In the US, the cost of prescription drugs can be a significant burden, especially if you live with a chronic condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One such medication, Anoro Ellipta, can be expensive if your health insurance plan does not cover it. The average retail price of one Anoro Ellipta inhaler (with 60 blisters of 62.5 mg umeclidinium/25 mcg vilanterol) is over $600.
This article will explain some of the reasons why the cost of Anoro Ellipta is so high. We will also explore its uses, how it works, the role of insurance coverage, and potential alternatives that may be more affordable.
Anoro Ellipta FAQs
What is Anoro Ellipta?
Anoro Ellipta is a brand-name prescription inhalation powder developed by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It contains 2 active ingredients: umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol. Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, or anticholinergic, while vilanterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). The combination of these two bronchodilators helps relax the muscles in your airways, making it easier to breathe if you have COPD. COPD is a chronic respiratory condition that includes bronchitis and emphysema and can cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. Anoro Ellipta is primarily prescribed as a long-term maintenance treatment for COPD, intended to prevent flare-ups and manage symptoms. It is not meant to be used as a rescue inhaler for immediate relief of sudden breathing problems.
What are the side effects of Anoro Ellipta?
The most common side effects of Anoro Ellipta include:
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Sore throat (pharyngitis)
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Swelling of your sinuses
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Diarrhea
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Lower respiratory tract infection
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Muscle spasms
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Constipation
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Chest pain
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Pain in your hands and feet
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Neck pain
Some other side effects seen with Anoro Ellipta include:
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Common cold symptoms
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Dry mouth
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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Headache
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Abdominal pain
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Indigestion
Rarely, Anoro Ellipta may cause serious side effects such as:
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Tightening of your airways after using the inhaler (paradoxical bronchospasm)
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Heart problems such as high blood pressure, chest pain, increased heart rate, and arrhythmias
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Kidney problems such as increased or decreased urination or pain while urinating
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Eye problems such as glaucoma, eye pain, and blurred vision
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Low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia)
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High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
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Serious allergic reactions to umeclidinium, vilanterol, magnesium stearate, or milk proteins
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 factors affect the cost of Anoro Ellipta?
The high cost of Anoro Ellipta can be attributed to several factors including:
Research and development costs
The development process for new medications like Anoro Ellipta involves research, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals. Pharmaceutical companies invest significant money into this process, which contributes to the overall cost of the medication. Research and development costs are important as they help ensure the medication is safe and effective.
Manufacturing costs
The manufacturing of medication such as Anoro Ellipta involves sourcing raw materials, formulating the medication, packaging it, and quality assurance. This can add significant costs to the medication.
Regulatory requirements and the approval process
Before a medication like Anoro Ellipta can be brought to the market, it must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has strict requirements to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medications, which adds to the cost of prescription drugs.
Marketing and distribution costs
Promotion and distribution of Anoro Ellipta can add a lot to its retail cost. Pharmaceutical companies invest money into marketing campaigns, educational materials, and sales representatives to be sure doctors and patients are aware of the availability of their products.
Insurance coverage and pricing
Your insurance coverage and its formulary will determine your out-of-pocket costs for Anoro Ellipta. Insurance companies negotiate prices with drug manufacturers to try and get the lowest cost for that medication. However, some medications like Anoro Ellipta will not be covered by your insurance or will require high copays. Government regulations can also play a role in medication pricing, with some countries negotiating drug prices on behalf of their citizens, resulting in lower costs.
How much does Anoro Ellipta cost without insurance?
You can expect to pay over $600 for an Anoro Ellipta inhaler without any insurance coverage. The inhaler will provide a 30-day supply if used correctly, so the yearly cost of Anoro Ellipta will be over $8,000 at the full retail price.
How can you save money on Anoro Ellipta without insurance?
With an estimated annual cost of over $8,000, most people can not afford Anoro Ellipta if their insurance plan doesn’t cover it. However, there are several ways to save money on Anoro Ellipta, including:
Universal Drugstore
You don’t need an Anoro Ellipta coupon or Anoro Ellipta savings card to save up to 80% on this medication when purchased from Universal Drugstore. We are the global leader in online prescription savings with almost 20 years of experience supplying prescription and over-the-counter medications to our customers. Check out our online pharmacy to find our lowest price on Anoro Ellipta and many other medications.
Health insurance plan
The best long-term solution is to find a health insurance plan that covers your Anoro Ellipta prescription. Most plans are affordable and will cost less than paying the full price for Anoro Ellipta. Start by searching the health insurance marketplace to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for coverage.
Patient assistance program
GSK offers a patient assistance program (PAP) that may help you with the cost of Anoro Ellipta. Their PAP, GSK for You, may be able to help you get Anoro Ellipta if you qualify.
To qualify for the PAP, you must:
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Live in the US or Puerto Rico
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Have no prescription drug benefits
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Not have prescription drug coverage through a government program (excluding Medicare), which includes VA, Medicaid, VA, TriCare, or DOD benefits
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Not be eligible for Puerto Rico's Government Health Plan Mi Salud, or have applied and been denied
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Meet certain household income eligibility requirements
Click the link above for more information about this program.
Medicaid
You may be eligible for Medicaid, depending on your yearly income. Medicaid is used to help low-income individuals and may cover the cost of Anoro Ellipta. Check with your local Medicaid office or website to see if you qualify.
Prescription drug discount card
You can also save money by using a discount card to buy Anoro Ellipta. Discount cards can be used at local participating pharmacies, even if you have commercial or private insurance.
Shop around
You should look at the prices at multiple pharmacies for the best price of Anoro Ellipta, including online and mail-order pharmacies. It is estimated that retail prices for the same prescription medication can vary by hundreds of dollars at different pharmacies, even in the same city.
Find an alternative medication
Ask your healthcare provider about an alternative medication for COPD you can use. Some alternative medications include:
Sources
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Medscape: https://reference.medscape.com/drug/anoro-ellipta-umeclidinium-bromide-vilanterol-inhaled-999892#0
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Anoro Ellipta Package Insert: https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Anoro_Ellipta/pdf/ANORO-ELLIPTA-PI-PIL-IFU.PDF
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GSK Pro: https://gskpro.com/en-us/resources/patient-assistance/
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GSK for You: https://www.gskforyou.com/
