Trelegy Ellipta Inhaler

What is the Trelegy Ellipta Inhaler?

Trelegy Ellipta is a unique type of inhaler used for managing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains three active ingredients: fluticasone, umeclidinium, and vilanterol. The combination of corticosteroids and bronchodilators works directly in the lungs where they relieve symptoms of COPD such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

COPD makes the muscles around your airways tighten, making it difficult to breathe. Fluticasone furoate is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the airways, and umeclidinium is a long-acting anticholinergic drug that relaxes the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. And lastly, vilanterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist that opens up the airways to improve breathing. Trelegy Ellipta should be taken every day to manage the symptoms of COPD rather than sudden attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. For these you should use a fast-acting reliever inhaler.

How does Trelegy Ellipta work?

It works by the three active ingredients targeting the lungs directly and working together to relieve and prevent breathing difficulties. Trelegy Ellipta widens muscles in the lungs, reduces swelling and irritation in the small airways and makes it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs.

Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It works similarly to natural corticosteroid hormones, preventing the immune system from releasing chemicals that cause inflammation. By reducing inflammation, irritation and swelling, this keeps the airways clear – making it easier to breathe.

Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), or anticholinergic. It works by blocking certain receptors in the airways that cause smooth muscles to contract and tighten so the muscles can relax instead.

Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). It‘s a bronchodilator that activates the beta-2 receptors of muscle cells in the airways and relaxes the muscles around them so the airways stay open. This makes it easier for you to breathe air in and out of your lungs.

Who is Trelegy Ellipta for?

Trelegy Ellipta is for adults with moderate to severe COPD who need a combination treatment of an inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting bronchodilator and long-acting muscarinic bronchodilator.

What doses does Trelegy Ellipta come in?

Trelegy Ellipta Inhaler uses three active ingredients that come in this dosage:

• 92 mcg of fluticasone
• 55 mcg of umeclidinium
• 22 mcg of vilanterol

This is written as 92/55/22 mcg and each inhaler contains 30 puffs. You can also get inhalers that contain 60 or 90 puffs (doses).

How to use Trelegy Ellipta Inhaler

You should use Trelegy Ellipta regularly (every day to be precise). This will help your condition improve over time. As soon as you open the tray, Trelegy Ellipta is ready to use. It can be used for up to six weeks once opened, so write the date of when it’ll expire on the space provided. 

You should take one dose of Trelegy Ellipta at the same time every day as the effects last for 24 hours.

To use Trelegy Ellipta:

• slide the cover down till you hear a click
• breathe out deeply
• put the mouthpiece between the lips
• take a deep breath in and hold 
• remove the inhaler and breathe out slowly
• slide the cover back on
• rinse your mouth out to prevent throat irritation (thrush)

There’s a dose counter on the inhaler so you can keep track of how many doses (puffs) are left. When it changes colour to red that means there are 10 puffs left, meaning you should get a new inhaler to replace it. 

How effective is Trelegy Ellipta for COPD?

Trelegy Ellipta is an effective and safe choice to help manage COPD and reduce flare-ups. Several studies have shown how Trelegy Ellipta can improve the condition. One study compared Trelegy Ellipta against two other COPD treatments over a year and found that Trelegy Ellipta reduced flare-ups by 15% and 25% respectively. Another study found that Trelegy Ellipta was more effective at improving breathing than a duo inhaler combination of a corticosteroid and a bronchodilator.  

Overall, Trelegy Ellipta has been proven to be a good choice for daily COPD management, as it reduces flare-ups, improves breathing and lung function and improves quality of life.

What happens if I make a mistake while using Trelegy Ellipta?

If you use more Trelegy Ellipta than you should, seek urgent medical attention immediately. You might notice an irregular, faster heartbeat, feel shaky, or get visual disturbances, dry mouth, or headache. 

If you forget to use Trelegy Ellipta don’t take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one. Just wait until your next dose at the usual time. If you become wheezy or breathless, make sure to use your fast-acting reliever and seek medical attention.