If you have certain lung conditions, your doctor might suggest Trelegy Ellipta as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:

Trelegy Ellipta comes as a powder you inhale into your lungs using the Ellipta inhaler. It contains three active ingredients. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) They are:

If you and your doctor determine Trelegy Ellipta is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

For more information about this medication, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, Trelegy Ellipta can cause mild to serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Below are a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Trelegy Ellipta in studies. Some side effects can vary depending on what condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects in people taking Trelegy Ellipta for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include:

More common side effects in people taking Trelegy Ellipta for asthma include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Many common side effects of Trelegy Ellipta are mild.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Trelegy Ellipta include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop using Trelegy Ellipta unless your doctor recommends it.

Trelegy Ellipta may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

It’s possible that you may have serious side effects from Trelegy Ellipta, but they’re usually rare.

Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

If you develop serious side effects while using Trelegy Ellipta, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Trelegy Ellipta, visit MedWatch.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Trelegy Ellipta’s side effects.

Does my risk of side effects with Trelegy Ellipta depend on the strength I’m prescribed (100/62.5/25 mcg or 200/62.5/25 mcg)?

In some cases, yes. 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.

In Trelegy Ellipta studies, the risk of many common side effects was similar between the two different strengths.

That said, certain side effects happened more often in people using Trelegy Ellipta 200/62.5/25 mcg than in those using the 100/62.5/25 mcg strength. These side effects include:

Other side effects were more likely to occur in participants using Trelegy Ellipta 100/62.5/25 mcg than in those using the higher strength. These include:

Keep in mind that these side effects happened in people taking Trelegy Ellipta at recommended doses. And the Trelegy 200/62.5/25 mcg dosage is only approved to treat asthma, not chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

You should not inhale more Trelegy Ellipta than your doctor prescribes. This can increase your risk of side effects from the drug.

If you have questions about your risk of side effects with your current Trelegy Ellipta dosage, talk with your doctor.

Does Trelegy Ellipta cause weight gain?

No. Weight gain was not reported as a side effect in Trelegy Ellipta studies.

Weight gain can be a side effect of certain drugs you take by mouth to treat asthma and COPD. For example, corticosteroids that you swallow, such as prednisone (Rayos), can cause weight gain. This is more likely to happen if corticosteroids are taken long term.

One of the active ingredients in Trelegy Ellipta is fluticasone, a corticosteroid that you inhale. This type of corticosteroid should not cause weight gain like corticosteroids you take by mouth.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about weight changes while using Trelegy Ellipta.

Do Trelegy Ellipta’s side effects vary depending on whether I’m using it for COPD or asthma?

It’s possible. Many common side effects of Trelegy Ellipta are similar whether you’re using it for COPD or asthma. But a few side effects were different in the drug’s studies.

For example, digestive side effects, such as diarrhea and stomach flu, were reported in people who used Trelegy Ellipta for COPD. But this wasn’t the case in those using the medication for asthma.

On the other hand, all side effects reported in studies of people using Trelegy Ellipta for asthma were also reported in those using it for COPD.

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about side effects from Trelegy Ellipta.

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

Eye side effects

It’s possible to have eye side effects while using Trelegy Ellipta. In studies of people taking this drug, eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma, were reported.

Glaucoma is increased pressure in your eye. Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the clear lens of your eyes. These eye side effects are caused by fluticasone and umeclidinium, two of the active ingredients in Trelegy Ellipta. They’re more likely to happen if you take Trelegy Ellipta long term.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

  • blurry vision
  • seeing halos around lights
  • trouble seeing at night
  • colors looking faded
  • increased glare sensitivity

Symptoms of glaucoma or increased eye pressure can include:

  • eye pain
  • blurry vision
  • eye redness
  • nausea
  • sudden vision changes
  • seeing colored rings around lights

What might help

It’s important to let your doctor know if you have glaucoma or cataracts before you start using Trelegy Ellipta. They may recommend a different treatment option for you.

If you have any symptoms of eye problems, such as those listed above, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely refer you to an ophthalmologist (a kind of eye specialist) to determine if you have serious eye problems. The ophthalmologist will provide any needed treatment.

If you use Trelegy Ellipta long term, your doctor may recommend you see an ophthalmologist regularly to check for any eye problems.

Fungal infection in your mouth or throat

Using Trelegy Ellipta can cause a fungal infection in your mouth or throat. This type of infection is sometimes called thrush.

Thrush was one of the more common side effects reported in studies of people using Trelegy Ellipta for COPD. But it may also happen if you’re using the drug to treat asthma.

Thrush happens when fluticasone, the corticosteroid in Trelegy Ellipta, causes the small amount of fungus (yeast) that usually lives in your mouth and throat to overgrow.

Symptoms of thrush can include:

  • white or yellow patches on your tongue, inner cheeks, lips, gums, or tonsils
  • soreness or a burning feeling inside your mouth
  • difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • loss of taste or a bad taste in your mouth
  • pain, redness, or irritation under dentures

What might help

It might be helpful to rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out after each dose of Trelegy Ellipta. This can reduce your risk of thrush.

Let your doctor know if you develop symptoms of thrush while using Trelegy Ellipta. If they determine you have a fungal infection, they’ll likely prescribe medication to treat it. These can include:

  • a tablet that you swallow, such as fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • a mouthwash that you swish in your mouth or gargle in your throat

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you temporarily pause Trelegy Ellipta until your infection is treated.

Increased risk of pneumonia

Pneumonia was one of the more common side effects reported in studies of people taking Trelegy Ellipta for COPD. This side effect was also reported in studies of people taking this medication to treat asthma, but it wasn’t common.

Symptoms of pneumonia can include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • shortness of breath
  • cough that may produce mucus
  • fatigue (low energy)
  • chest pain that may worsen when you cough or breathe
  • nausea or vomiting
  • headache

What might help

If you have COPD, your doctor may monitor you for signs of pneumonia. This is because some symptoms of pneumonia, such as cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue, can resemble symptoms of a COPD flare-up.

It’s important to let your doctor know right away if you have symptoms of pneumonia. They can determine if you do by ordering X-rays of your chest or a lab test using your sputum (a mix of spit and mucus) or blood.

If your doctor confirms you have pneumonia, they’ll likely prescribe antibiotics to treat it. They may have you temporarily stop using Trelegy Ellipta until your pneumonia is treated.

Urinary tract infection

It’s possible that Trelegy Ellipta may cause urinary tract infection (UTI). This was one of the more common side effects reported in studies of people using Trelegy Ellipta to treat COPD or asthma.

Symptoms of UTI can include:

What might help

Let your doctor know right away if you have symptoms of UTI while using Trelegy Ellipta. They’ll likely test your urine to determine if you do. If they confirm that you have a UTI, they’ll likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat it. They may also recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as phenazopyridine (AZO Standard). This is to help relieve pain or burning during urination.

It’s important to stay well hydrated while using Trelegy Ellipta. Doing so may reduce your risk of UTI.

If you have questions about urinary side effects with Trelegy Ellipta, talk with your doctor. And always check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking any OTC medications. They can let you know if they’re safe to take with Trelegy Ellipta or your condition.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Trelegy Ellipta can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you swallow, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Trelegy Ellipta treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Trelegy Ellipta affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Trelegy Ellipta may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. (This is known as a drug-condition interaction.) Other factors may also affect whether Trelegy Ellipta is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting this drug. Factors to consider include those described below.

Increased risk of infection. Using Trelegy Ellipta can increase your risk of infection. If you already have a higher risk of infection or your immune system is weakened, Trelegy Ellipta can increase your risk even more. Let your doctor know if you have an infection or symptoms of infection before you start this medication. They’ll likely prescribe a treatment for your infection before you start Trelegy Ellipta.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta or any of its ingredients, including lactose, your doctor will likely not prescribe Trelegy Ellipta for you. Ask them about other medications that might be better options.

Heart conditions. Trelegy Ellipta can cause heart problems, such as increased blood pressure and irregular or fast heartbeat. If you already have a heart condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, this medication could make it worse. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They’ll let you know if this medication is safe for you.

Osteoporosis. Long-term use of Trelegy Ellipta may cause osteoporosis (weakened bones). If you already have this condition, Trelegy Ellipta could make it worse. Talk with your doctor if you have osteoporosis before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They’ll determine if this medication is safe for you. If they do prescribe Trelegy Ellipta for you, they may monitor your bone health more closely during your treatment.

Liver problems. You may have an increased risk of side effects from Trelegy Ellipta if you have liver problems. This is because your liver processes this medication. If you have mild or moderate liver problems, your liver may be able to process the drug. But if you have severe liver problems, Trelegy Ellipta may build up in your body. Let your doctor know if you have liver problems before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They’ll decide if this drug is safe for you.

Eye problems. Trelegy Ellipta can cause eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma. If you already have these conditions, this medication may worsen them. Talk with your doctor about any eye problems you have before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They’ll help you decide if this medication is safe for you.

Diabetes. It’s possible that Trelegy Ellipta can increase your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, this medication may worsen your condition. Let your doctor know if you have diabetes before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They may recommend that you monitor your blood sugar more often during your treatment with this drug.

Prostate or bladder problems. Using Trelegy Ellipta can cause difficulty urinating. If you already have a condition that affects urination, such as bladder or prostate problems, this drug may worsen your symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They’ll help you decide if this medication is safe for you.

Alcohol and Trelegy Ellipta

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Trelegy Ellipta. But heavy alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system over time. And having a weakened immune system increases your risk of infection, including pneumonia. Because Trelegy Ellipta can also increase your risk of infection, especially pneumonia, it may be best to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while using this medication.

Talk with your doctor to learn how much, if any, alcohol is safe for you to consume with Trelegy Ellipta.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Trelegy Ellipta

It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Trelegy Ellipta during pregnancy. There aren’t studies of the drug being used during pregnancy.

It’s important to note that untreated asthma (one of the conditions Trelegy Ellipta is used to treat), during pregnancy can lead to:

  • complications during birth
  • premature birth
  • low birth weight of the newborn child

Let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They’ll recommend safe treatment options for your condition during your pregnancy.

If they decide to prescribe Trelegy Ellipta for you, they may have you stop taking it during the late stage of your pregnancy. (At which time they’d recommend a different treatment option.) This is because beta-agonists such as vilanterol (one of the active ingredients* in Trelegy Ellipta), can affect uterine contractions during delivery.

It’s not known if Trelegy Ellipta passes into breast milk or the effects it could have on a breastfeeding child.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor. They’ll recommend safe ways to feed your child during your treatment with Trelegy Ellipta.

*An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Many common side effects of Trelegy Ellipta are mild and go away on their own after a few days or weeks. But in rare cases, this drug may cause more serious side effects that require medical attention. Knowing about these side effects may help you manage them if they occur.

It’s important to talk with your doctor before starting Trelegy Ellipta treatment. Here are examples of questions you may want to ask about the drug’s side effects:

  • Can Trelegy Ellipta cause hair loss?
  • How do the side effects of Trelegy Ellipta compare with those of Breo Ellipta (fluticasone and vilanterol)?
  • Is my risk of thrush higher when I first start treatment?
  • Am I at an increased risk of side effects if I have kidney problems?

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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.