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This new medication is a combination inhaler that contains fluticasone furoate (an inhaled steroid) and vilanterol (a long acting beta-agonist bronchodilator).

Indication: Long term maintenance treatment for patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It can reduce attacks of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations.

It is NOT approved for treating asthma at this time, but many combination inhaled steroid/LABA medications are available for treating asthma. These include Advair (fluticasone proprionate + salmeterol), Symbicort (budesonide + formoterol) and Dulera (mometasone + formoterol).

What distinguishes BREO ELLIPTA from other combination inhalers?

• It is the only one approved for once a day use
• It comes as one dosing strength (fluticasone furoate 100 mcg/vilanterol 25 mcg).
• It is only available in a dry powder formulation.
• There is an increased risk of developing pneumonia (6-7%) compared to those on vilanterol alone (3%).
• Those persons with severe milk allergy should not use it.

What is similar to the other combination inhalers?

• It is not to be used for quick relief of symptoms.
• It has the “black box” warning about “asthma-related death.” This is placed on all LABA-containing medications.
• It is expensive (cash price $320 and up). However, there are coupons available at: http://www.goodrx.com/breo-ellipta

For more information on BREO ELLIPTA go to: http://www.mybreo.com/ This medication is made by GlaxoSmithKline.

At Family Allergy & Asthma Care of Montana, we bring you the latest pharmaceutical news that may impact your respiratory health.

This information is solely for informational purposes and not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional.