Breo Ellipta is an inhaler combining two medications to manage asthma and COPD. Are there similar options available? This article, brought to you by COMPARE.EDU.VN, explores effective substitutes, examining their pros and cons to help you choose the best fit. Discover alternatives to Breo Ellipta and informed healthcare decisions with our comprehensive guide, focusing on combination inhalers, maintenance medications, and bronchodilator alternatives.
1. Understanding Breo Ellipta
Breo Ellipta is a brand-name inhaler containing fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fluticasone furoate, a corticosteroid, reduces inflammation, while vilanterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), opens airways. This combination helps alleviate symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Breo Ellipta is a maintenance inhaler, taken once daily. For those needing two medications, it offers a convenient alternative to using separate inhalers.
While effective, Breo Ellipta may not suit everyone. The necessity of a maintenance or combination inhaler varies depending on asthma or COPD severity. Some may only require a rescue inhaler like albuterol (Ventolin) or an inhaled steroid like fluticasone (Arnuity Ellipta). Conversely, those with severe asthma might need multiple therapies. Breo Ellipta is approved for those aged 5 and older, considering age restrictions of other asthma treatments.
2. Alternatives to Breo Ellipta
If Breo Ellipta isn’t ideal, other options can treat asthma and COPD symptoms. Alternatives include other inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) combinations like Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, AirDuo RespiClick, Dulera, and Symbicort. Generics of Advair, AirDuo RespiClick, and Symbicort are also available, offering fluticasone propionate/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol at more affordable prices. Common side effects include oral thrush, hoarseness, headache, and upper respiratory infections.
2.1. Quick Comparison of Breo Ellipta Alternatives
| Drug Name | Uses | Dosage | Savings Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) | Asthma, COPD | 1 inhalation of 100 to 200 mcg/25 mcg once daily | Breo Ellipta coupons |
| Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) | Asthma, COPD | 1 inhalation of 100 to 500 mcg/50 mcg twice daily | Advair Diskus coupons |
| Advair HFA (fluticasone/salmeterol) | Asthma | 2 inhalations of 45 to 230 mcg/21 mcg twice daily | Advair HFA coupons |
| AirDuo RespiClick (fluticasone/salmeterol) | Asthma | 1 inhalation of 55 to 232 mcg/14 mcg twice daily | AirDuo RespiClick coupons |
| Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol) | COPD | 2 inhalations of 160 mcg/9 mcg/4.8 mcg twice daily | Breztri Aerosphere coupons |
| Dulera (mometasone/formoterol) | Asthma | 2 inhalations of 50 to 200 mcg/5 mcg twice daily | Dulera coupons |
| Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) | Asthma, COPD | 2 inhalations of 60 to 180 mcg/4.5 mcg twice daily | Symbicort coupons |
| Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol) | Asthma, COPD | 1 inhalation of 100 to 200 mcg/62.5 mcg/25 mcg once daily | Trelegy Ellipta coupons |
2.2. Further Alternatives to Breo Ellipta
Alternative asthma maintenance and COPD treatments depend on the specific condition and its severity. Options include single-medication inhalers, nebulizer solutions, oral tablets, and injectables.
Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS):
- Alvesco (ciclesonide)
- Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate)
- Asmanex Twisthaler/Asmanex HFA (mometasone furoate)
- Fluticasone propionate (formerly Flovent HFA)
- Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)
- Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone dipropionate)
Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMAs):
- Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)
- Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide)
- Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium)
Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs):
- Brovana (arformoterol)
- Perforomist (formoterol)
- Serevent Diskus (salmeterol)
- Striverdi Respimat (olodaterol)
Leukotriene Inhibitors:
- Accolate (zafirlukast) tablets
- Singulair (montelukast) tablets
- Zyflo (zileuton) tablets
Biologics:
- Dupixent (dupilumab) injection
- Fasenra (benralizumab) injection
- Nucala (mepolizumab) injection
- Xolair (omalizumab) injection
3. Top 5 Breo Ellipta Alternatives in Detail
Here’s a closer look at some common alternatives to Breo Ellipta.
3.1. Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol)
Advair, also available generically, contains a corticosteroid and LABA to relax airways. Available as a metered-dose inhaler (Advair HFA) and dry powder inhaler (Advair Diskus), proper administration technique is crucial. Advair manages both asthma and COPD, and its combination formulation improves compliance. It’s a good choice for those wanting a generic combination with inhaler type options.
3.2. Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)
Symbicort, with generics available, combines a corticosteroid and LABA. It manages asthma and COPD symptoms, reducing COPD exacerbations. As a metered-dose inhaler, it’s suitable for those needing combination treatment.
3.3. Dulera (mometasone/formoterol)
Dulera, a brand-name inhaler without a generic, combines a corticosteroid and LABA. FDA-approved for asthma, it’s also used off-label for COPD maintenance. It’s used when symptoms aren’t controlled by an inhaled corticosteroid alone, or when asthma severity warrants combination treatment. Dulera is a metered-dose inhaler suitable for adults and children aged 5 and older.
3.4. AirDuo RespiClick (fluticasone/salmeterol)
AirDuo RespiClick, available generically, combines a corticosteroid and LABA to manage asthma. Containing the same active ingredients as Advair, it has lower salmeterol doses and a unique inhaler device. It is an inhalation-driven, multi-dose dry powder inhaler (MDPI). Clinical studies suggest similar effectiveness to Advair, and it may be a lower-cost alternative.
3.5. Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol)
Trelegy Ellipta is a triple combination inhaler for asthma or COPD maintenance. It contains an ICS, a long-acting anticholinergic, and a LABA. Currently without a generic, it has more reported side effects. It is suitable for those needing additional treatment when dual combination inhalers aren’t sufficient.
4. Natural Alternatives to Breo Ellipta
While vitamins or supplements aren’t supported as direct alternatives, lifestyle changes and diet modifications are essential for managing asthma or COPD. Identifying and minimizing asthma triggers is crucial.
Common asthma triggers include:
- Air pollution
- Animal dander
- Aspirin
- Cigarette smoke
- Dust mites
- Exercise
- Fireplace or campfire smoke
- Food allergies (peanuts, shellfish)
- High humidity
- Mold
- NSAIDs
- Respiratory infections
- Stressed emotions
- Strong odors
- Sudden temperature changes
- Trees or grass
Breathing techniques like pursed-lip and belly breathing can increase oxygen levels and clear stale air. For COPD, physical activity and pulmonary rehabilitation improve breathlessness, health, and exercise tolerance.
5. Switching to a Breo Ellipta Alternative
5.1. Gradual Transition
Don’t stop Breo Ellipta suddenly. Create an asthma or COPD maintenance plan with a healthcare professional to avoid worsening symptoms. Once in place, safely discontinue Breo Ellipta and start the new treatment.
5.2. Proper Inhaler Technique
Learn the correct usage of the new inhaler, as different devices have different instructions. Improper technique can hinder medication delivery. Healthcare professionals can teach proper technique and explain priming needs. Review the inhaler’s prescribing information and seek medical advice if needed.
5.3. Rescue Inhalers for Acute Attacks
Maintenance medications like Breo Ellipta aren’t for sudden asthma attacks. Use rescue inhalers like albuterol (Ventolin HFA) or levalbuterol (Xopenex) for quick relief of symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
5.4. Medication Review
Discuss all medications, including prescriptions, OTC drugs, and supplements, with a healthcare provider before switching from Breo Ellipta. Certain alternatives have drug interactions that must be avoided.
5.5. Oral Care with ICS Alternatives
Rinse the mouth with water (without swallowing) after using Breo Ellipta or alternatives containing a corticosteroid to prevent oral thrush.
6. Detailed Comparisons of Breo Ellipta Alternatives
To provide a more structured comparison, let’s delve into detailed aspects of the main alternatives to Breo Ellipta:
6.1. Advair Diskus vs. Breo Ellipta
| Feature | Advair Diskus | Breo Ellipta |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol | Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol |
| Type of Inhaler | Dry Powder Inhaler | Dry Powder Inhaler |
| Dosing | Twice Daily | Once Daily |
| Uses | Asthma and COPD | Asthma and COPD |
| Age Approval | 4 years and older (Asthma), 12 years and older (COPD) | 5 years and older (Asthma), Adults (COPD) |
| Potential Side Effects | Upper respiratory infection, headache, sore throat, muscle pain | Upper respiratory infection, headache, sore throat, oral thrush |
Key Considerations:
- Dosing Frequency: Advair Diskus requires twice-daily dosing, which may be less convenient for some patients compared to Breo Ellipta’s once-daily dosing.
- Age Approval: Advair has a slightly broader age approval for asthma, being approved for children as young as 4 years old.
- Active Ingredients: While both contain a corticosteroid and LABA, the specific molecules differ, which may result in varied responses among individuals.
6.2. Symbicort vs. Breo Ellipta
| Feature | Symbicort | Breo Ellipta |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Budesonide and Formoterol | Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol |
| Type of Inhaler | Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) | Dry Powder Inhaler |
| Dosing | Twice Daily | Once Daily |
| Uses | Asthma and COPD | Asthma and COPD |
| Age Approval | 6 years and older (Asthma), Adults (COPD) | 5 years and older (Asthma), Adults (COPD) |
| Potential Side Effects | Throat irritation, oral thrush, headache, nausea | Upper respiratory infection, headache, sore throat, oral thrush |
Key Considerations:
- Inhaler Type: Symbicort is delivered via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which requires coordination between actuation and inhalation. Breo Ellipta uses a dry powder inhaler, which may be easier for some patients to use.
- Dosing Frequency: Like Advair, Symbicort requires twice-daily dosing.
- Active Ingredients: The combination of budesonide and formoterol may provide different therapeutic effects compared to fluticasone furoate and vilanterol.
6.3. Dulera vs. Breo Ellipta
| Feature | Dulera | Breo Ellipta |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Mometasone Furoate and Formoterol | Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol |
| Type of Inhaler | Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) | Dry Powder Inhaler |
| Dosing | Twice Daily | Once Daily |
| Uses | Asthma | Asthma and COPD |
| Age Approval | 5 years and older | 5 years and older (Asthma), Adults (COPD) |
| Potential Side Effects | Upper respiratory infection, oral thrush, headache, sore throat | Upper respiratory infection, headache, sore throat, oral thrush |
Key Considerations:
- COPD Indication: Dulera is FDA-approved for asthma but is sometimes used off-label for COPD. Breo Ellipta has specific approval for both asthma and COPD.
- Inhaler Type and Dosing Frequency: Similar to Symbicort, Dulera uses an MDI and requires twice-daily dosing, which may be less convenient.
6.4. AirDuo RespiClick vs. Breo Ellipta
| Feature | AirDuo RespiClick | Breo Ellipta |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol | Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol |
| Type of Inhaler | Dry Powder Inhaler | Dry Powder Inhaler |
| Dosing | Twice Daily | Once Daily |
| Uses | Asthma | Asthma and COPD |
| Age Approval | 12 years and older | 5 years and older (Asthma), Adults (COPD) |
| Potential Side Effects | Headache, upper respiratory infection, sore throat | Upper respiratory infection, headache, sore throat, oral thrush |
Key Considerations:
- Age Approval: AirDuo RespiClick is approved for older children and adults, while Breo Ellipta can be used in children as young as 5.
- Dosing Frequency: AirDuo RespiClick requires twice-daily dosing.
- Device Mechanism: The RespiClick inhaler has a unique inhalation-driven mechanism.
6.5. Trelegy Ellipta vs. Breo Ellipta
| Feature | Trelegy Ellipta | Breo Ellipta |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium, and Vilanterol | Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol |
| Type of Inhaler | Dry Powder Inhaler | Dry Powder Inhaler |
| Dosing | Once Daily | Once Daily |
| Uses | Asthma and COPD | Asthma and COPD |
| Age Approval | 18 years and older (Asthma), Adults (COPD) | 5 years and older (Asthma), Adults (COPD) |
| Potential Side Effects | Upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, bronchitis, altered taste | Upper respiratory infection, headache, sore throat, oral thrush |
Key Considerations:
- Triple Combination: Trelegy Ellipta includes three active ingredients (an ICS, a LAMA, and a LABA), making it suitable for more severe cases.
- Side Effects: Trelegy Ellipta has a broader range of potential side effects.
- Age Approval: Trelegy Ellipta is approved for use in adults.
Understanding these detailed comparisons can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about selecting the most appropriate alternative to Breo Ellipta based on individual needs and circumstances.
7. Addressing Common Concerns and Questions
To further assist in making an informed decision, let’s address some frequently asked questions about Breo Ellipta and its alternatives:
7.1. Is there a generic version of Breo Ellipta available?
Currently, there is no direct generic version of Breo Ellipta that combines fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. However, generic versions of similar combination inhalers, such as Advair (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) and Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol), are available, providing more affordable options with similar mechanisms of action.
7.2. Can I switch between different inhalers without consulting my doctor?
No, it is not recommended to switch between different inhalers without consulting a healthcare provider. Each inhaler contains different medications and requires specific administration techniques. Your doctor can assess your condition, consider potential drug interactions, and provide guidance on the most appropriate inhaler and dosage for your needs.
7.3. What should I do if I experience side effects from Breo Ellipta or its alternatives?
If you experience side effects from Breo Ellipta or its alternatives, it is important to inform your healthcare provider. Common side effects may include oral thrush, hoarseness, headache, and upper respiratory infections. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
7.4. Are natural remedies sufficient for managing asthma or COPD?
While natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can play a supportive role in managing asthma or COPD, they are generally not sufficient as standalone treatments. It is essential to follow your doctor’s prescribed medication regimen and integrate natural remedies as complementary strategies.
7.5. How do I clean my inhaler?
Cleaning your inhaler regularly is important to prevent contamination and ensure proper functioning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your specific inhaler device. Generally, this involves rinsing the mouthpiece with warm water and allowing it to air dry.
7.6. Can I use a spacer with Breo Ellipta or its alternatives?
Spacers are typically used with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) to improve medication delivery. Breo Ellipta is a dry powder inhaler, which does not require a spacer. If you are using an MDI alternative, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the potential benefits of using a spacer.
7.7. How long does it take for Breo Ellipta or its alternatives to start working?
The onset of action for Breo Ellipta and its alternatives can vary. Some patients may experience symptom relief within a few days, while others may require several weeks to achieve optimal control. It is important to use your inhaler consistently as prescribed and communicate with your doctor about your progress.
7.8. Can I use my rescue inhaler while taking Breo Ellipta or its alternatives?
Yes, you can use your rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol) while taking Breo Ellipta or its alternatives. Rescue inhalers provide quick relief of acute asthma symptoms, while maintenance inhalers like Breo Ellipta work to prevent symptoms over time.
7.9. Are there any dietary restrictions while using Breo Ellipta or its alternatives?
There are generally no specific dietary restrictions while using Breo Ellipta or its alternatives. However, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding potential triggers, such as food allergens, can help support overall respiratory health.
7.10. How do I dispose of my inhaler properly?
To dispose of your inhaler properly, follow the guidelines provided by your local waste management authority. Some pharmacies may also offer inhaler disposal programs. Do not puncture or incinerate the inhaler, as it may contain pressurized contents.
8. Concluding Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision
Choosing the right treatment for asthma or COPD involves careful consideration of various factors, including the severity of your condition, your individual needs, and the potential benefits and risks of each option. Breo Ellipta is an effective combination inhaler, but several alternatives are available that may be more suitable for certain individuals.
By exploring the alternatives outlined in this article, comparing their features, and consulting with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision that optimizes your respiratory health and improves your quality of life.
Remember, the information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations and treatment plans.
Navigating the landscape of asthma and COPD treatments can be complex, but with the right information and support, you can take control of your respiratory health and breathe easier.
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