Breo Ellipta ^*

Breo Ellipta is a once-daily prescription inhaler for the long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 and older, and for adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It works by reducing inflammation and opening airways to improve breathing. It is not used for relieving sudden breathing problems; for that, you need a rescue inhaler.

You may start to experience improved breathing within the first few days of using Breo Ellipta, but it is not immediate. This medication is designed for long-term control, and its full effect can take several weeks of consistent daily use. It's crucial to use it every day as prescribed by your doctor, not just when you feel symptoms.

If you miss a dose of Breo Ellipta, just take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once or an extra dose to make up for the one you missed. Sticking to the once-daily schedule is important for the medication to work effectively in managing your asthma or COPD symptoms over the long term.

No, Breo Ellipta is a maintenance medication and does not work fast enough to treat a sudden asthma attack or bronchospasm. You must use a fast-acting rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (e.g., Ventolin), for sudden symptoms. Breo is for preventing symptoms and exacerbations with consistent daily use, not for immediate relief.

Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after each inhalation helps prevent a common side effect: oral thrush (candidiasis), which is a fungal infection. This occurs because the corticosteroid component (fluticasone) can sometimes allow fungus to grow in the warm, moist environment of your mouth and throat. Rinsing clears away any leftover medication.

Weight gain is not listed as a common side effect of Breo Ellipta. Unlike oral corticosteroids, which are taken as pills and circulate throughout the body, the steroid in Breo is inhaled directly into the lungs. This localized action means less of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, making systemic side effects like weight gain much less likely.

There is no direct, major interaction noted between alcohol and Breo Ellipta. However, for some people, alcohol can be a trigger for asthma symptoms. It's always best to discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor, who can provide advice based on your overall health and condition. Moderation is generally recommended to avoid any potential health complications.

Store your Breo Ellipta inhaler at room temperature, below 25°C (77°F), in a dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep it in the sealed foil tray it came in and only open it when you are ready for your first dose. Once opened, the inhaler should be discarded after six weeks, even if there is medicine left inside.

Breo Ellipta contains two active ingredients. The first is fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that works by reducing inflammation in your airways. The second is vilanterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA), which is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways to help you breathe more easily. Together, they provide 24-hour symptom control.

Yes, Breo Ellipta contains a steroid. One of its active ingredients is fluticasone furoate, which is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). This type of medicine is very effective at reducing the underlying inflammation in the lungs that causes asthma and COPD symptoms. It is paired with a non-steroid bronchodilator, vilanterol, to also help keep the airways open.

No, you should not stop taking Breo Ellipta without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel better. Breo is a long-term maintenance medication that works by preventing symptoms and flare-ups. If you stop using it, the inflammation and airway constriction can return, and your symptoms will likely worsen over time. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

The Breo Ellipta inhaler has a dose counter on the front that shows you how many doses are left. The numbers count down by one each time you open the cover. When there are fewer than 10 doses remaining, the number will show in red as a reminder to get a refill. The inhaler is empty when the dose counter shows '0'.