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Trelegy vs Anoro: Which is better?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Sep 9, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

Both Trelegy and Anoro have been shown to be effective for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. However, Trelegy contains an extra medicine, the inhaled corticosteroid known as fluticasone as part of a triple therapy for COPD. Trelegy has been shown in clinical studies to offer an advantage over Anoro to patients with worsening COPD symptoms.

These medicines are used once daily to help breathing symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups in patients with COPD. COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.

In COPD studies, patients taking Trelegy had improved lung function when compared to patients taking Anoro. Triple therapy in one inhaler may also offer improved treatment and convenience in patients with COPD flare-ups.

Trelegy is also approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults, but Anoro is not approved for this indication.

Which medicines are in Trelegy and Anoro?

Trelegy Ellipta contains three long-acting medications:

Anoro Ellipta is only for use in people with COPD and is not FDA-approved to treat asthma.

You should use either Trelegy or Anoro, but not both. Neither drug is used to control sudden breathing problems. You should use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (ProAir, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA) or levalbuterol (Xopenex), for sudden symptoms. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, speak with your doctor.

Some patients may need to move up to triple therapy for long-term control of their breathing symptoms or flare-ups due to COPD.

How does Trelegy compare to Anoro in studies?

It can be helpful to look at comparative studies to see how well different medicines work. In studies of patients with worsening COPD symptoms, patients taking Trelegy had improved lung function when compared to patients taking Anoro.

Trelegy Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta were compared in a 52-week study evaluating over 10,000 patients being treated for COPD. Patients participating in the study had moderate to severe COPD and a history of flare-ups in the past year.

In this clinical trial, called the IMPACT study, the main endpoint researchers were looking for was the yearly rate of moderate or severe exacerbations (flare-ups) during treatment.

Are side effects similar between Trelegy and Anoro?

Trelegy contains fluticasone, vilanterol and umeclidinium, while Anoro contains only umeclidinium and vilanterol. Because Trelegy contains an extra medicine (fluticasone, an inhaled corticosteroid), some side effects may differ between the two drugs. In general, these medications are effective and well-tolerated in most patients who use them; however, your effects may vary.

Examples of the most common effects seen with the use of Trelegy include:

Examples of the most common effects seen with the use of Anoro include:

You are unlikely to develop thrush as a side effect of Anoro as it does not contain the corticosteroid fluticasone. Inhaled corticosteroids are associated with this side effect.

These are not all of the common or serious side effects that can occur with Trelegy Ellipta or Anoro Ellipta. See their individual package inserts to review more side effects (in detail), or ask your doctor or pharmacist for an explanation.

Related questions

Can I use Trelegy or Anoro for sudden breathing problems?

No. Neither drug is a rescue medicine for bronchospasm attacks and sudden breathing problems. Use only your fast-acting inhalation medicine (for example, albuterol or levalbuterol) for sudden symptoms.

If you do not have a fast-acting inhaler, call your doctor for a prescription. Seek emergency medical treatment or call 911 if your breathing problems get worse quickly.

Do not take Trelegy or Anoro with other medicines that contain a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) or an anticholinergic for any reason. If you are not sure if your medicines contain these drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Which costs more - Trelegy or Anoro?

The cost of medications can vary based on your insurance type, coverage, copays, pharmacy, discounts, and location.

These are expensive medications. If your insurance does not cover the cost of these medications, you may be able to receive help for your prescription costs from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of these medicines.

In addition, online coupons and discount cards are available that may lower your price if you are paying cash.

If you are still having trouble with the cost of this medicine, contact your doctor to determine if there are comparable but more affordable options available to treat your COPD.

Bottom Line

This is not all the information you need to know about Trelegy Ellipta or Anoro Ellipta for safe and effective use. Review the full product information and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Lipson DA, Barnhart F, Brealey N, et al. Once-Daily Single-Inhaler Triple versus Dual Therapy in Patients with COPD. N Engl J Med. 2018;378(18):1671-1680. Accessed Sept. 18, 2020 at doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1713901
  • Trelegy Ellipta [Prescribing Information]. GlaxoSmithKline. Research Triangle Park, NC. Accessed Sept. 18, 2020 at https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/dam/GlaxoSmithKline/US/en/Prescribing_Information/Trelegy/pdf/TRELEGY-ELLIPTA-PI-PIL-IFU.PDF
  • Anoro Ellipta [Prescribing Information]. GlaxoSmithKline. Research Triangle Park, NC. Accessed Sept. 18, 2020 at https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/dam/GlaxoSmithKline/US/en/Prescribing_Information/Anoro_Ellipta/pdf/ANORO-ELLIPTA-PI-PIL-IFU.PDF
  • Trelegy Ellipta. Efficacy. Accessed Sept. 18, 2020 at https://gskpro.com/en-us/products/trelegy/efficacy

Read next

How long does it take for Trelegy to work?

Trelegy Ellipta is an inhaler for asthma or COPD and must be used daily to be effective. Trelegy Ellipta will be absorbed into your lungs quickly (usually within 15 to 60 minutes) after you take your dose, but it is NOT used as a fast-acting rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems. It is a maintenance medicine for long-term use. Continue reading

Trelegy vs. Breo: How does their use and cost compare?

Trelegy Ellipta and Breo Ellipta are both inhaled medicines for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD. Trelegy contains 3 long-acting medications: fluticasone, vilanterol, and umeclidinium. Breo Ellipta contains only 2 of these medications: fluticasone and vilanterol. Both medicines help control lung inflammation and relax the airways to improve breathing. Continue reading

What is the best time of day to take Trelegy?

You can take Trelegy Ellipta in the morning, afternoon or evening, just be sure to take it at the same time each day. Do not take more than one inhalation per day in a 24-hour period. Always follow your doctor’s specific directions on how to best use Trelegy. Continue reading

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