Anoro-Ellipta (umeclidinium and vilanterol) is used in adults to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Umeclidinium is in a class of medications called anticholinergics. Vilanterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

The combination of umeclidinium and vilanterol comes as a powder to inhale by mouth using a special inhaler. It is usually inhaled once a day. Inhale umeclidinium and vilanterol at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use umeclidinium and vilanterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not use umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation during a sudden COPD attack. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting (rescue) inhaler to use during COPD attacks. Umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation should not be used to treat COPD that is quickly getting worse. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if your breathing problems worsen, if you have to use your short-acting inhaler to treat attacks of COPD more often, or if your short-acting inhaler does not relieve your symptoms. Umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation controls COPD but does not cure it. Continue to use umeclidinium and vilanterol even if you feel well. Do not stop using umeclidinium and vilanterol without talking to your doctor. If you stop using umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation, your symptoms may get worse. Before you use umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation for the first time, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use the inhaler. Practice using your inhaler while he or she watches.

To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

• If you will be using a new inhaler for the first time, remove it from the box and the foil tray. Fill in the "Tray opened" and "Discard" blanks on the inhaler label with the date that you opened the tray and the date 6 weeks later when you must replace the inhaler.
• When you are ready to inhale your dose, slide the cover down to expose the mouthpiece until it clicks. If you open and close the inhaler without using your dose, you will waste the medication.
• The counter will count down by 1 each time you open the cover. If the counter does not count down, your inhaler will not provide the medicine. If your inhaler does not count down, call your pharmacist or doctor.
• Hold the inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out as far as you comfortably can. Do not breathe out into the mouthpiece.
• Put the mouthpiece between your lips, and close your lips firmly around it. Take a long, steady, deep breath in through your mouth. Do not breathe in through your nose. Be careful not to block the air vent with your fingers.
• Remove the inhaler from your mouth, and hold your breath for about 3 to 4 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. Breathe out slowly.
• You may or may not taste or feel the medicine released by the inhaler. Even if you do not, do not inhale another dose. If you are not sure you are getting your dose of umeclidinium and vilanterol, call your doctor or pharmacist.
• You may clean the mouthpiece with a dry tissue, if needed. Slide the cover up over the mouthpiece as far as it will go to close the inhaler.

Before using umeclidinium and vilanterol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to umeclidinium, vilanterol, any other medications, milk protein, or any of the ingredients in umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); antihistamines; atropine; beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), indacaterol (Arcapta), or salmeterol (in Advair, Serevent); other medications for COPD including aclidinium (Tudorza Pressair), medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, ulcers, or urinary problems; nefazodone (Serzone); telithromycin (Ketek); and troleandomycin (TAO).
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them during the past 2 weeks: antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Many other medications may also interact with umeclidinium and vilanterol, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, glaucoma (an eye disease), prostate or bladder problems, or heart or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using umeclidinium and vilanterol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using umeclidinium and vilanterol.

Umeclidinium and vilanterol may cause side effects including:

• shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
• runny nose, sore throat
• constipation
• diarrhea
• pain in your arms or legs
• muscle spasms
• neck pain

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using umeclidinium and vilanterol and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash; hives; itching
• swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
• chest pain
• coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness that begins after you inhale umeclidinium and vilanterol
• eye pain, redness, or discomfort; blurred vision
• frequent or painful urination

Umeclidinium and vilanterol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

Q: Why is Anoro-Ellipta prescribed?

A: It used to prevent airflow obstruction and reduce flare-ups in adults with COPD including bronchitis

Q: Does Anoro-Ellipta have a generic alternative?

A: Currently, there is no generic available 

Q: What if I miss a dose of Anoro-Ellipta?

A: Inhale the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use more than one dose in a day and do not inhale a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Anoro-Ellipta should be kept in the foil tray it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from sunlight, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom)