How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Fluticasone - umeclidinium - vilanterol is a combination of three medications. Together they are used to reduce the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is also used to treat asthma for adults whose condition is not adequately controlled using an inhaled corticosteroid and a maintenance long-acting beta2-agonist.
Fluticasone belongs to a group of medications known as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the lungs and help reduce the swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs. This helps keep the airways open and improve breathing. Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). Vilanterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). These medications work in different ways to open the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Fluticasone - umeclidinium - vilanterol should not be used as a rescue medication to relieve sudden attacks of COPD or asthma symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice about rescue medications that are appropriate for you.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each single inhalation of dry, white powder contains 100 µg of fluticasone furoate, 62.5 µg of umeclidinium (as bromide) and 25 µg of vilanterol (as trifenatate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate and magnesium stearate.
The inhaler device contains two foil blister strips. On one strip, each blister contains a dry, white powder mixture of 100 µg micronized fluticasone and lactose monohydrate. On the other strip, each blister contains a dry, white powder mixture of 62.5 µg micronized umeclidinium, 25 µg micronized vilanterol, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of fluticasone - umeclidinium - vilanterol is one inhalation taken once daily. Try to use the inhaler at the same time every day to get the most benefit from it and to help you remember to use it. It is important to keep taking this medication regularly even if you feel fine and your symptoms have improved.
Have your doctor or pharmacist explain how to use the inhaler and read the instructions carefully before using the inhaler. If you have any questions about how to use the inhaler, check with your health care professional.
Open the inhaler only when you are going to use the medication immediately. Each time you open and close the cover, a dose is prepared for inhalation. If you do not use the dose, it will be wasted.
After inhaling the dose of medication, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This reduces the chances of developing thrush.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Leave the inhaler in the sealed foil tray until you are ready to begin using it. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard any medication remaining in the inhaler 6 weeks after taking it out of the foil package.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, vilanterol, or any ingredients of the medication
- have a severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- back pain
- constipation
- cough
- dry mouth
- headache
- hoarseness
- itchy, runny, or congested nose
- joint pain
- pain in the back of the mouth and throat
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- bone pain or unusual fractures
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- cold or flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, sore throat, cough, sudden lack of energy)
- increased infections of the nose, sinuses, or throat
- increased need to urinate
- lung inflammation (e.g., bronchitis)
- pain with urination
- signs of pneumonia (e.g., fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough)
- yeast infection in the mouth (sore, raised, white patches on the tongue, throat, or mouth)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
- sudden difficulty breathing immediately after using the inhaler
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
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 this medication.
Diabetes: Fluticasone - 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 this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.
Driving: Fluticasone - umeclidinium - vilanterol may cause blurred vision or headaches, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you.
Eye problems: Fluticasone may increase the risk of developing cataracts or 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 this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart conditions: Vilanterol and umeclidinium can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate as well as changes to the heart rhythm. If you have any heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, 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 this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infections: This medication, like other medications that contain corticosteroids, may prevent the early signs of a serious infection from being noticed. Try to limit the amount of time you spend around others who have recently had infections such as chickenpox or measles. If you do come into contact with someone who has one of these infections, contact your doctor for advice.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the importance of receiving an annual influenza vaccination.
Inhalation-induced bronchospasm: Inhaled forms of medications may cause spasms of the airways, which make breathing difficult. If you experience this problem when using fluticasone - umeclidinium - vilanterol stop using this medication immediately. Speak to your doctor if you experience any problems with breathing while taking this or any other inhaled medication.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause fluticasone to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Oral hygiene: Fluticasone may cause a thrush infection in the mouth and throat. Adequate oral hygiene is very important in minimizing the overgrowth of microorganisms such as candidiasis (thrush). To reduce the risk of infection, gargle with water after each use of this medication.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of medications like fluticasone may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pneumonia: People using fluticasone - umeclidinium - vilanterol to treat COPD may be at an increased risk of developing pneumonia. If you experience symptoms of pneumonia, such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain, get medical attention as soon as possible.
Other medications for asthma or COPD: There are several medications, including combination medications, available to treat asthma or COPD. Many of these have combinations that include one or more of the ingredients in this medication or other ingredients that work the same way as the ingredients in this medication. Taking these other medications may cause dangerous or fatal side effects. With your doctor or pharmacist, review the ingredients of any medications you are prescribed and compare it to the medications you are currently taking.
Thyroid disease: This medication may increase the symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland. If you have a history of thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Urinary tract problems: This medication 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 this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, 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 asthma or 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: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether fluticasone, umeclidinium, or vilanterol pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children or people under the age of 18.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between fluticasone - umeclidinium - vilanterol and any of the following:
- aclidinium
- aldesleukin
- amantadine
- amiodarone
- amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine)
- antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone disopyramide, dronedarone, flecainide, quinidine, procainamide)
- antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
- anti-psychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
- aprepitant
- atomoxetine
- atropine
- "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- BCG
- baricitinib
- belladonna
- benztropine
- fast acting beta2 agonists (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline)
- long acting beta2 agonists (bronchodilators; e.g., formoterol, salmeterol)
- beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, sotalol)
- betahistine
- botulinum toxin
- caffeine
- cannabis
- cobicistat
- conivaptan
- cyclobenzaprine
- darifenacin
- deferasirox
- decongestant cold medications (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)
- decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)
- desmopressin
- dexmethylphenidate
- diltiazem
- diuretics (water pills; e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
- domperidone
- donepezil
- dronedarone
- echinacea
- eluxadoline
- epinephrine
- flavoxate
- galantamine
- glucagon
- glycopyrrolate
- glycopyrronium
- grapefruit juice
- HIV protease inhibitors (atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, tipranavir)
- ipratropium
- ketotifen
- linezolid
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- metoclopramide
- methadone
- methylphenidate
- mifepristone
- mirabegron
- modafinil
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
- narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone)
- nitroglycerin
- orphenadrine
- oxybutynin
- potassium chloride
- procainamide
- protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinib, lapatinib, palbociclib, pazopanib, sunitinib)
- rivastigmine
- quinine
- scopolamine
- solifenacin
- stiripentol
- tacrolimus
- theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline)
- tiotropium
- tofacitinib
- tolterodine
- topiramate
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
- vaccines
- verapamil
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking.
Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
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