umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting muscarinic antagonist plus long-acting beta-2 agonist (LAMA/LABA).
Licensed use
Maintenance bronchodilation for symptomatic COPD in adults.
Device
A pre-dispensed dry-powder Ellipta inhaler that needs sufficient inspiratory effort.
Sudden breathlessness
It does not replace a prescribed quick-acting reliever inhaler.
What is umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adults with COPD.
How does umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate work?
Umeclidinium blocks muscarinic receptors that can tighten airway smooth muscle. Vilanterol stimulates beta-2 receptors to relax this muscle. Together, they widen the airways and make airflow easier.
umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 55 micrograms + 22 micrograms
How to take umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate
Use only by inhalation and follow the device instructions and prescriber's directions.
Open the cover only when ready to inhale; do not shake the device.
Breathe out fully away from the inhaler.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents, then breathe in long, steadily and deeply.
Remove the inhaler, hold your breath for as long as comfortably possible, then breathe out gently.
Close the cover. Clean the mouthpiece with a dry tissue if needed.
Do not open, eat or inhale the desiccant sachet.
umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sore throat, runny nose, sinus or upper-airway infection
- Headache
- Cough or throat irritation
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infection
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden worsening of wheeze or breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Swelling of the face, mouth or throat, severe breathing difficulty or faintness
- Eye pain, red eye, blurred vision or coloured halos
- New difficulty or pain when passing urine
- Markedly fast or irregular heartbeat requiring prompt assessment
umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are unavailable. Use should be considered only when the expected benefit justifies the potential fetal risk; discuss treatment with the prescriber if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether umeclidinium or vilanterol enters human milk, and risk to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded. The prescriber should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment before deciding whether either should change.
umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all inhalers and other medicines. Important examples include:
Beta blockers, including propranolol
They can reduce vilanterol's bronchodilator effect; combined use generally requires a compelling reason and clinical review.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir
They may increase vilanterol exposure and the likelihood of adverse effects.
Other long-acting muscarinic antagonists or long-acting beta-2 agonists
Duplicate long-acting bronchodilation is not recommended because adverse effects may be increased.
Common questions about umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is umeclidinium bromide + vilanterol trifenatate used for?
It is a maintenance inhaler licensed to relieve symptoms in adults with COPD.
Is it a steroid inhaler?
No. It combines an antimuscarinic bronchodilator with a beta-2 agonist bronchodilator and contains no inhaled corticosteroid.
Can it treat sudden breathlessness?
Sources
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Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.