What Is Trelegy Ellipta?

Trelegy Ellipta is a prescription inhaler that combines three medications in one device to help people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma breathe easier. It's manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and was first approved by the FDA for COPD in 2017, with an expanded approval for asthma in adults in October 2020.

The three active ingredients in Trelegy Ellipta are:

• Fluticasone furoate — an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces inflammation in the airways
• Umeclidinium — a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that relaxes the muscles around the airways
• Vilanterol — a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that also relaxes airway muscles through a different mechanism

By combining all three in a single inhaler, Trelegy Ellipta simplifies treatment that would otherwise require two or three separate inhalers. For a deeper look at how these components work together, see our article on how Trelegy works.

What Does Trelegy Treat?

Trelegy Ellipta is FDA-approved for two conditions:

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Trelegy is used as a maintenance treatment — meaning you take it every day to prevent symptoms, not as a rescue inhaler during an acute attack. It's typically prescribed for patients who need triple therapy because dual-combination inhalers haven't provided adequate control.

Asthma (Adults 18 and Older)

Trelegy is approved for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with other asthma medications. It carries a boxed warning for asthma use: LABAs like vilanterol increase the risk of asthma-related death, so Trelegy should only be used for asthma when other controllers haven't been sufficient.

Important: What Trelegy Is NOT

Trelegy Ellipta is not a rescue inhaler. It will not relieve sudden breathing emergencies. You still need a separate fast-acting rescue inhaler (like albuterol) for acute symptoms. Trelegy is taken once daily for long-term control — it's preventive, not reactive.

Available Strengths

Trelegy Ellipta comes in two strengths:

• 100/62.5/25 mcg (fluticasone furoate 100 mcg / umeclidinium 62.5 mcg / vilanterol 25 mcg) — approved for both COPD and asthma
• 200/62.5/25 mcg (fluticasone furoate 200 mcg / umeclidinium 62.5 mcg / vilanterol 25 mcg) — approved for asthma only

Your doctor will choose the appropriate strength based on your condition and current level of control.

How to Use Trelegy Ellipta

Trelegy comes in the Ellipta dry powder inhaler — a small, flat device that's simple to use. Here's how:

1. Open the cover — Slide the cover down until you hear a click. This loads a dose automatically. Do not shake the inhaler.
2. Exhale — Breathe out fully, away from the mouthpiece. Never exhale into the inhaler.
3. Inhale — Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and take a steady, deep breath in through your mouth (not your nose).
4. Hold your breath — Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for 3–4 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
5. Close the cover — Slide the cover back up.
6. Rinse your mouth — Rinse with water and spit it out. Do not swallow. This helps prevent oral thrush, a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

Key Usage Tips

• Use Trelegy once daily at the same time each day
• Do not use more than one inhalation per day
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then resume your regular schedule. Don't double up.
• The inhaler has a dose counter that shows how many doses remain
• Replace the inhaler when the counter reads "0" or 6 weeks after opening, whichever comes first

Who Should Not Use Trelegy Ellipta

Trelegy is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use Trelegy if you:

• Are allergic to fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, vilanterol, or any inactive ingredients (including those with severe milk protein allergy)
• Need relief from sudden breathing problems — use a rescue inhaler instead
• Are under 18 years old — Trelegy is not approved for pediatric use

Use with caution if you have heart disease, seizure disorders, thyroid problems, diabetes, liver problems, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, or an immune disorder.

Side Effects Overview

Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, headache, back pain, oral thrush, hoarseness, and cough. Serious but less common side effects include pneumonia, paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects, and eye problems. For a complete guide, read our detailed Trelegy side effects article.

Drug Interactions

Trelegy can interact with several medications including strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and non-potassium-sparing diuretics. Always tell your doctor about all medications you take. See our full guide on Trelegy drug interactions.

How Much Does Trelegy Cost?

Without insurance, Trelegy Ellipta costs approximately $580–$700 per inhaler (a 30-day supply). There is currently no generic version available, and patents are expected to protect the brand through the late 2020s.

However, there are ways to reduce the cost:

• GSK Savings Card — Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per month
• GSK Patient Assistance Program (GSK For You) — Provides Trelegy at no cost to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients
• Discount cards — Platforms like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver offer coupons

For a complete guide to saving money, read our article on Trelegy coupons, discounts, and patient assistance.

Insurance Coverage

Most commercial and Medicare Part D plans cover Trelegy Ellipta, but it's typically on Tier 3 (preferred brand) or Tier 4 (non-preferred brand). Expect:

• Prior authorization required — Your doctor must submit documentation justifying the prescription
• Step therapy — You may need to try dual-combination inhalers (like Breo Ellipta or Anoro Ellipta) before Trelegy is approved

Finding Trelegy Ellipta

While there's no official shortage, some patients report difficulty finding Trelegy at their local pharmacy. For tips on locating it, see our guides on checking pharmacy stock online and finding Trelegy in stock near you. You can also use MedFinder to search pharmacies in your area.

The Bottom Line

Trelegy Ellipta is a once-daily triple-combination inhaler that simplifies COPD and asthma maintenance treatment into a single device. It's effective for patients who need the combined benefits of an ICS, LAMA, and LABA. Talk to your doctor about whether Trelegy is right for you, and use MedFinder to find it in stock when you're ready to fill your prescription.