Breo Ellipta is a once-daily prescription inhaler that combines an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator to treat asthma and COPD in adults.

What Is Breo Ellipta?

Breo Ellipta is a brand-name combination inhaler made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It contains two active ingredients:

• Fluticasone furoate — an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces inflammation in your airways
• Vilanterol — a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles around your airways to improve airflow

Breo was first approved by the FDA in 2013 for COPD, with asthma approval following in 2017. It is not a controlled substance and is available in two strengths:

• Breo Ellipta 100/25 — 100 mcg fluticasone furoate / 25 mcg vilanterol (for asthma and COPD)
• Breo Ellipta 200/25 — 200 mcg fluticasone furoate / 25 mcg vilanterol (for asthma only)

There is no generic version of Breo Ellipta available as of 2026. The generic name is fluticasone furoate/vilanterol.

What Is Breo Used For?

Breo Ellipta is FDA-approved for three uses:

1. Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 18 and older — for those not adequately controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid alone, or whose disease severity warrants an ICS/LABA combination from the start.
2. Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD — including chronic bronchitis and emphysema (100/25 strength only).
3. Reduction of COPD exacerbations — in patients with a history of flare-ups (100/25 strength only).

Important: Breo Ellipta is a maintenance medication. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used for sudden breathing emergencies. You still need a separate rescue inhaler (like albuterol) for acute symptoms.

How Is Breo Taken?

Breo Ellipta is a dry powder inhaler that delivers the medication as a fine powder you breathe in. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the cover of the Ellipta device to expose the mouthpiece. This automatically loads the dose.
2. Exhale away from the device — don't breathe into it.
3. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale steadily and deeply through your mouth.
4. Hold your breath for 3–4 seconds, then breathe out normally.
5. Close the cover.
6. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out — don't swallow. This helps prevent oral thrush.

Key dosing points:

• Take one inhalation once daily, at the same time each day.
• Do not use a spacer with the Ellipta device.
• Do not take more than one puff per day.
• Each inhaler contains 30 doses (a one-month supply).

For more about how the medication works in your body, see How Does Breo Work?

Who Should Not Take Breo?

Breo Ellipta is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you:

• Have a severe allergy to milk proteins or any ingredient in Breo (the powder formulation contains lactose from milk).
• Need treatment for acute bronchospasm or an asthma attack in progress — use a rescue inhaler instead.

Use with caution if you have:

• Cardiovascular disorders (heart disease, arrhythmias, high blood pressure)
• Seizure disorders
• Thyroid problems (thyrotoxicosis)
• Diabetes or ketoacidosis
• Severe liver disease (increases drug exposure)
• Osteoporosis or risk factors for bone loss

Breo carries an FDA boxed warning about an increased risk of asthma-related death associated with LABAs. However, this risk is reduced when LABAs are used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid, as in Breo. Read more in our side effects guide.

How Much Does Breo Cost?

Breo Ellipta is a brand-name medication with no generic available, which means it's expensive:

• Cash price: $350–$450 for a 30-dose inhaler (one month supply)
• With commercial insurance: Typically covered as Tier 3 or Tier 4. Many plans require step therapy (trying generic alternatives first) or prior authorization.
• Medicare Part D: Coverage varies by plan.
• GSK savings card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10–$30 per month. Not valid for government insurance.
• GSK Patient Assistance Program: Free medication for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Apply at gskforyou.com or call 1-888-825-5249.

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see How to Save Money on Breo.

If cost is a barrier, your doctor may consider switching to a less expensive alternative like generic Advair (Wixela Inhub) or Symbicort. See our alternatives guide for options.

Final Thoughts

Breo Ellipta is a convenient, once-daily inhaler that provides both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator benefits in a single puff. It's a strong option for adults with asthma or COPD who need more than a rescue inhaler or an ICS alone.

The main downsides are cost (no generic available) and the need to be aware of the boxed warning about LABAs. But with savings programs, proper technique, and regular follow-ups with your doctor, Breo can be an effective part of your treatment plan.

Need to find Breo at a pharmacy near you? Search Medfinder to check availability in your area.