It is always important to know what is going on in the world of COPD/Asthma, hence a weekly (at the minimum) posting of ‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ – because those of us battling the issue should always be up to date on what is going on, and that includes both the positives and the negatives of the COPD/Asthma life.

Today we are sharing a compilation of information found in postings found on the internet regarding the COPD/Asthma medicine ‘Breo Ellipta’.

Special Note – This writer takes Breo Ellipta and found many insights to the medicine that we were not aware of when our physician/pulmonologist prescribed it for our daily routine in our own battle with COPD and/or Asthma.

So – here is part one, of a two-part series giving you an ‘Insight to ‘Breo Ellipta’.

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BREO ELLIPTA

What is Breo Ellipta – it is an inhalation powder that contains a combination of fluticasone and vilanterol.  Fluticasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that causes inflammation, while Vilanterol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Breo Ellipta is a once-daily combination medicine used with adults who suffer with asthma and/or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), to improve symptoms and prevent bronchospasm or asthma attacks.

In people with COPD, Breo Ellipta is used for long-term treatment, while people with asthma use Breo Ellipta as a short-term treatment until symptoms are well-controlled with other medicines.

It is recommended that you should not use Breo Ellipta if you are allergic to fluticasone, vilanterol or milk proteins.

BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICINE:

Understand that Breo Ellipta is NOT a rescue medicine as it will not work fast enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack.  When having an asthma attack you should only use a fast acting inhalation medicine.

Be sure to inform your physician and/or pulmonologist if you have any of the following:

> a weak immune system

> heart disease or high blood pressure

> live disease

> glaucoma or cataracts

> a thyroid disorder

> seizures

> diabetes

> any type of infection including tuberculosis or a herpes infection of the eye

> a personal or family history of osteoporosis

> pregnant or plan to become pregnant

A person should also understand that Fluticasone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you may already have or recently had.

Also know that while Vilanterol may increase the risk of death in people with asthma, the risk in people with COPD is not yet known.

If you feel your asthma/COPD medications are not working the way you expected, then tell your physician and/or pulmonologist.

HOW SHOULD YOU USE BREO ELLIPTA:

Breo Ellipta is a powder that comes with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs containing a measured dose of the medicine.  The device opens and loads a blister of Fluticasone and Vilanterol each time a person will use the inhaler.  The disk device is not to be used with a spacer and to reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, a person should always rinse with water after using your inhaler – but do not swallow the water, rinse and release.

You should always use Breo Ellipta exactly as prescribed by your doctor and listen to your doctor if they may occasionally change your dose to get better results.

Never use Breo Ellipta in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The normal dose of Breo Ellipta is one inhalation per day and it is recommended that a person uses the medicine at the same time each day and not more than once in a 24-hour period.

In part two we will discuss among things, the possible side effects of using Breo Ellipta.

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‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ will continue to feature writings from medical folks and caretakers who share insights into the world of what may be going on in the world of COPD/Asthma.  ‘Notes to Know about COPD/Asthma’ can be found at either wheezingaway.com or within the Facebook page, COPD Travels.

Remember – ‘a person without good breathing, is a person without a good life’, so let’s do what we can, to learn what we can, to improve what we can.

I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.

(Copyright@2017, CrossDove Writer through wheezingaway.com – no part of this write may be used or copied without written permission.)

NOTES: Sometimes we share what may seem like medical information, but we are only giving descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical treatment type of information, always consult your physician for more, clearer and more medical founded information.