Why is Incruse Ellipta prescribed?

Incruse Ellipta (Umeclidinium) oral inhalation is used in adults to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways, that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Umeclidinium inhalation is in a class of medications called anticholinergics. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. 

How is Incruse Ellipta most effectively taken?

Use Incruse Ellipta exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

• Incruse Ellipta is a powder that comes with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. The device opens and loads a blister of powdered medicine each time you use the inhaler. Follow the patient instructions provided with the inhaler device.
• The usual dose is 1 inhalation per day. Use the medicine at the same time each day, and not more than once in a 24-hour period.
• Incruse Ellipta is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat a bronchospasm attack. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Tell your doctor if any of your medicines seem to stop working as well in controlling your COPD.
• Do not stop using this medicine without your doctor's advice, even if you feel fine.
• Do not try to clean or take apart the inhaler device. Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the inhaler device in the sealed foil tray until ready to start using it.
• Throw the inhaler away 6 weeks after opening, or when the dose indicator shows a zero (whichever comes first)

Before using Incruse Ellipta, tell your doctor or pharmacist

• if you are allergic to umeclidinium, any other medications, milk protein, or any of the ingredients in umeclidinium inhalation. Ask your pharmacist or check the Patient Information for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antihistamines; atropine; other medications for COPD including aclidinium (Tudorza Pressair), ipratropium (Atrovent HFA), and tiotropium (Spiriva); or medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, ulcers, or urinary problems. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma (an eye disease), prostate or bladder problems, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using umeclidinium, call your doctor.

Some side effects include but are not limited to:

• Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including difficult/painful urination.

Get medical help right away if:

• Infrequently, this medication may cause sudden severe wheezing and/or trouble breathing right after use. If this occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help right away.
• if you have any very serious side effects, including eye pain/swelling/redness, changes in vision
• you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/throat), severe dizziness or trouble breathing

Why is Incruse Ellipta prescribed?

This medication is used to prevent airflow obstruction and reduce flare-ups in adults with COPD

Will Incruse Ellipta be effective in case of an emergency such as an attack?

Incruse Ellipta is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat a bronchospasm attack. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Tell your doctor if any of your medicines seem to stop working as well in controlling your COPD.

When should I dispose of my inhaler?

Throw the Incruse Ellipta inhaler away 6 weeks after opening, or when the dose indicator shows a zero (whichever comes first)

What if I miss/forget a dose of Incruse Ellipta?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time. Do not use more than once in a 24-hour period