The fluticasone furoate inhalation powder, marketed by GSK under the trade name Arnuity Ellipta, is an FDA-approved medication designed for the treatment and management of asthma in adults and children aged five and above.
It’s important to understand that Arnuity Ellipta is not meant for addressing emergency asthma symptoms.
Arnuity Ellipta comes in three different strengths: 50 mcg, 100 mcg, and 200 mcg per inhalation, and it should be used once daily at the same time each day.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) like Arnuity Ellipta function by reducing inflammation in the airways, which often prevents asthma symptoms by making the airways less sensitive and less likely to become obstructed.
While Arnuity Ellipta is effective for many, it might not be suitable for those with severe asthma. Various factors, including side effects, sensitivity to ingredients, or difficulties in using the inhaler, might necessitate considering alternative medications.
What Alternatives Exist to Arnuity Ellipta?
Other ICS inhalers contain the same active ingredient (fluticasone) as Arnuity Ellipta but may use different delivery mechanisms.
Additionally, there are several ICS inhalers containing other corticosteroids. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing Arnuity Ellipta.
Some similar corticosteroid inhalers include:
- Alvesco (ciclesonide)
- Asmanex HFA (mometasone furoate)
- Beclomethasone dipropionate HFA
- Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol)
- Flovent Diskus (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder)
- Fluticasone propionate HFA
- Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)
- Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA)
Other Options Apart from Arnuity Ellipta
There are other categories of asthma inhaler medications beyond corticosteroids, which include the following:
Anticholinergics
- Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide)
- Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium)
Mast Cell Stabilizer
- Cromolyn sodium
Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs)
- ProAir HFA (albuterol sulfate)
- Serevent (salmeterol)
- Ventolin HFA (albuterol)
Combination Drug Inhalers
- Advair Diskus and Advair HFA (fluticasone and salmeterol)
- Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium and vilanterol)
- Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate)
- Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol)
- Dulera (mometasone and formoterol)
- Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium bromide and olodaterol)
- Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol)
How to Transition to a Different Inhaler from Arnuity Ellipta?
People may opt to switch inhalers for various reasons, such as allergies, worsening symptoms, difficulties with adherence, or financial factors.
Transitioning from Arnuity Ellipta to another ICS inhaler should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This ensures you receive the appropriate medical advice and instructions for using a new inhaler effectively.