Fluticasone/Vilanterol: A Once-Daily Inhaler for Asthma and COPD

Fluticasone/Vilanterol is a prescription combination inhaler sold under the brand name Breo Ellipta. It's used once daily to help people with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) breathe easier. It combines two medications — an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator — in a single inhaler.

If you or someone you know has been prescribed this medication, here's everything you need to know about what it is, how it works, how to take it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Fluticasone/Vilanterol?

Fluticasone/Vilanterol is a combination of two active ingredients:

• Fluticasone furoate — an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces swelling and inflammation in the airways
• Vilanterol — a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe

Together, these two drugs tackle the two main problems in asthma and COPD: airway inflammation and airway tightening. You can learn more about the science in our article on how Fluticasone/Vilanterol works.

Breo Ellipta comes as a dry powder inhaler. It's manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and an authorized generic version has been available since 2019.

What Is Fluticasone/Vilanterol Used For?

The FDA has approved Fluticasone/Vilanterol for three specific uses:

1. Asthma (Adults 18 and Older)

Breo Ellipta is approved as a once-daily maintenance treatment for asthma in adults. It's intended for patients whose asthma isn't well controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid alone. It is not approved for children under 18.

Important: because of the boxed warning about LABAs and asthma-related death risk, this medication should only be used for asthma when an ICS alone isn't enough.

2. COPD Maintenance Treatment

Fluticasone/Vilanterol is used to help maintain open airways in people with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps reduce day-to-day breathing difficulties.

3. Reducing COPD Exacerbations

For COPD patients with a history of flare-ups (exacerbations), Breo Ellipta can help reduce how often these episodes occur.

What It's NOT For

Fluticasone/Vilanterol is not a rescue inhaler. It won't help during a sudden asthma attack or COPD flare-up. You still need a separate short-acting rescue inhaler like albuterol for emergencies.

How Is Fluticasone/Vilanterol Taken?

Taking Breo Ellipta is straightforward:

• Dose: One inhalation, once daily, at the same time each day
• Device: The Ellipta inhaler is a small, pre-loaded dry powder device. Open the cover to load a dose, breathe in steadily and deeply through the mouthpiece, hold your breath for 3–4 seconds, then breathe out.
• After use: Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This reduces the risk of oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth).
• Don't double up: Never take more than one inhalation per day, even if you missed a dose.

Fluticasone/Vilanterol comes in two strengths:

• 100/25 mcg — the standard dose for COPD and the starting dose for asthma
• 200/25 mcg — a higher dose option for asthma patients who need more inflammation control

Each inhaler contains 30 doses — a one-month supply.

Who Should Not Take Fluticasone/Vilanterol?

This medication is not right for everyone. You should not use Fluticasone/Vilanterol if you:

• Are allergic to fluticasone furoate, vilanterol, or any ingredient in the inhaler (including lactose with milk proteins)
• Have a severe allergy to milk proteins — the dry powder formulation contains lactose derived from milk
• Need treatment for an acute asthma attack or sudden COPD symptoms — use a rescue inhaler instead

Use with caution if you have:

• Heart problems (irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease)
• Seizure disorders
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes — the medication can affect blood sugar levels
• Liver disease — fluticasone is processed by the liver
• Osteoporosis or low bone density
• Immune system problems or active infections like tuberculosis

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. Fluticasone/Vilanterol is Pregnancy Category C, meaning it should only be used if the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you take. Fluticasone/Vilanterol has important drug interactions, particularly with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, beta-blockers, and other long-acting bronchodilators.

How Much Does Fluticasone/Vilanterol Cost in 2026?

Cost is a real concern for many patients. Here's what you can expect:

Without Insurance

• Brand (Breo Ellipta): $350–$450 per inhaler (30 doses)
• Authorized generic: $250–$350 per inhaler

With Insurance

Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover Breo Ellipta, though it's often on a higher formulary tier (Tier 3 or Tier 4). Copays typically range from $30–$75 with insurance. Some plans may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying a less expensive inhaler first).

Ways to Save

• GSK Savings Card — Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 per prescription
• GSK Patient Assistance Program — Free medication for qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients (income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level). Apply at GSKForYou.com or call 1-888-825-5249.
• Discount coupons — GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, and other coupon sites can lower out-of-pocket costs at many pharmacies

For a complete guide, see how to save money on Fluticasone/Vilanterol.

Final Thoughts

Fluticasone/Vilanterol (Breo Ellipta) is a well-established, once-daily inhaler that makes managing asthma and COPD simpler. With just one puff a day, it addresses both inflammation and airway tightening — the two key problems in these conditions.

If you've been prescribed Fluticasone/Vilanterol, make sure you understand what side effects to watch for and how to use the inhaler properly. If you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you check stock near you.