What Is Anoro Ellipta (Umeclidinium/Vilanterol)? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Anoro Ellipta is a once-daily prescription inhaler for COPD that combines two powerful bronchodilators in a single device. If you've just been prescribed Anoro Ellipta — or you're wondering whether it's right for your COPD — this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Anoro Ellipta?

Anoro Ellipta is the brand name for a fixed-dose combination inhaler containing two active ingredients:

• Umeclidinium (62.5 mcg): A long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) — a type of anticholinergic bronchodilator. It blocks acetylcholine receptors in airway smooth muscle to prevent bronchoconstriction.
• Vilanterol (25 mcg): A long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA). It stimulates beta-2 receptors in airway smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation that lasts for 24 hours.

Together, these two medications attack bronchoconstriction through two different pathways, providing synergistic bronchodilation superior to either component alone. Anoro Ellipta is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and received FDA approval in December 2013 — making it the first LAMA/LABA combination inhaler approved in the United States.

What Is Anoro Ellipta Used For?

Anoro Ellipta has one FDA-approved indication:

Long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in adults with COPD — including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

It is specifically a

maintenance inhaler — meaning it's used every day at the same time to prevent COPD symptoms and reduce flare-ups. It is NOT a rescue inhaler and will not work quickly enough to treat sudden breathing emergencies. Always have a short-acting rescue inhaler (like albuterol) available for acute breathing problems.

Important limitations: Anoro Ellipta is NOT approved for asthma. It is for adults only — safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.

What COPD Is Anoro Ellipta Typically Prescribed For?

According to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) 2024 guidelines, dual LAMA/LABA therapy like Anoro Ellipta is typically recommended for:

• Patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (GOLD Stage II or III) with significant breathlessness
• Patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled on a single long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA or LABA alone)
• Patients who prefer a once-daily regimen without an inhaled corticosteroid (especially those at higher risk for ICS-related side effects like pneumonia)

How Is Anoro Ellipta Dosed?

The recommended dose is straightforward:

1 inhalation once daily at the same time each day

Each dose delivers 62.5 mcg umeclidinium + 25 mcg vilanterol. You should never take more than one inhalation per day — do not increase the dose even if your symptoms are not well-controlled. Increasing rescue inhaler use is a signal that your COPD is worsening, and you should contact your doctor.

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How Do You Use the Ellipta Inhaler?

The Ellipta dry powder inhaler is unique in design. Here's how to use it:

1. Step 1: Open the tray. Keep the inhaler in the foil tray until you're ready to use it.
2. Step 2: Slide the cover down. Slide the cover all the way down until you hear a click. The dose counter will decrease by 1. The inhaler is now ready.
3. Step 3: Breathe out. Exhale fully (away from the inhaler) to empty your lungs.
4. Step 4: Inhale steadily. Place the mouthpiece to your lips and inhale steadily and deeply. (Note: unlike some DPIs, the Ellipta uses a long, steady inhalation — not a quick, forceful breath.)
5. Step 5: Hold your breath. Hold your breath for 3-4 seconds, then breathe normally.
6. Step 6: Close the cover. Slide the cover back up to close the inhaler.

Important storage note: Once the foil tray is opened, Anoro Ellipta must be used within 6 weeks — even if it's not empty. Write the 6-week expiry date on the inhaler when you first open it.

Is There a Generic Version of Anoro Ellipta?

Yes, as of 2025. Prasco Laboratories launched an FDA-approved authorized generic of Anoro Ellipta — containing the identical umeclidinium 62.5 mcg / vilanterol 25 mcg in the same Ellipta device. It is bioequivalent and therapeutically identical to brand Anoro Ellipta. Ask your doctor to prescribe by generic name ("umeclidinium/vilanterol 62.5/25 mcg inhalation powder") to access either version.

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The Bottom Line

Anoro Ellipta is a once-daily dual bronchodilator inhaler that's widely regarded as an effective, well-tolerated option for adults with moderate-to-severe COPD who need dual maintenance therapy without a steroid. For a deeper look at how it works, read our article on Anoro Ellipta's mechanism of action. And if you need help finding it in stock, medfinder can call pharmacies near you on your behalf.