Relvar Ellipta

Relvar Ellipta is a combination inhaler from GlaxoSmithKline that contains the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone furoate and the ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist vilanterol (LABA). It is approved for the treatment of asthma and COPD.

The particular advantage: Relvar only needs to be inhaled once a day and provides 24-hour protection. The Ellipta inhaler is especially easy to handle – you open it, breathe in, done.

Relvar is available in two strengths: 92/22 µg and 184/22 µg.

The two active ingredients complement each other:

Fluticasone furoate (ICS):

• Modern version of fluticasone
• Strong anti-inflammatory effect
• Long receptor binding (24 hours)
• Reduces bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Vilanterol (LABA):

• Ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist
• Works for 24 hours
• Fast onset of action (15 minutes)
• Relaxes the bronchial muscles

Synergistic effect: The combination is more effective than the individual active ingredients. The corticosteroid and the LABA enhance each other's effects.

Relvar Ellipta is suitable for:

• Asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older
• COPD with frequent exacerbations
• When ICS alone does not provide adequate control

Advantages:

• Inhale only once a day
• Very simple inhaler (Ellipta)
• 24-hour protection
• No preparation needed

Not suitable:

• As a rescue medication
• For children under 12 years of age
• During an acute asthma attack

For asthma:

• Relvar 92/22 µg: 1 inhalation once daily
• Relvar 184/22 µg: 1 inhalation once daily (if control is inadequate)

For COPD:

• Relvar 92/22 µg: 1 inhalation once daily

Note: Always inhale at the same time of day. Morning or evening is possible – what matters is regularity.

Ellipta inhaler – easy in 3 steps:

1. Open: Slide the cover down until it clicks

• The dose counter counts down
• The dose is now ready

2. Inhale:

• Breathe out deeply (not into the inhaler)
• Close your lips firmly around the mouthpiece
• Take one long, steady, deep breath
• Hold your breath for as long as possible (at least 3-4 seconds)

3. Close:

• Slide the cover up
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out

Important notes:

• Always at the same time of day
• Do not double the dose if you forget one
• Also keep a fast-acting reliever on hand
• Rinse your mouth after inhalation

Do not use in case of:

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or to any of the other ingredients (lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate)
• An acute asthma attack

Use with caution in case of:

• Severe cardiovascular disease
• QT prolongation
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypokalemia
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Fungal infections of the respiratory tract

Pregnancy: Only if clearly indicated. Uncontrolled asthma is more dangerous.

Breastfeeding: Benefit-risk assessment.

Very common (more than 10%):

• Headache
• Nasopharyngitis

Common (1-10%):

• Oral thrush (candidiasis)
• Pneumonia (increased in COPD patients)
• Hoarseness
• Muscle cramps
• Joint pain

Rare:

• Tremor
• Palpitations
• Paradoxical bronchospasm
• Systemic corticosteroid effects
• Allergic reactions

Prevention: Rinse your mouth after every inhalation!

Use with caution with:

• Beta blockers (can cancel out the effect of vilanterol)
• QT-prolonging medications
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir)
• Potassium-lowering medications

Not recommended:

• Other LABAs at the same time

Useful combination: With short-acting bronchodilators (salbutamol) as needed.