What Is Trelegy?

Trelegy Ellipta is a once-daily triple combination inhaler made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It contains three active ingredients — Fluticasone Furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid), Umeclidinium (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and Vilanterol (a long-acting beta2-agonist). It is FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema) and for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults aged 18 and older. Trelegy is not intended for acute bronchospasm or rescue use.

How does Trelegy work?

Trelegy combines three mechanisms of action in a single inhaler:

• Fluticasone Furoate (ICS) — Reduces airway inflammation by suppressing the release of inflammatory mediators.
• Umeclidinium (LAMA) — Blocks acetylcholine at M3 muscarinic receptors in the airways, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and reducing mucus production.
• Vilanterol (LABA) — Stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, causing airway smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.

Together, these three components reduce inflammation, open the airways, and help patients breathe more easily with just one inhalation per day.

What doses are available for Trelegy?

• 100/62.5/25 mcg — Fluticasone Furoate 100 mcg / Umeclidinium 62.5 mcg / Vilanterol 25 mcg (approved for COPD and asthma)
• 200/62.5/25 mcg — Fluticasone Furoate 200 mcg / Umeclidinium 62.5 mcg / Vilanterol 25 mcg (approved for asthma only)

Both strengths come as a dry powder inhaler using the Ellipta device. The dose is one inhalation once daily.

How hard is it to find Trelegy in stock?

Trelegy Ellipta is generally available at most pharmacies, earning a findability score of 72 out of 100. There is no formal FDA shortage listing as of early 2026. However, some patients report intermittent difficulty finding it in stock at local pharmacies due to high demand and supply chain variability. Insurance-related access barriers — including prior authorization and step therapy requirements — can also delay access. If your local pharmacy is out of stock, try checking larger chain pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, or using Medfinder to locate availability near you.

Who Can Prescribe Trelegy?

Trelegy is most commonly prescribed by:

• Pulmonologists — Lung specialists who manage COPD and severe asthma
• Allergists and Immunologists — Specialists treating asthma and allergic airway disease
• Primary Care / Family Medicine physicians — Often the first to diagnose and manage COPD and asthma
• Internal Medicine physicians — Manage chronic respiratory conditions in adults
• Geriatricians — Commonly treat elderly patients with COPD

Trelegy can also be prescribed via telehealth platforms that connect patients with qualified providers.

Is Trelegy a controlled substance?

No. Trelegy Ellipta is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It does not have abuse potential and does not require special prescribing restrictions. However, it is a prescription-only medication and requires prior authorization from many insurance plans.

Common Side Effects of Trelegy

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache
• Back pain
• Oral candidiasis (thrush)
• Dysphonia (hoarse voice)
• Cough
• Urinary tract infection
• Sinusitis
• Diarrhea

Rinsing your mouth with water after each use can help prevent thrush. Serious side effects may include pneumonia, paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects, adrenal suppression, and glaucoma or cataracts with long-term use. Contact your doctor if you experience worsening breathing, chest pain, or signs of infection.

Alternative Medications to Trelegy

• Breztri Aerosphere (Budesonide / Glycopyrrolate / Formoterol Fumarate) — Another triple combination ICS/LAMA/LABA inhaler, FDA-approved for COPD. Uses a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) device instead of dry powder.
• Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate / Vilanterol) — A dual ICS/LABA inhaler using the same Ellipta device. Suitable for patients who may not need triple therapy.
• Anoro Ellipta (Umeclidinium / Vilanterol) — A dual LAMA/LABA inhaler for COPD patients without a significant inflammatory component.
• Symbicort (Budesonide / Formoterol) — A widely used dual ICS/LABA inhaler available as a generic, often more affordable than Trelegy.

Drug Interactions with Trelegy

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat) — May increase Fluticasone and Vilanterol levels, raising the risk of side effects.
• MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants — May potentiate cardiovascular effects of Vilanterol.
• Beta-blockers — May block the bronchodilatory effects of Vilanterol. Avoid non-selective beta-blockers.
• Other anticholinergic drugs — Additive anticholinergic effects with Umeclidinium.
• Other long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) — Do not use with other LABA-containing products.
• Non-potassium-sparing diuretics — May worsen hypokalemia and ECG changes.

Final Thoughts on Trelegy

Trelegy Ellipta is a convenient once-daily triple therapy inhaler that simplifies treatment for COPD and asthma patients who need all three medication classes. While the cash price of $580–$700 per inhaler is steep, GSK's savings card can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 for eligible commercially insured patients. For uninsured patients, the GSK Patient Assistance Program (GSK For You) may provide the medication at no cost. No generic is currently available, with patent protection expected through the late 2020s. If you're having trouble finding Trelegy in stock, try using Medfinder to check availability at pharmacies near you.