Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Anoro Ellipta.
Allergy: In rare cases, immediate allergic reactions may occur after using umeclidinium - vilanterol, causing Hives, swelling around the throat and tongue, rash, and worsening of breathing problems. If this occurs, get emergency medical help at once.
Asthma related death: The safety and effectiveness of using Anoro Ellipta to treat asthma symptoms have not been determined. Studies have shown an increase in deaths caused by severe asthma symptoms when LABA medications have been used without a corticosteroid. Anoro Ellipta should not be used by people with asthma.
Diabetes: Umeclidinium - vilanterol may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Anoro Ellipta may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Anoro Ellipta.
Glaucoma: Umeclidinium may cause symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes), such as blurred vision or eye pain or pressure to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Anoro Ellipta may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart conditions: Anoro Ellipta can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate in addition to changes to the heart rhythm. If you have any heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how Anoro Ellipta may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rhythm: Beta-2 agonists, such as vilanterol, can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Anoro Ellipta may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Inhalation-induced bronchospasm: Inhaled forms of medications may cause spasms of the airways, which make breathing difficult. If you experience this problem when using umeclidinium - vilanterol stop using Anoro Ellipta immediately. Speak to your doctor if you experience any problems with breathing while taking this or other inhaled medication.
Seizures: There have been occasional reports of seizures occurring with umeclidinium - vilanterol. Seizures are more likely to occur when higher doses of Anoro Ellipta are taken. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Anoro Ellipta may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Smoking: If you smoke, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist the benefits of stopping smoking. Smoking contributes to the symptoms of COPD. People who stop smoking often see a significant improvement in their breathing symptoms.
Thyroid disease: Anoro Ellipta may increase the symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland. If you have a history of thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how Anoro Ellipta may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Urinary tract problems: Anoro Ellipta can cause the symptoms of some urinary tract problems to become worse. If you have an enlarged prostate or other condition that causes urination to be difficult, discuss with your doctor how Anoro Ellipta may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anoro Ellipta, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Worsening symptoms: If you find you need to use your short-acting ("rescue") inhaler more often or if your condition seems to worsen, call your doctor. It is very important that you have your "rescue" medication with you at all times. If you have not been given instructions beforehand, contact your doctor immediately about what to do if any of the following situations occur (they may be signs of seriously worsening COPD):
- decreased effectiveness of short-acting, inhaled bronchodilators such as salbutamol, terbutaline, or fenoterol (less than 4 hours of relief)
- need for more inhalations than usual of short-acting, inhaled bronchodilators
Pregnancy: Anoro Ellipta should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Anoro Ellipta, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if either umeclidinium or vilanterol pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Anoro Ellipta, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Anoro Ellipta have not been established for children or people under the age of 18.
