythm problem
- An anticholinergic medicine, which includes atropine, antihistamines, and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems. Some anticholinergic medicines are inhaled, such as tiotropium (Spiriva), ipratropium (Atrovent), and aclidinium (Tudorza)
- Clarithromycin, an antibiotic
- An antifungal medicine, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend) which are medicines used for fungal infections
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Anoro Ellipta. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Anoro Ellipta?
If you or someone else has used too much Anoro Ellipta, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Anoro Ellipta?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.