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 two, of a two-part series giving you an ‘Insight to ‘Breo Ellipta’.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In part two of ‘Insight to ‘Breo Ellipta’’, we discuss possible side effects to the medicine.

‘Breo Ellipta’ is used in patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or when the severity of the disease clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist.

Important to remember is – if you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember or skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.  Remember – do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

You must get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to the ‘Breo Ellipta’ with hives and/or difficult breathing, plus swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Breo Ellipta: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should consider calling your physician if you have any of the following possible side effects from using ‘Breo Ellipta’ would be –

  • > Wheezing, choking or other breathing problems after using the medication.
  • > Chest pain, shortness of breath, tremors or nervousness.
  • > Feeling very weak or tired, nausea and vomiting, feeling like you might pass out.
  • > Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or seeing halos around a light.
  • > Fever, chills, cough with yellow or green musus.
  • > Sores or white patches in the patients mouth and throat, having pain when swallowing.
  • > Low potassium such as leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeat, fluttering in your chest, extreme thirst, increased urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
  • > High blood sugar such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision and weight loss.
  • > A headache, runny or stuffy nose or possible sore throat.
  • > Loss of voice.
  • > Pounding in the ears or inability to sleep.
  • > Unusual weight gain or loss, or loss of appetite.

Know that this is not a complete list of side effects and that others may occur, but if you develop any of these you should call your physician and discuss the possible side effects immediately.

Also note that many drugs can interact with the fluticasone and vilanterol that makes up ‘Breo Ellipta’.  We will list a few possible interactions, but you should be honest with your physician about all your medications, as well as all vitamins, over-the-counter meds or herbal supplements, and discuss if any should be stopped during treatments with ‘Breo Ellipta’.

  • > Antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole.
  • > ritonavir or other HIV/AIDS medicines.
  • > Heart medication such as atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, nebivolol among others.

Whatever you do, be sure and watch, listen and see if you may be having any possible side effects and let your physician know immediately.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

‘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.