Fluticasone and vilanterol (Inhalation)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 16, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Breo Ellipta

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder

Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Fluticasone

Uses for fluticasone and vilanterol

Fluticasone and vilanterol combination is used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function. It is used when a patient's asthma has not been controlled sufficiently on other asthma medicines, or when a patient's condition is so severe that more than one medicine is needed every day. Fluticasone and vilanterol will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

Fluticasone and vilanterol is also used to treat air flow blockage and reduce the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Inhaled fluticasone belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids or steroids (cortisone-like medicines). It works by preventing certain cells in the lungs and breathing passages from releasing substances that cause COPD and asthma symptoms.

Inhaled vilanterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are medicines that are breathed in through the mouth to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) in the lungs. It relieves cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.

Fluticasone and vilanterol is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using fluticasone and vilanterol

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For fluticasone and vilanterol, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone and vilanterol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Use of fluticasone and vilanterol combination is not recommended in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of fluticasone and vilanterol combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of fluticasone and vilanterol than younger adults.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking fluticasone and vilanterol, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following int...