section name header

Pronunciation

ue-mek-li-DIN-ee-um/vye-LAN-ter-ol

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: bronchodilators

Pharmacologic Classification: anticholinergics, adrenergics, long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs)

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Umeclidinium: acts as an anticholinergic by inhibiting M3 muscarinic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation; vilanterol: a beta2-adrenergic agonist stimulates adenyl cyclase, resulting in accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate at beta2—adrenergic receptors resulting in bronchodilation.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Bronchodilation with decreased airflow obstruction.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Umeclidinium: minimal oral absorption; remainder of absorption occurs in lungs; vilanterol: minimal oral absorption; remainder of absorption occurs in lungs. Total amount of systemic absorption of both drugs is small.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Umeclidinium: primarily metabolized by CYP2D6, metabolites do not contribute to bronchodilation; vilanterol: primarily metabolized by CYP3A4, metabolites do not contribute to bronchodilation.

Half-Life: Umeclidinium: 11 hr; vilanterol: 11 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(bronchodilation)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
umeclidinium —Inhalnunknown2–4 hr24 hr
vilanterol—Inhalnunknown2–4 hr24 hr



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Combination

CV: chest pain, pleuritic pain

EENT: pharyngitis

GI: abdominal pain, nausea

MS: arthralgia, back pain, extremity pain, muscle spasms, neck pain

Neuro: headache, vertigo

Resp: cough, sinusitis

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA), tooth pain

Umeclidinium

CV: chest pain

EENT: acute narrow-angle glaucoma

GU: urinary retention

Resp: PARADOXICAL BRONCHOSPASM

Vilanterol

CV: arrhythmias, ECG changes, hypertension

Endo: hyperglycemia

F and E: hypokalemia

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

  • Inhaln

    (Adults ): One inhalation (umeclidinium 62.5 mcg/vilanterol 25 mcg) once daily.

Availability

  • Inhalation powder (contains lactose): umeclidinium 62.5 mcg/vilanterol 25 mcg in a two-strip blister per dose

Assessment

  • Assess lung sounds, pulse, and BP before administration and periodically during therapy.
  • Observe for paradoxical bronchospasm (wheezing, dyspnea, tightness in chest) and hypersensitivity reaction (rash; urticaria; swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids). If condition occurs, discontinue medication, notify health care professional immediately, and treat symptomatically.
  • Assess for signs and symptoms of acute narrow-angle glaucoma (eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion and corneal edema). Notify health care professional immediately if symptoms occur.

Lab Test Considerations:

  • May cause hypokelamia and hyperglycemia.

Implementation

  • See Medication Administration Techniques for administration of inhalation medications. Once removed from foil tray, discard inhaler when counter reads 0 or 6 wk have passed, whichever comes first. Inhaler is not reusable; do not attempt to take inhaler apart.
    • When umeclidinium/vilanterol is administered concurrently with other inhalation medications, administer short-acting adrenergic bronchodilators first, followed by umeclidinium/vilanterol, then corticosteroids. Wait 5 min between medications.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient in proper use of inhaler and to take medication at the same time each day as directed. Do not stop without consulting health care professional. Take missed doses as soon as remembered during day. Do not double doses or take 2 doses in 1 day. Advise patient to read Medication Guide and Instructions for Use before starting therapy and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
  • Instruct patient using never to exhale into inhaler device and always to hold device in a level horizontal position. Mouthpiece should be kept dry; never wash.
  • Caution patient not to use umeclidinium/vilanterol to treat asthma or acute symptoms. A rapid-acting inhaled beta-adrenergic bronchodilator should be used for relief of acute attacks.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional immediately if difficulty in breathing persists after use of umeclidinium/vilanterol, if condition worsens, or if more inhalations of rapid-acting bronchodilator than usual are needed to relieve an acute attack.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of urinary retention (difficulty urinating, painful urination, urinating frequently, urination in a weak stream or drips) or palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness occur
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
  • Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
  • Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up exams to determine progress during therapy.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Decreased dyspnea
    • Improved breath sounds in patients with COPD.

US Brand Names

Anoro Ellipta