Breo Ellipta is a once-daily inhaler used to control asthma and COPD symptoms. It combines a steroid (fluticasone furoate) and a long-acting bronchodilator (vilanterol). That combo helps lower inflammation in the lungs and keeps airways open longer, but it’s not a rescue inhaler for sudden trouble breathing.
Use Breo every day as prescribed — skipping doses makes it less effective. Common side effects include throat irritation, hoarseness, and oral thrush; rinse your mouth after each dose to cut risk. People with severe heart disease or certain infections should check with their doctor before starting. If you get worse breathing or new chest pain, stop and seek medical help right away.
Because Breo contains a steroid, doctors watch for effects like bone thinning or immune changes with long-term use. In COPD patients there’s a slightly higher risk of pneumonia; talk to your clinician about risks and signs to watch for. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Ask your prescriber — they’ll weigh benefits and risks for your situation.
The Ellipta is a dry-powder inhaler. Open the cover, exhale away from the mouthpiece, seal your lips around it, inhale fast and deep, then hold your breath for 5–10 seconds. Don’t shake or breathe into the mouthpiece. If you’re unsure about technique, ask a pharmacist or watch a short demo video — getting it right matters more than just taking the dose.
Store the inhaler at room temperature, keep the mouthpiece clean, and note the dose counter so you don’t run out unexpectedly. If you use multiple inhalers, keep a clear action plan: which one is for daily control and which is for rescue.
If you feel the inhaler isn't helping, don’t increase the dose yourself. Call your doctor — you may need a different treatment plan, more frequent monitoring, or a rescue action plan for flare-ups.
Want alternatives? Some posts on this site compare options and rescue inhalers, including articles about ProAir alternatives and other maintenance choices. If Breo isn’t available or causes side effects, your doctor may suggest another steroid/bronchodilator combo or a different drug class entirely.
Thinking of buying inhalers online? You need a valid prescription. Read guides like "How and Where to Buy Salmeterol/Fluticasone Safely Online" and pieces on online pharmacy safety before ordering. Check that any online pharmacy is licensed, offers a pharmacist consult, and uses secure payment — avoid sites that skip prescriptions or sell questionable meds.
Use the related articles on this tag page to learn more about inhaler alternatives, safe online pharmacies, and real-world tips for saving on prescriptions. If anything feels unclear, a short call with your healthcare provider or pharmacist will clear it up fast.
See how Breo and Symbicort stack up head-to-head: side effects, costs, insurance, dosages, and clinical results—all in one straightforward chart.