Relvar Ellipta

Relvar Ellipta is a combination inhaler containing fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta-2 adrenoceptor agonist (LABA).

It is prescribed for the regular treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, and for the symptomatic treatment of COPD in adults, where it reduces exacerbations in patients with a history of flare-ups.

Fluticasone furoate provides potent anti-inflammatory action in the airways, reducing swelling, mucus production, and airway hyper-responsiveness.

Vilanterol delivers sustained bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways for approximately 24 hours, enabling once-daily dosing.

The combination of these two agents in a single inhaler addresses both the inflammatory and bronchoconstrictor components of airway disease.

Relvar Ellipta is administered using the Ellipta dry powder inhaler, which is designed for simplicity and consistency of dose delivery.

The device is breath-actuated, requiring only a single inhalation per dose, and incorporates a dose counter to help patients track remaining doses.

Inhale one dose from the Ellipta device once daily at the same time each day.

Open the cover of the inhaler to prepare the dose, breathe out gently away from the device, then place the mouthpiece between your lips and take one long, steady, deep breath in.

Hold your breath for 3 to 4 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Close the cover after use. Rinse your mouth with water and spit out to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

For asthma: Relvar Ellipta 92/22 micrograms (fluticasone furoate 92 mcg and vilanterol 22 mcg) once daily, or Relvar Ellipta 184/22 micrograms once daily for patients requiring a higher corticosteroid dose.

For COPD: Relvar Ellipta 92/22 micrograms once daily. The dose should be titrated to the lowest strength that maintains adequate symptom control.

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100): headache, nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia (particularly in COPD patients), bronchitis, arthralgia, back pain.

Uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000): dysphonia, extrasystoles, tremor, oropharyngeal pain. Rare (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000): hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, paradoxical bronchospasm.

Very rare (less than 1 in 10,000): adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children, glaucoma, cataracts.

COPD patients on Relvar Ellipta have an increased incidence of pneumonia compared to placebo.

Relvar Ellipta is not for the relief of acute bronchospasm; a fast-acting rescue inhaler should always be available.

Pneumonia has been observed more frequently in COPD patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids.

Worsening symptoms or increasing use of rescue medication may indicate deteriorating disease control requiring medical review.

Systemic corticosteroid effects may occur with high-dose or prolonged use. Patients switching from oral steroids should have adrenal function monitored.

Growth should be monitored in adolescents receiving long-term treatment.

Relvar Ellipta is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to fluticasone furoate, vilanterol, or any of the excipients (including lactose).

The 184/22 microgram strength is not indicated for COPD and should not be used for this condition.