Comprehensive medication guide to Umeclidinium/Vilanterol including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$30–$100 copay with commercial insurance; approximately 91% of commercial plans and 79% of Medicare Part D plans cover Anoro Ellipta. The authorized generic may be on a lower formulary tier (Tier 1–2), reducing copays. Prior authorization may be required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$400–$600 retail for brand Anoro Ellipta at major U.S. pharmacies; as low as $270–$340 with GoodRx or other discount cards. The authorized generic (Prasco Laboratories) launched in 2025 and may be priced similarly. All prices are for a 30-day supply (60 blisters).
Medfinder Findability Score
75/100
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Umeclidinium/vilanterol, sold under the brand name Anoro Ellipta, is a once-daily fixed-dose combination inhaler approved by the FDA in December 2013 for the long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It was the first LAMA/LABA combination inhaler approved in the United States.
The inhaler combines two distinct bronchodilators: umeclidinium (62.5 mcg), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and vilanterol (25 mcg), a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA). Together, they relax airway smooth muscle through two complementary mechanisms to improve airflow and reduce COPD symptoms.
Anoro Ellipta is a maintenance inhaler — it is taken every day at the same time to prevent COPD symptoms and reduce flare-ups. It is NOT a rescue inhaler and should not be used for sudden breathing emergencies. It is not approved for asthma. An authorized generic (umeclidinium/vilanterol by Prasco Laboratories) was approved by the FDA in April 2025 and uses the same Ellipta dry powder inhaler device.
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Anoro Ellipta works through two complementary mechanisms targeting different receptor pathways in airway smooth muscle. Umeclidinium (LAMA) blocks muscarinic M3 receptors, preventing acetylcholine — the parasympathetic nervous system's bronchoconstriction signal — from binding. Without this signal, the smooth muscles surrounding the airways relax and the airways open wider.
Vilanterol (LABA) works through a separate pathway by binding to and activating beta-2 adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle cells. This activation triggers a cascade that causes the muscle cells to relax, further widening the airways. Both components have ultra-long-acting pharmacological profiles, enabling sustained 24-hour bronchodilation from a single daily inhalation.
Because umeclidinium and vilanterol work through different receptor systems, their combined effect is additive — producing greater bronchodilation than either agent alone. Clinical trials demonstrated that Anoro Ellipta significantly improved trough FEV1 (lung function measured before the next dose, at 24 hours) compared to either umeclidinium or vilanterol given as monotherapy.
62.5 mcg umeclidinium / 25 mcg vilanterol — inhalation powder (dry powder inhaler)
One inhalation once daily via Ellipta device. Only available strength. Contains 30 blisters (30-day supply) per inhaler, also sold in 60-blister inhalers.
As of 2026, Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database — meaning there is no recognized national supply crisis. However, availability at the individual pharmacy level is inconsistent, and many COPD patients report difficulty locating this inhaler at their usual pharmacy.
The primary driver of availability issues in 2025-2026 is the brand-to-generic transition: Prasco Laboratories launched an FDA-approved authorized generic in 2025, and as pharmacies, wholesalers, and PBMs adjust their stocking and formulary decisions, some locations carry only the brand, others only the generic, and some may temporarily be low on both. Independent pharmacies, hospital outpatient pharmacies, and mail-order services tend to have more reliable stock.
If you're struggling to find Anoro Ellipta at your pharmacy, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have it in stock and texts you the results — so you don't have to spend time on hold. Always ask your pharmacist for both the brand (Anoro Ellipta) and the generic (umeclidinium/vilanterol by Prasco) to maximize your fill options.
Umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta) is a prescription-only medication but is not a DEA-controlled substance. Any licensed prescriber with standard prescribing authority can prescribe it — no special DEA registration, REMS program, or specialist certification is required.
Healthcare providers who commonly prescribe Anoro Ellipta include:
Because Anoro Ellipta is not a controlled substance, it can also be prescribed via telehealth platforms such as Teladoc, MDLive, and PlushCare. This is particularly beneficial for COPD patients in rural areas, those with limited mobility, or those seeking prescription renewals without in-office visits.
No. Umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a prescription-only medication, but it can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider — including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — without special DEA registration beyond a standard prescribing license.
Because it is not a controlled substance, Anoro Ellipta can also be prescribed via telehealth without the additional regulatory restrictions that apply to Schedule II-V medications. Prescriptions can be sent electronically to mail-order pharmacies. There are no refill restrictions from a DEA standpoint, though your insurance plan may have quantity limits.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials (≥1% incidence, more common than placebo):
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Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol)
Once-daily LAMA/LABA soft mist inhaler. Closest pharmacological equivalent; uses Respimat device instead of Ellipta. Dosed as 2 puffs once daily.
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate/formoterol)
LAMA/LABA combination in pressurized MDI (puffer). Twice-daily dosing. Alternative for patients who prefer MDI over dry powder.
Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol)
Triple therapy adding ICS to the same LAMA/LABA components as Anoro Ellipta. Once-daily, same Ellipta device. Appropriate for frequent exacerbators or those with elevated eosinophils.
Spiriva (tiotropium)
LAMA monotherapy (no LABA). Available as Respimat (soft mist) or HandiHaler (DPI). Generic tiotropium available — significantly less expensive.
Prefer Umeclidinium/Vilanterol? We can find it.
Other LAMAs (tiotropium, aclidinium, glycopyrrolate, ipratropium)
majorDuplicate therapy — contraindicated. Increases risk of anticholinergic toxicity including urinary retention and worsening glaucoma.
Other LABAs (salmeterol, formoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol)
majorDuplicate therapy — contraindicated. Increases risk of cardiovascular adverse effects and LABA overdose.
MAO Inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline)
majorPotentiates adrenergic effects of vilanterol. Avoid within 2 weeks of MAOI discontinuation. Risk of severe cardiovascular effects.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine)
majorAmplifies cardiovascular effects of vilanterol and anticholinergic burden of umeclidinium. QTc prolongation risk. Use extreme caution.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin)
moderateIncrease systemic exposure to vilanterol and umeclidinium, potentially amplifying side effects. Use with caution.
Beta-blockers (propranolol, carvedilol, metoprolol)
moderatePharmacodynamic antagonism — block vilanterol's bronchodilating effect. Non-selective beta-blockers may precipitate bronchospasm. Use cardioselective agents if beta-blocker is necessary.
Non-potassium-sparing diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
moderateCombined hypokalemic effect with vilanterol. Monitor potassium levels regularly.
Lefamulin (Xenleta)
majorContraindicated — strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that also prolongs QT interval. Risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) remains one of the most effective and convenient once-daily maintenance inhalers for adults with moderate-to-severe COPD. Its dual LAMA/LABA mechanism provides superior bronchodilation compared to monotherapy, and its steroid-free formulation makes it appropriate for patients where ICS use is not indicated or is associated with increased risk.
The 2025 launch of the authorized generic by Prasco Laboratories is a significant development that should improve both accessibility and cost over time. Patients and providers should ask pharmacies specifically about generic umeclidinium/vilanterol availability in addition to brand Anoro Ellipta. For those with commercial insurance, the generic may be on a more favorable formulary tier with lower copays.
If you're having trouble finding Anoro Ellipta or its generic in stock at your pharmacy, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to check availability and text you the results — no hold music, no wasted trips. Your COPD management shouldn't be interrupted by a stocking issue that's solvable.
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