Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat COPD and asthma. Trelegy Ellipta comes as an inhaler.

To learn more about Trelegy Ellipta’s uses, see the “Is Trelegy Ellipta used for COPD?” and “Is Trelegy Ellipta used for asthma?” sections below.

Trelegy Ellipta basics

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active ingredients that make the drug work:

Trelegy Ellipta is a brand-name medication that isn’t currently available as a generic.

Like most drugs, Trelegy Ellipta may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of its more common side effects. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Trelegy Ellipta. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Trelegy Ellipta can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Trelegy Ellipta’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Trelegy Ellipta that have been reported include:

Mild side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Trelegy Ellipta can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Trelegy Ellipta, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Trelegy Ellipta that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Trelegy Ellipta may cause.

Thrush

It’s possible for Trelegy Ellipta to cause thrush. This is a fungal yeast infection that develops in your mouth or throat. Thrush wasn’t common in studies of Trelegy Ellipta.

Symptoms of thrush can include:

  • a bad taste in your mouth
  • burning sensation or soreness inside your mouth
  • dry mouth
  • loss of taste
  • trouble swallowing
  • white or yellow patches and bumps on your inner cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, or tonsils

Thrush is a known side effect of a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids. One of Trelegy Ellipta’s active drugs,* fluticasone, is an inhaled corticosteroid.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work. Trelegy Ellipta contains three active drugs.

What might help

To lower your risk of thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out (without swallowing) after each dose of Trelegy Ellipta.

If you develop symptoms of thrush, contact your doctor. If they confirm you have an infection, they can prescribe an antifungal medication. Examples include nystatin (Nystop) and fluconazole.

Your doctor will recommend whether you should keep using Trelegy Ellipta if you have thrush. They might have you pause Trelegy Ellipta treatment until the thrush is treated.

Raised blood pressure

Raised blood pressure is a possible side effect of Trelegy Ellipta. It’s not known how often this occurred in people taking the drug in studies. This side effect is caused by vilanterol, one of the three active drugs* in Trelegy Ellipta.

Raised blood pressure caused by Trelegy Ellipta usually isn’t serious. Possible symptoms include headache or shortness of breath. A mild increase in blood pressure might not cause any noticeable symptoms.

If you have an existing heart problem, raised blood pressure could make your condition worse. It could also raise your risk of other heart problems, such as a heart attack. See the “What should be considered before taking Trelegy Ellipta?” below for details.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.

What might help

Before you start treatment with Trelegy Ellipta, your doctor will evaluate your risk of side effects, including raised blood pressure.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure or an existing heart problem. This helps them determine whether Trelegy Ellipta is safe for you.

While you’re using Trelegy Ellipta, your doctor may have you monitor your blood pressure. They’ll provide you with details, such as how often to check it. They’ll also tell you what to do if your blood pressure increases.

If you develop high blood pressure while using Trelegy Ellipta, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage this.

Sudden trouble breathing

In rare cases, you may experience sudden trouble breathing after using Trelegy Ellipta. This is called bronchospasm. It’s a possible side effect of any inhaler.

Symptoms of bronchospasm can include any of the following immediately after using your inhaler:

What might help

If you have trouble breathing after using Trelegy Ellipta, use your rescue inhaler right away. Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil-HFA) is a common example of a rescue inhaler.

If your symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 (or your local emergency number) or get immediate medical help.

If you have sudden trouble breathing with Trelegy Ellipta, your doctor will likely have you permanently stop using this drug. They can recommend other treatment options for your condition.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta. This wasn’t reported in studies of Trelegy Ellipta but has happened since the drug was approved.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Trelegy Ellipta that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Trelegy Ellipta is an inhaler that contains a dry powder medication. “Trelegy” refers to the medication, and “Ellipta” refers to the inhaler you use to take the medication.

Each Trelegy Ellipta inhaler contains three active drugs* in the following strengths:

  • 100 micrograms (mcg) or 200 mcg of fluticasone
  • 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium
  • 25 mcg of vilanterol

These strengths might be written as 100/62.5/25 mcg and 200/62.5/25 mcg.

There are a total of 30 doses per inhaler.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.

Recommended dosage

The recommended Trelegy Ellipta dosage for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma is one inhalation, once per day. Your doctor might prescribe either the 100/62.5/25 mcg dose or the 200/62.5/25 mcg dose, depending on your condition. Try to use the inhaler at the same time each day.

To learn more about Trelegy Ellipta’s dosage, see this article.

Questions about Trelegy Ellipta’s dosage

Below are some common questions about Trelegy Ellipta’s dosage.

  • What if I miss a dose of Trelegy Ellipta? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take more than one dose (one inhalation) per day.
  • Will I need to use Trelegy Ellipta long term? It’s possible. You’ll use Trelegy Ellipta long term if you and your doctor agree that it’s safe and effective for you.
  • How long does Trelegy Ellipta take to work? You likely won’t feel Trelegy Ellipta working at first. It’s a long-term treatment that works to reduce your symptoms over time. It may take a few weeks before you notice that you can breathe more easily. The drug also helps stop COPD or asthma symptoms from getting worse over time.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Trelegy Ellipta. What you’ll pay for Trelegy Ellipta may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

  • Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates of what you’d pay for Trelegy Ellipta when using coupons from the site.
  • Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And you can visit the Trelegy Ellipta manufacturer’s website to see its support options.

You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline. Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

To save money on your Trelegy Ellipta prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.

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Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.

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Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Trelegy Ellipta.

Does Trelegy Ellipta cause weight gain?

No, Trelegy Ellipta doesn’t cause weight gain. This wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Weight gain can be caused by corticosteroids that you take orally (by swallowing). This type of drug is sometimes used to treat exacerbations (flare-ups) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. This refers to times when symptoms suddenly get worse.

Oral corticosteroids can cause weight gain, especially if they’re taken long term. One example of this type of drug is prednisone (Rayos).

Trelegy Ellipta contains a corticosteroid that you inhale, called fluticasone. Unlike oral corticosteroids, fluticasone is not known to cause weight gain.

Keep in mind that having COPD or asthma can make it harder to be physically active. This can contribute to weight gain.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about your weight or weight gain. They can suggest ways to reach or maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.

How does Trelegy Ellipta work?

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active drugs.* Each works a little differently to manage symptoms of COPD and asthma:

  • Fluticasone reduces inflammation (swelling) in your lungs and airways.
  • Umeclidinium reduces how much mucus is produced in your airways. It can also block muscle spasms (tightening) in your airways.
  • Vilanterol works by relaxing muscles around your airways. This dilates (opens) your airways and makes it easier to breathe.

Overall, these drugs work together to reduce swelling and relax muscles in your airways. This should keep your airways open and relaxed so you can breathe more easily.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about how Trelegy Ellipta works.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.

Is hair loss a side effect of Trelegy Ellipta?

No, Trelegy Ellipta doesn’t cause hair loss. This wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Hair loss can be caused by corticosteroids that you swallow, such as prednisone. This type of drug is sometimes used to treat exacerbations (flare-ups) of COPD or asthma. Hair loss is most likely to happen with corticosteroids if you stop taking them after a long period of treatment.

Trelegy Ellipta contains a corticosteroid that you inhale, called fluticasone. Unlike corticosteroids that you swallow, fluticasone isn’t known to cause hair loss.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about hair loss with any medications you take.

Is Trelegy Ellipta similar to alternative drugs, such as Advair and Spiriva?

Yes. Trelegy Ellipta, Advair, and Spiriva are all inhalers used to manage COPD in adults. Trelegy Ellipta, Advair, and a form of Spiriva are also used to manage asthma in adults.

For more information about how Trelegy Ellipta compares with other drugs like Advair and Spiriva, talk with your doctor. They can tell you more about your treatment options to see if one of these drugs is right for you.

Yes, Trelegy Ellipta is used to help manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms in adults. (It’s also used to help manage asthma symptoms. This use is described below in “Is Trelegy Ellipta used for asthma?”)

COPD refers to a group of lung diseases (including bronchitis and emphysema) that make it harder to breathe. It’s a progressive disease, which means symptoms gradually worsen over time. In addition to trouble breathing, you may have:

  • wheezing (noisy breathing)
  • tightness in your chest
  • excess sputum (mucus) production

Trelegy Ellipta is used long term to help keep your lung function from becoming worse. You’ll use it every day to reduce COPD symptoms.

Some people with COPD experience exacerbations. These are sudden flare-ups of severe symptoms. COPD exacerbations often require treatment in the hospital. Using Trelegy Ellipta may help lower your risk of exacerbations.

Note: Trelegy Ellipta should not be used as a rescue inhaler for exacerbations or sudden breathing problems. While taking Trelegy Ellipta, continue to use your rescue inhaler (such as albuterol) as your doctor tells you to. If you have symptoms that feel life threatening, call 911 (or your local emergency number) or get immediate medical help.

Yes, Trelegy Ellipta is used to help manage asthma symptoms in adults. It’s also used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. This use is described above in “Is Trelegy Ellipta used for COPD?”

Asthma is a condition caused by swelling and narrowing of your airways and lungs. Symptoms can include:

Some people experience asthma symptoms throughout the day. Certain activities can also trigger asthma symptoms or make symptoms worse. Trelegy Ellipta is used every day to help manage symptoms.

It’s possible to experience an exacerbation (sudden worsening) of asthma symptoms. This may also be called an asthma attack or flare-up. Trelegy Ellipta may help lower your risk of exacerbations.

Note: Trelegy Ellipta should not be used as a rescue inhaler for exacerbations or sudden breathing problems. While using Trelegy Ellipta, continue to use your rescue inhaler (such as albuterol) as your doctor tells you to. If you have symptoms that feel life threatening, call 911 (or your local emergency number) or get immediate medical help.

Trelegy Ellipta and Breztri Aerosphere are both inhalers used to help manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Trelegy Ellipta can also be used for asthma in adults.

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active drugs:* fluticasone, vilanterol, and umeclidinium. Breztri Aerosphere also contains three active drugs: budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate.

If you’d like to learn more about Trelegy Ellipta and Breztri Aerosphere, see this detailed comparison. If you’d like to know which medication might be right for you, talk with your doctor.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.

Trelegy Ellipta and Symbicort are both inhalers used to help manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Trelegy Ellipta is used only for adults, but Symbicort can be used for asthma in children ages 6 years and older, as well as in adults.

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active drugs:* fluticasone, vilanterol, and umeclidinium. Symbicort contains two active drugs: budesonide and formoterol. Different people benefit from different combinations of drugs for COPD or asthma.

If you’d like to learn more about Trelegy Ellipta and Symbicort, see this detailed comparison. You can also talk with your doctor about the treatment option that’s right for you.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.

Trelegy Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are both inhalers used to help manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults. Trelegy Ellipta is used only for asthma in adults, but Breo Ellipta can be used for asthma in children ages 5 years and older, as well as in adults.

Trelegy Ellipta contains three active drugs,* which are fluticasone, vilanterol, and umeclidinium. Breo Ellipta contains fluticasone and vilanterol. Different drug combinations may work better for COPD or asthma in some people.

For more information about how Trelegy Ellipta and Breo Ellipta compare, see this detailed comparison. Also, talk with your doctor about your treatment options to see whether one of these drugs is right for you.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.

Trelegy Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta are both inhalers used to help manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Trelegy Ellipta is also used for asthma. Anoro Ellipta isn’t prescribed for this use.

Trelegy Ellipta contains the active drugs* fluticasone, vilanterol, and umeclidinium. Anoro Ellipta contains two of these drugs, umeclidinium and vilanterol.

To learn more about Trelegy Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta, check out this detailed comparison. Also, talk with your doctor about the treatment that’s right for you.

* An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.

Your doctor will explain how you should use your Trelegy Ellipta inhaler. They’ll also explain how much to use and how often. You’ll typically take one inhalation each day, at about the same time each day.

After each dose, you should rinse your mouth with water. Be sure to spit the water out instead of swallowing it. This can help prevent thrush, a possible side effect of Trelegy Ellipta. Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth and throat.

To view step-by-step instructions for using Trelegy Ellipta, check out this site from the drug’s manufacturer. You can also look at Trelegy Ellipta’s patient information sheet.

Note: Trelegy Ellipta should not be used as a rescue inhaler if you have sudden trouble breathing or a flare-up (sudden worsening) of symptoms. It’s meant to be used every day, regardless of your symptoms. While using Trelegy Ellipta, continue to use your rescue inhaler (such as albuterol) as your doctor tells you to. If you have symptoms that feel life threatening, call 911 (or your local emergency number) or get immediate medical help.

Questions about taking Trelegy Ellipta

Below are some common questions about using Trelegy Ellipta.

  • Is there a best time of day to use Trelegy Ellipta? No, there’s no best time of day to use Trelegy Ellipta. But you should try to take your dose at the same time each day.
  • Should I use Trelegy Ellipta with food? You can take a dose of Trelegy Ellipta either with or without food.
Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Trelegy Ellipta and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Trelegy Ellipta affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So, don’t hesitate to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Below is important information you should consider before using Trelegy Ellipta.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Trelegy Ellipta, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Trelegy Ellipta.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Trelegy Ellipta can interact with several types of drugs. These drugs include:

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Trelegy Ellipta. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with the use of Trelegy Ellipta.

* Trelegy Ellipta contains three active drugs: fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid), umeclidinium (an anticholinergic), and vilanterol (a type of LABA).

Trelegy Ellipta and alcohol

There’s no known interaction between drinking alcohol and taking Trelegy Ellipta.

But some research has shown that heavy drinking can worsen your lung function over time. If you drink alcohol and you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, it’s best to avoid drinking large amounts.

If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe for you to have while using Trelegy Ellipta, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It isn’t known for sure whether it’s safe to use Trelegy Ellipta during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning for either, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best COPD or asthma treatment plan for you. They can also discuss safe feeding options if needed.

Warnings

Trelegy Ellipta may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Trelegy Ellipta. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

  • Bladder or prostate problems. Let your doctor know if you have any problems with your bladder or prostate, such as trouble urinating. Treatment with Trelegy Ellipta could make your condition worse. Your doctor will help determine whether Trelegy Ellipta is safe for you.
  • Diabetes. Using Trelegy Ellipta can raise your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, this could worsen your condition. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels more closely while you’re using Trelegy Ellipta.
  • Eye problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts, before you start Trelegy Ellipta. Using Trelegy Ellipta could worsen your condition. Your doctor can help determine whether this drug is safe for you.
  • Heart problems. It’s not common, but Trelegy Ellipta can cause some heart-related side effects. If you already have heart problems, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, Trelegy Ellipta could make your condition worse. It’s also possible for Trelegy Ellipta to cause serious heart problems (such as a heart attack) in people with existing heart disease or problems. Your doctor can help determine whether Trelegy Ellipta is safe for you to take.
  • Reduced immune system activity. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have reduced activity of your immune system. This is also called immunosuppression. Trelegy Ellipta may make your condition worse and put you at higher risk of infection. Your doctor can help determine whether Trelegy Ellipta is safe for you. They may monitor you closely for infection if they prescribe the drug for you.
  • Liver problems. If you have liver problems, your body may not be able to break down Trelegy Ellipta correctly. This could raise your risk of side effects from the drug. It’s usually safe for people with mild or moderate liver problems to use Trelegy Ellipta. But if you have severe liver problems, it may be best for you and your doctor to consider other treatments. Talk with your doctor about your liver problems and whether the drug is safe for you.
  • Osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, Trelegy Ellipta could worsen this condition. Your doctor will determine whether Trelegy Ellipta is safe for you. If they decide to prescribe Trelegy Ellipta for you, they may monitor your bone health during treatment.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta or any of its ingredients, including lactose (a sugar in milk), your doctor will likely not prescribe Trelegy Ellipta. Ask your doctor what other medications might be better options for you.

Do not use more Trelegy Ellipta than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you use too much Trelegy Ellipta

Call your doctor if you think you’ve inhaled too much Trelegy Ellipta. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Before you start taking Trelegy Ellipta, you and your doctor will talk and make sure the drug is a good option for you. Ask questions to help you learn more about Trelegy Ellipta. This can help you decide if it’s right for you. Some questions to help you get started include:

  • Should I stop using any of my other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma medications if I start Trelegy Ellipta?
  • Does my medical history put me at higher risk of side effects from Trelegy Ellipta?
  • Are there lab tests I’ll need while taking Trelegy Ellipta? If so, how often will I need to have those done?
  • How will I know whether Trelegy Ellipta is working for me?

To learn more about Trelegy Ellipta, see these articles:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

I have an allergy to milk. Is it safe for me to use Trelegy Ellipta?

Anonymous

A:

If you have a milk allergy (also called a milk protein allergy), Trelegy Ellipta may not be safe for you to use.

Trelegy Ellipta contains lactose, which contains milk proteins. Lactose can trigger an allergic reaction if you have a milk allergy. This reaction can be severe or life threatening in extreme cases.

Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Trelegy Ellipta if you have a severe milk allergy. You and your doctor can discuss other treatments that may be safer for you.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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