by Do you often run out of breath when doing something simple like climbing the stairs or walking for a few minutes? Have you noticed that you cough more nowadays? And when you cough, does mucus or phlegm come up with it?
If you answered yes to one or more of those questions, you likely have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s a prevalent lung disease, with at least 16 million Americans diagnosed with it.
While COPD isn’t curable, it’s treatable with medications like Trelegy and Breo Ellipta.
This guide compares Trelegy vs. Breo Ellipta for COPD to give you an idea of which to choose, so read on.
Trelegy vs. Breo: A Rundown of Differences
Trelegy Ellipa and Breo Ellipta are both COPD and asthma inhalers that can help improve breathing. They help lower lung inflammation and relax the airways, reducing flare-up frequency.
The chief difference between these two is their primary “ingredients.” Trelegy contains three long-acting drugs, whereas Breo only has two.
The three medications found in Trelegy Ellipta include the following:
- Fluticasone, an inhalable corticosteroid that can lower lung inflammation and swelling
- Vilanterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that relaxes muscles and opens up the airways
- Umeclidinium, an anticholinergic drug that helps keep muscles from tightening around the airways
Of those three, Breo only contains fluticasone and vilanterol.
Why That Difference Matters
Breo Ellipta is an FDA-approved long-term maintenance COPD medication. The FDA approved it based on several clinical trials. This proves the inhaler works for most people.
However, some patients with COPD may fail to respond to Breo Ellipta. For these people, the two medicines in Breo may not be enough to control their symptoms.
That’s where triple inhaled therapy comes into play. Experts recommend this for patients with recurrent exacerbations that don’t improve with dual inhaled therapy. Controlled trials have also demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this treatment mode.
Trelegy Ellipta provides triple therapy in a single inhaler. Indeed, this is the first of its kind that the FDA has approved in the U.S.
Aside from its safety and efficacy, Trelegy also delivers convenience. After all, it eliminates the need to rely on two separate inhalers, as it’s a “three-in-one” medication.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best way to make the safest choice is to speak with your doctor.
Your doctor must first determine your specific respiratory condition and medical history. They need to know if you have drug allergies. They must also factor in the medications’ contraindications and how they may affect your health.
Still, your doctor will likely prescribe Breo if you’ve only recently developed COPD. But if you don’t respond well or your symptoms don’t improve, they may put you on Trelegy.
Breathe Easier With Trelegy or Breo
In this Trelegy vs. Breo comparison guide, you learned that the chief difference between the two is their drug content.
Trelegy boasts three medicines that can help with COPD, while Breo only has two. They are both effective, but Trelegy may be better (and more convenient) if you need triple therapy.
Are you looking for more health and wellness guides like this? Then, stick around and browse our other informative posts!
