Do you have asthma? Then you probably know how annoying it is to use an inhaler several times a day, and to remember to use each type of inhaler for each time. Sometimes, you may even forget to use these correctly in the midst of work. But imagine, how much easier it would be if you could control all this with just one inhaler, using it just once a day? Well, today we are talking about a new drug that has changed the way asthma is treated .
First, let's see, what exactly is this dress?
Simply put, asthma is a chronic condition that affects our lungs. What happens in this is that our airways, the tubes that carry air to the lungs, become inflamed and narrowed. And the muscles around these airways become tight. It's like a water pipe that swells from the inside and becomes hard to let out when squeezed from the outside. This makes it hard to breathe, feels tight in the chest, and causes coughing and wheezing.
This condition can be made worse by certain "triggers," things that make asthma worse. These can vary from person to person.
| Common Asthma Triggers | |
|---|---|
| 💨 Smoke and dust | 🤧 Infections like colds |
| 🌸 Pollen of flowers | 🥶 Extremely cold air |
| 🐶 Pet hair | 👃 Strong fragrance (Perfume, Air Freshener) |
The main goal of asthma treatment is to reduce swelling and stiffness in these airways, relax them, and make breathing easier. This will control asthma symptoms and reduce sensitivity to these triggers.
How does this new drug called Trelegy Ellipta work?
Trelegy Ellipta is called a "triple therapy" because it contains three types of medication that are usually taken in two or three separate inhalers in one inhaler. These three medications work together in different ways to help control your asthma.
| Name of the drug | Drug type | The task (simple) |
|---|---|---|
| Fluticasone furoate | Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) | Reduces swelling in the airways. |
| Umeclidinium | Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) | Relaxes the muscles around the airways. |
| Vilanterol | Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) | In another way, it relaxes the muscles . |
As you can see, both of these drugs (Umeclidinium and Vilanterol) relax the muscles in the airways. We call these " bronchodilators ." Because they work together, they relax the muscles in two ways, which can lead to better results.
So I don't need any other inhalers?
This is a very important question . Trelegy Ellipta is a "maintenance" inhaler that is used daily to prevent and control asthma symptoms.
That is, this is not a medicine to use when you suddenly have a cough . You should always keep a "rescue" inhaler (such as Ventolin or Salbutamol) with you in case you suddenly have difficulty breathing or a cough.
If your doctor starts you on this medication, he or she will tell you to stop using any other maintenance inhalers you are currently using. Therefore, be sure to ask your doctor which inhaler you should use every day and which one you should use in case of an emergency.
How should I use this inhaler?
This is usually used once a day . For best results, use it at the same time every day.
After taking the medicine from the inhaler, there is one thing you need to do. That is, rinse your mouth thoroughly with some water and spit it out . This is very important. Because if you do not do this, there is a high chance of developing a fungal infection of the mouth and throat, which is called ``oral thrush``.
Your doctor will explain to you exactly how to use this inhaler . It is essential to follow these instructions exactly to get the full benefit of the medicine.
Side effects and their management
Like any medicine, it can cause minor side effects. The most common are a sore throat, cold-like symptoms, and possibly a respiratory infection.
- Prevent infections: Wash your hands often, stay away from sick people, and get any vaccinations your doctor recommends (e.g., the annual flu vaccine) on time.
- Prevent oral fungal infections : As mentioned earlier, always remember to rinse your mouth with water after taking your medicine.
These are the most common things. But if you experience any symptoms that are different from these and that make you uncomfortable, talk to your doctor immediately .
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with the drugs in Trelegy Ellipta and increase the risk of side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about this, especially if you are taking medications for fungal infections, HIV/AIDS, certain antibiotics, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Remember, it is very important for your own safety to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, and even supplements.
Only your doctor can give you the best advice on whether this medication is right for you, and how to use it with your existing medications.
Take-Home Message
- Trelegy Ellipta is a "maintenance" inhaler containing a combination of three medications that is used daily, once a day, to control asthma.
- This is not a medicine for an emergency or for breathing difficulties. Always keep your "rescue" inhaler handy.
- After using the inhaler, always rinse your mouth with water to prevent fungal infections in the mouth.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- If you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.
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