Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Umeclidinium is classified as an anticholinergic drug and is prescribed to manage and prevent symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including bronchitis and emphysema. Umeclidinium helps to alleviate symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which enables better breathing.
Consistent use of umeclidinium is essential for optimal effectiveness, and it should not be used for immediate relief of sudden breathing difficulties. Patients should instead use their prescribed quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol. By managing breathing problems with umeclidinium, individuals may experience fewer instances of missed work or school.
Uses and Dosage
Follow your doctor’s instructions for inhaling this medication through the mouth, usually once a day.
Do not open the inhaler cover until you are ready to take your dose, as each opening prepares the medication for use. Avoid opening and closing the cover without inhaling the medication, as this may result in losing the dose. To prevent wasting the dose, keep the cover open until after you have inhaled the medication, and do not exhale into the device.
To gain the maximum benefits of this medication, use it consistently at the same time each day. Refrain from using it more than once daily or altering the dosage without consulting your doctor. Taking the drug more frequently will not speed up the recovery process, and it may increase the risk of side effects.
If you are using other inhalers alongside this medication, wait for at least one minute between each use. It is vital to understand which inhalers you need to use daily and which ones are quick-relief drugs in case of sudden breathing difficulties. Talk to your doctor in advance about what to do if you experience a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, difficulty breathing at night, or if you use your quick-relief inhaler more frequently, or if it appears ineffective.
You shouldlearn to recognize when you can manage sudden breathing problems independently and when you need immediate medical attention.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens despite using the medication.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- bruising
- changed sense of taste
- common cold (runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat)
- constipation
- cough
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- nausea
- pain (arm, leg, or back)
- stomach pain
- toothache
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
- coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness that begins after you inhale umeclidinium
- eye pain, redness, or discomfort, blurred vision, seeing halos or bright colors around lights, sometimes along with nausea and vomiting
- difficulty urinating
- frequent or painful urination
- fast or irregular heartbeat
Caution
Inform your pharmacist or doctor of any allergies you may have before using umeclidinium, as it may contain inactive ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction or other complications. Milk proteins are one of the inactive ingredients to be mindful of, so speak with your pharmacist for further information.
Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history, especially if you have a personal or family history of angle-closure type glaucoma or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate.
During pregnancy, only use this medication if it is absolutely necessary. Consult with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.
It is unclear whether this medication passes through breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding while using this medication.
Form and Strength
Incruse Ellipta is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Incruse Ellipta powder inhalation:
- 30 doses
- 60 doses
- 90 doses
FAQ
Do you have to rinse your mouth after using Incruse Ellipta?
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after taking the medication to decrease the risk of a mouth infection. Spit out the water. Do not swallow it.
Does the Incruse Ellipta inhaler have steroids in it?
No, Incruse Ellipta is not a steroid. It’s a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways in the lungs to help you breathe easier.
Resources
- https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/COPD/Inhalers/IncruseEllipta.pdf
- https://www.goodrx.com/incruse-ellipta/what-is
- https://medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/incruse-ellipta#adverseeffects
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-167459/incruse-ellipta-inhalation/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614024.html
- https://www.drugs.com/incruse-ellipta.html
