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Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol trifenatate)

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2023

Breo Ellipta is a combination inhaler used to prevent and control asthma symptoms. It contains 2 medicines that work together to reduce inflammation and relax muscles in the airways.1

Breo Ellipta should not be used to treat asthma attacks.1

What are the ingredients in Breo Ellipta?

The active ingredients are fluticasone furoate and vilanterol.

How does Breo Ellipta work?

Breo Ellipta contains 2 medicines that work in different ways. The two medicines work together to improve breathing:1

  • Fluticasone furoate is a steroid. It works by reducing inflammation in the airways.
  • Vilanterol is a long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps open them up.

The 2 medicines work together to improve breathing for 24 hours.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Breo Ellipta include:1

  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Thrush in your mouth or throat
  • Flu
  • Respiratory tract infection
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinus inflammation
  • Mouth and throat pain
  • Hoarseness and voice changes
  • Cough

These are not all the possible side effects of Breo Ellipta. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when using Breo Ellipta. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when using Breo Ellipta.

Other things to know

Do not use Breo Ellipta if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins.1

Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using Breo Ellipta. This will reduce your chance of getting thrush.1

Before starting treatment with Breo Ellipta, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes or high blood sugar
  • Liver problems
  • Weak bones (osteoporosis)
  • Immune system problems
  • Eye problems like glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, or other vision changes
  • Been exposed to any type of viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection, such as chickenpox or measles

Corticosteroids can weaken your immune system. This increases your risk of getting an infection or fighting an infection. Call your doctor if you show symptoms of an infection, such as:1

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Aches and pains
  • Chills
  • Nausea and vomiting

Breo Ellipta may interact with other medicines, including other LABAs, antifungal drugs, and anti-HIV drugs. Before beginning treatment for asthma, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.1

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Breo Ellipta.

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