Best Breo Ellipta Alternatives

Breo Ellipta, combining fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, is used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in patients aged five years and older. It comes in three dosage strengths and is designed for once-daily use.

Breo Ellipta is a popular choice among patients, but it’s not without its limitations. High costs, potential side effects, and varying efficacy have led many to seek alternatives.

This article will explore alternatives to Breo Ellipta to provide options with similar benefits, fewer side effects, and more affordable prices.

How to Choose a Breo Ellipta Alternative

Choosing an alternative to Breo Ellipta involves several essential factors to guarantee the effective management of asthma or COPD. Here’s what to look for:

• Approved Indications: Ensure the alternative is FDA-approved for asthma or COPD and meets your specific condition’s requirements.
• Active Ingredients: Compare the active ingredients. Breo Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. Look for medications with similar or effective components for respiratory conditions.
• Dosage and Administration: Consider the form and method of administration. Some alternatives are inhalers, nebulizers, or oral medications. Choose the method that fits your routine and preferences.
• Side Effects: Research the side effects of potential alternatives. Identify the most suitable option with manageable side effects.
• Cost and Insurance: Evaluate the cost and check insurance coverage for alternatives. Some options might be more affordable or have better insurance coverage.
• Availability: Check the alternative’s availability in your area. Ensure it is easily accessible to avoid interruptions in treatment.

Taking these factors into account will help you select an alternative to Breo Ellipta that meets your health requirements and lifestyle.

Top 5 Breo Ellipta Alternatives

Here are the most frequently used alternatives to Breo Ellipta:

1) Advair Diskus

Price: starts at $149

Active ingredients: Fluticasone propionate and Salmeterol

Dosage form: Inhalation powder

Dosage frequency: 1 inhalation twice daily

Approved indications: Asthma and COPD

Common side effects: Upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, dysphonia, oral candidiasis, bronchitis, cough, headaches, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, and musculoskeletal pain.

The Global Initiative for Asthma and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines both find Breo Ellipta and Advair equally effective for treating moderate-to-severe asthma and COPD, respectively, without recommending one over the other.

Additionally, a 2018 study showed that Breo Ellipta and Advair Diskus are similarly effective in improving lung function and symptoms in well-controlled asthma, with comparable safety profiles.

Another study comparing Breo Ellipta and Advair for COPD has also shown them to be similarly effective.

2) Symbicort

Price: starts at $146

Active ingredients: Budesonide and Formoterol

Dosage form: Inhalation aerosol

Dosage frequency: 2 inhalations twice daily

Approved indications: Asthma and COPD

Common side effects: Nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, influenza, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, oral candidiasis, and bronchitis.

A study found that Symbicort reduced the risk of hospitalizations and emergency room visits by 28%. When used as maintenance and reliever therapy (320/9 mcg per day), it further reduced the risk by 37%.

Occasionally, Symbicort is used as a rescue inhaler for asthma. Despite being an off-label use, numerous studies support this method for individuals with poorly controlled asthma. This approach is referred to as “single maintenance and reliever therapy” (SMART).

3) Trelegy Ellipta

Price: starts at $190

Active ingredients: Fluticasone furoate, Vilanterol, and Umeclidinium

Dosage form: Inhalation powder

Dosage frequency: 1 inhalation once daily

Approved indications: Asthma and COPD

Common side effects: Upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, bronchitis, oral candidiasis, headache, back pain, arthralgia, influenza, sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, dysgeusia, constipation, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, oropharyngeal pain, cough, and dysphonia.

In addition to fluticasone and vilanterol, which are also present in Breo Ellipta, Trelegy Ellipta includes umeclidinium, a unique long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator. This compound helps by relaxing the muscles around the airways, reducing constriction, and improving airflow, particularly aiding those with COPD.

Trelegy Ellipta has demonstrated high efficacy, with clinical studies showing notable improvements in lung function and a reduction in COPD exacerbations.

4) Spiriva Respimat

Price: starts at $520

Active ingredients: Tiotropium bromide

Dosage form: Inhalation spray

Dosage frequency: 2 inhalations once daily

Approved indications: Asthma and COPD

Common side effects: Pharyngitis, cough, dry mouth, sinusitis, headache, and bronchitis

A study compared the safety and efficacy of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol and tiotropium in subjects with moderate-to-severe COPD and higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Both treatments significantly improved lung function over 12 weeks, with no significant difference in the primary endpoint of 24-hour weighted mean FEV1. Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol showed advantages in the following:

• Bronchodilation onset
• Rescue medication use
• Quality of life measures

On the other hand, tiotropium bromide had better outcomes in forced vital capacity and inspiratory capacity.

5) Anoro Ellipta

Price: starts at $158

Active ingredients: Umeclidinium and Vilanterol

Dosage form: Inhalation powder

Dosage frequency: 1 inhalation once daily

Approved indications: COPD

Common side effects: Pharyngitis, sinusitis, lower respiratory tract infection, constipation, diarrhea, pain in extremities, muscle spasms, neck pain, and chest pain.

A recent study compared adherence to once-daily umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VI) versus twice-daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/LABA in COPD patients in England.

The results showed that at 12 months post-treatment initiation, patients on UMEC/VI had significantly greater adherence compared to those on ICS/LABA, a trend that remained consistent at 6, 18, and 24 months.

How to Switch to a Breo Ellipta Alternative

Switching to an alternative to Breo Ellipta involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider

Always start by discussing any medication changes with your healthcare provider. They will evaluate your health and identify the most appropriate alternative to Breo Ellipta. Prepare questions to help ensure you have a thorough discussion. Examples include:

• What are the FDA-approved alternatives to Breo Ellipta for my condition?
• How do these alternatives compare in terms of efficacy and side effects?
• How will the dosage of the new medication compare to my current dosage of Breo Ellipta?
• Are there any differences in how I should administer the new medication?
• What are the potential side effects of the new medication?
• What steps can I take to manage potential side effects?
• How should I monitor my symptoms after switching medications?
• When should I schedule follow-up appointments to assess my progress?
• Is there a recommended way to transition from Breo Ellipta to the new medication?
• Are there any specific precautions I should take during the transition period?
• How does the cost of the new medication compare to Breo Ellipta?
• Is the new medication covered by my insurance plan?
• How does the long-term use of the new medication compare to Breo Ellipta?
• Are there any long-term risks associated with the new medication?

2. Monitor Your Symptoms

After switching, keep track of your symptoms. Note any changes, improvements, or side effects, and discuss this information with your provider during follow-up appointments.

3. Schedule Follow-Up Appointments

Consistent follow-up appointments are vital for tracking your progress and making any necessary changes to your treatment plan.

4. Educate Yourself on the New Medication

Learn about your new medication by reading the patient information leaflet and asking your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you may have.

By following these steps and staying in touch with your healthcare provider, you can switch to a Breo Ellipta alternative effectively.

Bottom Line

Exploring alternatives to Breo Ellipta provides several effective options for managing asthma and COPD. Each alternative–Advair Diskus, Symbicort, Trelegy Ellipta, Spiriva Respimat, and Anoro Ellipta–has its own benefits and potential side effects. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option for your needs.