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Anoro Ellipta vs Breo Ellipta
Introduction
For patients with chronic lung conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), certain drugs that help in dilating the bronchial tubes for better airflow can manage respiratory symptoms and improve quality of life. Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are two such medications often prescribed for this purpose. Both drugs contain a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). The primary difference lies in their composition: Anoro contains Umeclidinium and Vilanterol, while Breo includes Fluticasone Furoate alongside Vilanterol. While both have bronchodilator effects aiding in alleviating COPD symptoms, Breo’s inclusion of an inhaled corticosteroid makes it useful also for asthma patients who require regular treatment to control persistent inflammation.
Anoro Ellipta vs Breo Ellipta Side By Side
Attribute | Anoro ellipta | Breo ellipta |
---|---|---|
Brand Name | Anoro Ellipta | Breo Ellipta |
Contraindications | Should not be taken if using or have recently used MAOIs | Should not be taken if using or have recently used MAOIs |
Cost | $350 for 30 doses | $360 for 30 doses |
Generic Name | Umeclidinium/Vilanterol | Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol |
Most Serious Side Effect | Increased heart rate or palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, serious allergic reactions | Paradoxical bronchospasm, rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms, weakened immune system |
Severe Drug Interactions | Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) | Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) |
Typical Dose | One inhalation once daily, 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol | One inhalation of 100/25 mcg per day, can be increased to 200/25 mcg daily if necessary |
What is Anoro Ellipta?
Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are both inhaler medications used in the management of lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Anoro Ellipta, a combination of umeclidinium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and vilanterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA), was approved by the FDA in 2013. It works by relaxing muscles around the airways to improve breathing. This medication is commonly prescribed for COPD including chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
On the other hand, Breo Ellipta combines vilanterol with fluticasone furoate - an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid – which reduces inflammation within the lungs while also helping to open up airways. As such, it’s often prescribed not only for COPD but also for controlling symptoms of asthma as well.
Both drugs work on different aspects of these respiratory conditions – Anoro primarily focuses on opening up airway passages while Breo works not just on improving airflow but also reducing inflammation associated with these illnesses. Both have their own set side effects; however they are generally well tolerated.
What conditions is Anoro Ellipta approved to treat?
Anoro Ellipta is approved for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema
- It is also indicated to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations
Breo Ellipta, on the other hand, has been cleared by FDA for use as:
- A maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in individuals with COPD
- Maintenance therapy of asthma in patients aged 18 years and older.
How does Anoro Ellipta help with these illnesses?
Anoro Ellipta assists in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by combining two bronchodilators, Umeclidinium and Vilanterol. These work together to relax the muscles around the airways in the lungs, making it easier for patients to breathe. The first, Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist that blocks acetylcholine receptors while Vilanterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist which stimulates beta2-adrenoceptors. Both these actions help keep airways open for 24 hours improving lung function and reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath.
In contrast, Breo Ellipta combines a steroid medication called Fluticasone with Vilanterol. Steroids reduce inflammation within the airways making breathing easier while Vilanterol works similarly as described above. Overall this combination helps manage COPD but also offers additional benefits for patients with asthma who may not respond optimally to bronchodilators alone due to underlying inflammation.
What is Breo Ellipta?
Breo Ellipta is a brand name for a combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, which includes an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). This combination helps to reduce inflammation along with relaxing and opening the air passages to the lungs. It was first approved by the FDA in 2013.
As Breo Ellipta contains both an ICS and LABA, it not only reduces inflammation but also relaxes muscles around the airways in your lungs. Its dual-action can be beneficial for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, as well as asthma in patients aged 18 years or older.
The side effects profile of Breo Ellipta differs from that of drugs containing just one type of active ingredient. Key potential side effects include increased risk of pneumonia in COPD patients, fungal infection in mouth or throat, bone thinning or weakness, eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts. The effect on reducing inflammation along with dilating bronchi can be particularly advantageous especially for those who do not respond adequately to single-component medication like Anoro Ellipta.
What conditions is Breo Ellipta approved to treat?
Breo Ellipta is a medication that has been approved for use in patients with:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- Asthma, specifically as a maintenance treatment for airflow obstruction in adults.
How does Breo Ellipta help with these illnesses?
Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways, while vilanterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing. It's primarily used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and asthma as well. Unlike Anoro Ellipta which contains two bronchodilators (umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol), Breo Ellipta combines an anti-inflammatory agent with a single bronchodilator. This gives it potential advantages over Anoro for patients whose conditions respond well to steroids or who suffer frequent exacerbations requiring hospitalization or systemic steroid use.
How effective are both Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta?
Both Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are effective medications for managing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) symptoms, and were approved by the FDA within a year of each other. Since they contain different active ingredients, they may be prescribed under varying circumstances. The effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, containing umeclidinium and vilanterol, was directly compared to Breo Ellipta - which contains fluticasone furoate alongside vilanterol - in several clinical trials.
In these studies, both drugs showed similar efficacy in improving lung function and reducing exacerbations associated with COPD. However, some metrics did show variation between patients receiving Anoro Ellipta versus those on Breo Ellipta treatment.
A review of studies on Anoro Ellipta demonstrated that it is effective in improving lung function from the first week of treatment due to its bronchodilator properties. Its side effect profile appears favorable when compared with many other COPD treatments, indicating good tolerance among most patient groups including elderly populations.
Breo Ellipta was shown to be more effective than a placebo at treating COPD in various meta-analyses conducted over recent years. Despite this evidence supporting its efficacy relative to placebos or single-component therapies like LABAs or ICS alone; it's usually considered as an alternative option after initial therapy options have been tried without achieving sufficient control over symptoms. This makes significant research into its use focused around cases where Breo is co-prescribed alongside another medication such as an additional bronchodilator or corticosteroid inhaler therapy depending upon individual patient needs.
At what dose is Anoro Ellipta typically prescribed?
Inhalation dosages of Anoro Ellipta consist of one inhalation once daily, with each dose containing 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol. This is found to be sufficient for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in most adults. For Breo Ellipta, the recommended dosage for COPD treatment is one inhalation once daily, where each dose contains fluticasone furoate 100 mcg and vilanterol 25 mcg. In either case, the dosage should not be increased beyond one inhalation per day as it offers no additional benefits and may increase the risk of adverse effects.
At what dose is Breo Ellipta typically prescribed?
Breo Ellipta therapy typically begins with one inhalation of 100/25 mcg (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) per day. The dosage can then be increased to a higher strength of 200/25 mcg daily if necessary, based on individual patient response and the severity of the condition. In contrast to many other respiratory medications, Breo Ellipta is administered as a single dose inhaled once daily and should not be used more than once in a 24-hour period. For patients who do not show an adequate response after several weeks at the initial dose, consultation with their healthcare provider may lead to an adjustment up to the maximum recommended dosage.
What are the most common side effects for Anoro Ellipta?
Common side effects of Anoro Ellipta may include:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Common cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches)
- Headache
On the other hand, Breo Ellipta might cause:
- Infections in your mouth or throat (oral thrush)
- Runny nose and sore throat
- Hoarseness and voice changes
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Flu
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Headache
If you experience any severe reactions to either medication such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat seek immediate medical attention.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Anoro Ellipta?
While both Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are potential side effects that should be considered:
- Serious allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat
- Eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. Symptoms can include blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights, any changes in vision
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Chest pain or discomfort which could lead to severe dizziness and fainting.
- High blood sugar levels: symptoms may include frequent urination; excessive thirst; fatigue; weight loss without trying; tingling in the hands/feet
- Low potassium levels: muscle weakness/cramps/spasms/rigidity might occur
- Severe nervous system reaction - tremors/shaking/twitches followed by high fever and sweating.
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking either Anoro Ellipta or Breo Ellipta medication it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Breo Ellipta?
Breo Ellipta, like Anoro Ellipta, is used to improve breathing in people with COPD or asthma, but its side effects can differ. They may include:
- A sore throat and hoarse voice
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms such as stuffy nose
- Oral thrush (yeast infection of the mouth)
- Rapid heart rate
- Shaking hands or tremors
- Muscle pain Some users might experience an allergic reaction which could cause rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue. It's recommended to reach out to healthcare provider if these occur. Another aspect that should be noted is potential weight increase associated with Breo Ellipta usage - it’s less common but still possible.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Breo Ellipta?
Breo Ellipta, like other inhaled medicines, can cause specific side effects. These may include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing
- Paradoxical bronchospasm (wheezing or coughing up mucus) which is a sign your condition is getting worse
- Rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythms
- High blood pressure: severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears
- A weakened immune system and increased likelihood to get infections (such as chickenpox and measles)
- Eye problems including glaucoma, cataracts or blurred vision
- Increased blood sugar levels causing symptoms like frequent urination, thirstiness or constant hunger
- Lower bone mineral density
If you experience any of these signs while using Breo Ellipta it's crucial that you seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta?
Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta, along with other bronchodilators or corticosteroids medications, may worsen symptoms of respiratory issues in some people. If you notice your breathing worsening or an increase in wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Anoro Ellipta nor Breo Ellipta should be taken if you are using or have recently used monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Always inform your physician about the medications you are currently taking; MAOIs will require a period of approximately 5 weeks to clear from your system to prevent dangerous interactions with Anoro and Breo Ellipta.
How much do Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 doses of Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) averages around $350, which works out to about $11.67/day.
- The price of 30 doses of Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) averages is about $360, working out to approximately $12/day.
Thus, if cost is a major concern for you, Anoro Ellipta comes in slightly cheaper on a per-day basis than Breo Ellipta. However, it's important to note that cost should not be the only consideration when deciding between these two medications; their efficacy and suitability for your specific condition are also crucial factors.
As with many inhaler-based medications used in chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma, there are currently no generic versions available for either Anoro or Breo Ellipta. Cost savings may be achieved through patient assistance programs or insurance coverage where applicable.
Popularity of Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta
Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are both inhalers used to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
In 2020, Anoro Ellipta was prescribed to about 1.3 million people in the US. This accounted for approximately 12% of all prescriptions for COPD medications. As a combination treatment containing two active ingredients, it has proven itself as an effective option for managing COPD symptoms. The use of Anoro Ellipta has been on a steady increase since its approval by the FDA in 2013.
On the other hand, Breo Ellipta was prescribed to around 2.5 million individuals in the US during the same period. It accounts for nearly 23% of all prescriptions for COPD treatments due to its dual-action formula that helps improve lung function over a full day's span with just one daily dose. The prescription rate has remained relatively stable over recent years.
Conclusion
Both Anoro Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are long-acting inhalers used to control symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They have been proven effective through numerous clinical studies, demonstrating better lung function improvement compared to placebo treatments. Both medications contain a long-acting bronchodilator but differ in their second component: Anoro contains an anticholinergic drug, while Breo contains an inhaled corticosteroid.
The choice between the two depends on individual patient needs. Anoro is typically prescribed when the primary need is for improved daily management of COPD symptoms, whereas Breo is often chosen for those who also require anti-inflammatory treatment due to frequent exacerbations or uncontrolled asthma symptoms.
Although both drugs come as brand name products only currently, they offer cost savings by combining two classes of medication into one device - especially beneficial for patients paying out-of-pocket. It should be noted that patience may be required when starting these treatments as it can take some time before their full effects are noticeable.
Common side effects include throat irritation and upper respiratory tract infection; however, each has unique potential side effects related to its steroid or anticholinergic component. Patients should monitor breathing closely after starting either drug and seek immediate medical help if their breathlessness worsens or they experience other severe reactions.
Refrences
- Blair, H. A., & Deeks, E. D. (2014, November 15). Umeclidinium/Vilanterol: A Review of Its Use as Maintenance Therapy in Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-014-0326-1
- Scott, L. J., & Hair, P. (2014, February 15). Umeclidinium/Vilanterol: First Global Approval. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-014-0186-8
- Gras, J. (2014). Umeclidinium/vilanterol fixed-dose combination for COPD. Drugs of Today. Portico.http://doi.org/10.1358/dot.2014.50.3.2122119
- Kelly, E. (2014, June 7). Umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol in combination for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.1586/17512433.2014.926812
- McKeage, K. (2014, July 30). Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol: A Review of Its Use in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-014-0269-6
- Ramadan, W. H., Al Masri, S., & Rizk, J. (2019, September 2). Fixed‐dose combination of umeclidinium and vilanterol for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review. The Clinical Respiratory Journal. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1111/crj.13073