Has your doctor prescribed you an inhaler to use for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Is that inhaler called ANORO ELLIPTA? If so, this article will be very important for you. Let's talk in simple terms about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is this medicine? Simply put...
This inhaler contains a combination of two drugs, Umeclidinium and Vilanterol. It works by opening the airways in your lungs and making it easier to breathe. This condition is called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The important thing is that this is a "controller inhaler." This means that it is used to help control symptoms and stay well on a daily basis. It is not a "rescue inhaler" to use when you suddenly have difficulty breathing (COPD flare-up). Your doctor may have given you a separate inhaler for emergencies.
Things to tell your doctor before using an inhaler
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor should take a complete medical history of you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Kidney disease
- A condition called Pheochromocytoma
- Prostate diseases
- Seizures
- Thyroid disease
- If you have an allergic reaction to Umeclidinium, Vilanterol, or to lactose or milk proteins contained in this medicine.
- If you have allergies to any other medicine, food, or coloring.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How to use this inhaler correctly?
This medicine should be taken by mouth. Take it exactly as your doctor has told you, at the same time every day. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
This inhaler comes with an instruction leaflet on how to use it. Read it carefully and understand it. If you have any problems, ask your doctor to learn how to use it correctly.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as some medications may interact with this inhaler.
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Do not use with these at all | |
Medications such as Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Ziprasidone, and MAOIs (e.g., Carbex, Eldepryl). | |
| These may interact with | |
| Antihistamines for allergies | Antiviral drugs taken for HIV or AIDS |
| Atropine | Beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol, propranolol) |
| Medications for bladder problems (e.g., oxybutynin) | Certain medications for depression or anxiety |
| Certain medications for Parkinson's disease | Certain medications for stomach pain (e.g. dicyclomine) |
| Diuretics | Other inhalers like Ipratropium, Tiotropium |
| Medications for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole) | Other drugs that affect heart rhythm (QT interval) |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when using an inhaler
See your doctor on scheduled days to see if there is any change in your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor.
Never use this inhaler for sudden shortness of breath. Only use your "rescue inhaler" (short-acting inhaler) in such cases.
Sometimes, you may experience increased difficulty breathing while using this inhaler. If this happens, stop using this inhaler immediately, use your rescue inhaler, and call your doctor immediately.
Ask your doctor before taking any self-medication for things like coughs, colds, or allergies, as some medications may interact with this inhaler.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue) | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Changes in heart rate (fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain) | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Increased blood pressure | Inform the doctor. |
| Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inform the doctor. |
| Increased difficulty breathing after using the medicine | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Cough, dry mouth |
| Headache | Runny nose, sore throat |
| Hand tremors | Difficulty falling asleep |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from light, excessive heat, cold, and moisture.
- Once the inhaler is removed from its foil pouch, it should be used within 6 weeks .
- Discard the inhaler when the dose counter shows "0" or the expiration date has passed, or 6 weeks have passed since it was removed from the blister pack (whichever comes first).
Ask your doctor for advice on how to properly dispose of unused or expired medications.
Take-Home Message
- This inhaler is a "controller" used to control daily symptoms, not a "rescue" inhaler used in an emergency.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- If serious side effects occur (allergies, chest pain, vision changes), seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep your prescribed "rescue inhaler" nearby for emergencies.
- Be aware of how to use and store your inhaler correctly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
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