What are the side effects of Anoro Ellipta?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamie Winn
Aug 7, 2023

If you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your healthcare provider may have prescribed Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) as part of your treatment plan. COPD refers to a group of lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. Anoro Ellipta is a widely used maintenance medication that helps improve breathing and reduces the frequency of flare-ups in people with COPD. However, it is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace your rescue inhaler. The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta include swelling of the sinuses and throat, respiratory infections, constipation, and diarrhea. Rarely, it can cause serious side effects such as worsening breathing, allergic reactions, as well as heart and kidney problems.

Keep reading as we discuss Anoro Ellipta’s other common and serious side effects, what is used for, potential drug interactions, and other important information you should know.

Anoro Ellipta FAQs

What is Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta is a combination medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline that contains two active ingredients: umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol trifenatate. They are both bronchodilators that are FDA-approved to provide relief from the symptoms of COPD. Umeclidinium belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics, which help relax and open up the airways. Vilanterol, on the other hand, is a long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that also helps relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier for you to breathe.

What dosages does Anoro Ellipta come in?

Anoro Ellipta is available as an inhalation powder and comes with a preloaded Ellipta inhaler device. The device contains blister packs that administer 62.5 mcg of umeclidinium and 25 mcg of vilanterol per actuation.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions on how to use Anoro Ellipta correctly. The usual recommended dosage is one inhalation once a day, at the same time each day. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose at your usual time. Don’t take more than 1 dose per day.

What are the common side effects of Anoro Ellipta?

While Anoro Ellipta is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta include:

Sore throat (pharyngitis)
Swelling of the sinuses
Lower respiratory tract infection
Diarrhea
Constipation
Pain in your limbs
Muscle spasms
Chest pain
Neck pain

Other side effects seen with Anoro Ellipta include:

Common cold symptoms (nasopharyngitis)
Urinary tract infections
Dry mouth
Stomach pain
Headache
Indigestion

What are some serious side effects of Anoro Ellipta?

While less common, some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Anoro Ellipta. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical assistance:

Paradoxical bronchospasm (a tightening of your airways), with symptoms such as:
- cough
- trouble breathing after you use your inhaler
Heart problems with symptoms such as:
- chest pain
- high blood pressure
- increase heart rate
- irregular heart rhythm
- dizziness
New or worsening kidney problems with symptoms such as:
- pain while urinating
- urinary retention
- urinating more often than normal
New or worsening eye problems, including narrow-angle glaucoma. Symptoms can include:
- blurred vision
- eye pain
- seeing halos
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) with symptoms such as:
- muscle spasms and weakness
- palpitations
- irregular heartbeat
High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), with symptoms such as:
- lack of energy
- increased thirst
- urinating more often
- unexplained weight loss
Worsening COPD with symptoms such as:
- shortness of breath, even when sitting or laying down
- coughing
- fatigue
- wheezing
- coughing up excessive mucus
Serious allergic reaction with symptoms such as:
- hives
- trouble breathing
- swelling of the mouth, throat, and tongue

These are not all of the possible side effects of Anoro Ellipta. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

What drugs interact with Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta may interact with other medications, supplements, or foods, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all the medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including:

Antibiotics such as clarithromycin and telithromycin
Antifungal medications such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole
Antiviral medications used to treat HIV or hepatitis such as ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir, and saquinavir
Other inhaled bronchodilators that contain formoterol, arformoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, salmeterol, or vilanterol
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, and nortriptyline
Beta-blocker such as atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, and propranolol
Anticholinergic medications such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, ipratropium, and tiotropium
Non-potassium sparing diuretics such as furosemide, torsemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and chlorthalidone

Who should not take Anoro Ellipta?

If you have a serious allergy to umeclidinium bromide, vilanterol, lactose, milk proteins, or magnesium stearate, you should not take this medication. You should also not take Anoro Ellipta without an inhaled corticosteroid if you have asthma.

You should also make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your medical conditions before you start taking Anoro Ellipta, including:

Enlarged prostate or trouble passing urine
Diabetes
Heart disease or high blood pressure
Heart rhythm problems such as arrhythmias or a prolonged QT interval
Low potassium levels
Ketoacidosis (high ketones in the blood)
Seizures
Narrow-angle glaucoma or vision problems
Thyroid problems
Liver disease
Pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, as it is not known if Anoro Ellipta will harm your unborn baby
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as it is not known if Anoro Ellipta is found in your breast milk and if it may harm your baby

What is the best time of day to take Anoro Ellipta?

You only need to take Anoro Ellipta once a day as it is effective for 24 hours. It does not matter what time you take it but should try and take it at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it immediately but do not take more than one dose per day.

Does Anoro Ellipta raise your blood pressure?

Anoro Ellipta does have effects on your heart including increased blood pressure. It can also cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and palpitations.

How do you store your Anoro Ellipta inhaler?

Store your inhaler at room temperature from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It may be stored between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for short periods of time. It should be stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. It should be stored unopened in its foil tray and only opened when you are ready to use it. Once opened, discard your inhaler after 6 weeks or when the counter reads “0” whichever comes first.