Anoro Ellipta vs. Trelegy Ellipta: Differences, similarities & side effects

In this article:

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Is Trelegy better than Anoro?
• Insurance coverage & cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings

In this article

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Is Trelegy better than Anoro?
• Insurance coverage & cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings

Anoro Ellipta and Trelegy Ellipta are two brand-name medications indicated for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Trelegy can also be used to prevent and control asthma symptoms and exacerbations (worsening of symptoms). Asthma and COPD symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough. 

These medications, which are both made by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), are inhaled by mouth. They do not treat an acute or sudden attack. Instead, they are used daily to prevent and control symptoms. Each medication contains more than one ingredient, which we will explain below. While Anoro Ellipta and Trelegy Ellipta have some similarities, they have differences as well. Continue reading to learn more about both medications. 

Anoro vs. Trelegy: Key differences

Anoro Ellipta contains two ingredients: umeclidinium, which is classified as an anticholinergic (also known as a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and vilanterol, which is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). The dose is one puff by mouth once a day. Anoro works by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. 

Trelegy contains the same two ingredients, along with fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid. Like Anoro, the dose is one puff by mouth once a day. After using Trelegy, patients should rinse their mouths with water and spit. This helps prevent a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Trelegy works the same way as Anoro, but the addition of fluticasone helps decrease inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Note that in this article, we refer to Anoro and Anoro Ellipta interchangeably—and Trelegy and Trelegy Ellipta interchangeably. Anoro and Trelegy are the medications’ names, while Ellipta is the type of inhaler. An Ellipta inhaler is a type of dry powder inhaler that was developed to deliver once-daily medication to people with asthma or COPD. 

Anoro vs. Trelegy: Conditions treated

Anoro and Trelegy are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults. Additionally, Trelegy can be used in adult patients with asthma, to prevent and control symptoms. Neither drug is FDA approved for use in individuals under the age of 18 years.

Note: Anoro and Trelegy do not treat sudden, acute symptoms such as an asthma attack or sudden difficulty breathing.

Is Trelegy better than Anoro?

A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine studied over 10,000 people with COPD over the period of one year. The researchers compared Trelegy (which has three ingredients) to two different inhalers (Anoro and Breo Ellipta), each of which has two ingredients. The primary outcome was the annual rate of moderate or severe exacerbations of COPD during treatment. 

The researchers found that people who took Trelegy had a lower rate of exacerbations, as well as a lower rate of COPD-related hospitalizations. They also reported better lung function and a better health-related quality of life. However, people who took Anoro had a lower rate of pneumonia as a side effect of medication than those who took Breo or Trelegy. 

There are many factors that contribute to deciding the best medication for a patient, including the benefits and risks of each treatment, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. Only a healthcare provider can determine the best treatment option for your condition, considering individual factors such as symptoms, medical conditions, medical and family history, potential side effects, and drug interactions. 

Anoro vs. Trelegy: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans often provide some type of coverage for Anoro or Trelegy, but out-of-pocket costs will vary by plan. You can always contact your health insurance provider for more information and the most recent pricing estimates on your medication. Similar drugs for those with breathing problems who may want to explore other options with their healthcare provider include inhalers like Advair, Symbicort, Spiriva, or Breo Ellipta. 

For uninsured patients paying out of pocket, the average retail price of one 14-blister 62.5 mcg/25 mcg inhaler is about $170. Using a SingleCare prescription discount card or coupon can lower the price to $98, depending on the pharmacy. 

For uninsured patients, a Trelegy inhaler costs approximately $880 for one 60-blister 100 mcg/62.5 mcg/25 mcg inhaler, but using a SingleCare card or coupon can bring the price down to $504. 

*Cost at time of publication. Costs fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.

Anoro vs. Trelegy side effects

Common side effects of Anoro include:

• Sore throat
• Common cold symptoms 
• Arm or leg pain
• Chest pain
• Sinus infection
• Constipation 
• Muscle spasms
• Lower respiratory tract infection 
• Diarrhea 
• Neck pain

Common Trelegy side effects for people with COPD include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection 
• Flu 
• Sinus infection 
• Sore throat, runny nose, cough
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Yeast infection of the mouth or throat
• Headache
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Altered taste
• Stomach problems such as stomach flu, constipation, or diarrhea
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Abnormal voice 

Common Trelegy side effects for people with asthma include:

• Sore throat 
• Common cold, runny nose
• Flu 
• Upper respiratory tract infection 
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infection 
• UTI 
• Headache 
• Back pain

In rare cases, serious side effects may occur. People with symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, should seek emergency medical attention. 

This is not a full list of side effects, and other side effects can occur. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about the side effects of Anoro or Trelegy. 

Anoro and Trelegy drug interactions

Before taking Anoro or Trelegy, tell your healthcare professional about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. 

Anoro and Trelegy have many of the same drug interactions, such as beta blockers, diuretics, certain antidepressants, and more. 

This is not a full list of drug interactions, and others may occur. Talk to your healthcare provider about drug interactions and how they may affect you.

 Anoro and Trelegy drug warnings

• Before you take Anoro or Trelegy, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions. This includes heart problems, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, glaucoma, bladder or urinary problems, and prostate problems as well as if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• If you have an allergy to milk proteins, consult your healthcare provider before using Anoro or Trelegy. People with a severe milk protein allergy should not use Anoro or Trelegy.
• People with asthma who take a LABA type of medicine should always take an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). This is because taking a LABA alone can increase the risk of asthma-related death in people with asthma. This can be done as a combination inhaler or two separate inhalers. Trelegy contains three ingredients, two of which are an ICS and a LABA. Anoro contains a LABA, but not an ICS—however, it is not FDA approved for use in people with asthma. 
• Anoro and Trelegy do not treat acute symptoms, including acutely deteriorating COPD. They are not rescue inhalers.
• Do not use another LABA medication along with Anoro or Trelegy, as an overdose may occur.
• People who experience paradoxical bronchospasm (a rare side effect in which the lungs constrict instead of relax after using an inhaler) should stop taking Anoro or Trelegy, use their rescue inhaler (a short-acting bronchodilator such as albuterol), and contact their healthcare provider right away or get urgent medical help. 
• See your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of glaucoma, such as eye pain or changes in vision. 
• Because Trelegy contains an ICS, people who use Trelegy will need additional monitoring, such as for bone mineral density, glaucoma, and signs of infection, including tuberculosis and other types of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.