Everything You Need to Know About Trelegy Ellipta & Its Generic (Fluticasone Furoate/Umeclidinium/Vilanterol Trifenatate)
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People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma know that regular life activities like breathing can feel like an uphill battle, every single time.
That can (of course) make life painful, frustrating, and dangerous – which makes medications that make breathing easier very, very necessary. Trelegy Ellipta is one of the newer and more popular COPD and severe asthma medications that can do just that.
It does its job well. Patients who take it experience relief from shortness of breath, reduced flare-ups, and heightened quality of life.
Unfortunately, when a medication is good at what it offers, it tends to cost a lot.
A lot. For just one month of Trelegy Ellipta, United States patients may pay around $700.00 (unless they’re buying their medications through a trusted online Canadian pharmacy or international drugstore, that is).
This high cost may be why one of the most common questions asked is, “Is there a generic for Trelegy Ellipta?”
Is there? And, more importantly, is a generic Trelegy Ellipta going to be easy for you to access?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Trelegy Ellipta?
Before we talk about potential Trelegy Ellipta generics, let’s cover the fundamentals very quickly.
Trelegy Ellipta is a triple-therapy inhaler, which means it combines three medications into one device.
Those medications are:
- Fluticasone furoate – an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces airway inflammation.
- Umeclidinium – a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that helps relax airway muscles.
- Vilanterol – a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that keeps airways open.
Together, this combination is designed for patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by single- or double-therapy inhalers.
By bringing three classes of medication into one device, Trelegy Ellipta can help reduce COPD exacerbations, improves lung function, and provides more consistent day-to-day control of symptoms.
Is Trelegy Ellipta a Steroid?
The answer is: partially.
One of the three active ingredients in Trelegy Ellipta is a corticosteroid (fluticasone furoate).
The other two are bronchodilators, meaning Trelegy is not just a steroid – it’s a carefully balanced triple therapy.
Why Is Trelegy Ellipta So Expensive?
As we noted above, paying for Trelegy Ellipta as a patient in the United States could require an investment of $700.00 per month (or even more).
That’s a significant chunk of change. Why is Trelegy Ellipta priced so high?
There are a few reasons fueling that sticker price.
They include:
- U.S. pricing system: Unlike Canada and other countries, the U.S. does not regulate drug prices.
- Limited alternatives: Because Trelegy is one of only a few triple-therapy inhalers, patients often have fewer lower-cost substitutes available.
Fortunately, American patients do have other options to pursue.
For example, you might consider buying your Trelegy Ellipta through an online and international Canadian pharmacy website.
Here, you can buy brand-name Trelegy Ellipta for about $150.00 a month or 30 doses – and generic fluticasone furoate / umeclidinium / vilanterol trifenatate for about $120.00 for 60 doses.
This does raise, of course, a very relevant question.
Is There Really a Generic for Trelegy Ellipta?
Here’s the bottom line: in the United States, there is currently no generic for Trelegy Ellipta.
You may not see any similar, brandless products marketed specifically as a “Trelegy Ellipta generic.”
What you may need to look for, instead, are Trelegy’s active ingredients listed out as a product name – e.g., generic fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol trifenatate.
Medications with those specific ingredients may be considered equivalent formulations but may not be labeled as a “generic” in the strict sense.
This is where things can feel confusing for patients, and it’s why understanding what generics really are is so important.
Let’s run through a few quick distinctions.
What Makes a Generic Equivalent to Trelegy Ellipta?
When we say that a generic is equivalent to a brand-name drug, what do we mean?
There’s a conception of generics out there that they just aren’t as strong, safe, or reliable as their brand-name counterparts.
That just isn’t the case. Generics must generally meet the same strict standards as the original drug.
They go through the same rigorous testing processes, and generics manufacturers adhere to rigorous quality checks and standards, too.
So, in practice:
Generic medications have the same active ingredients. So, a generic version of Trelegy Ellipta must contain the identical components – fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol – in the same amounts as the brand medication.
Generic medications must exhibit the same effectiveness. Regulatory bodies like Health Canada require generics to demonstrate “bioequivalence.”
That simply means the body absorbs and uses the generic drug in essentially the same way as the branded version.
Generic medications must have the same safety profile. Generics carry the same risks and benefits as the original medication.
The side effects, drug interactions, and overall effectiveness of the generic and branded drugs should not differ in any meaningful ways.
That said, the generic medication must have different packaging. So, in the case of a branded vs. generic Trelegy Ellipta, if you’re looking at generic fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol products, the inhaler device or appearance may differ slightly.
For inhalers, this sometimes means the device looks different, but the medication inside works the same way.
In other words, a generic isn’t a “knockoff.”
It’s a scientifically proven equivalent designed to expand access by offering patients a lower-cost version once patents expire or alternative suppliers are allowed in the market.
Here’s Why Generics Are Cheaper Than Brand-Name Drugs
If generic medications have to be so, so very similar to brand-name drugs, then why do brand-name drugs cost so much more?
Especially when generic manufacturers have to do, arguably, even more work to demonstrate that they’re doing the exact same thing as the original med?
The answer has less to do with quality and more to do with economics.
Starting from scratch and developing a new drug like Trelegy Ellipta can involve billions of dollars in research, clinical trials, and marketing.
GSK, Trelegy Ellipta’s manufacturer, shouldered those costs. In our current system, pharmaceutical companies are allowed a period of exclusivity (via patents) to recoup those costs.
Once the patent on a drug expires, other manufacturers can apply to make the same drug – and that’s when generics start popping up on the scene.
Because these post-patent, generics manufacturers don’t have to repeat the entire research and marketing process, they can sell their medications at a lower price.
Competition between multiple generic manufacturers further drives prices down.
That’s why generic versions of drugs like Symbicort and Advair now cost a fraction of their original brand price … and also why patients are eager for a Trelegy Ellipta generic alternative to reach the market.
Trelegy Ellipta vs. Other Fluticasone Furoate Combinations
As specialized of a medication as Trelegy Ellipta is, it’s not wholly unique.
One of the three actives included in Trelegy Ellipta, fluticasone furoate, is a popular inclusion in other inhalers.
This can make navigating the world of COPD or asthma inhalers – to say nothing of generics! – a bit tricky.
For example, you might see a drug like Breo Ellipta advertised, and wonder if it’s the same as Trelegy Ellipta. (It’s got the same last name, after all.)
You’re not off base. The two actives in Breo Ellipta, fluticasone furoate + vilanterol, are shared by Trelegy, too.
The difference is that Trelegy Ellipta or any similar generic products do add a third component — umeclidinium — making it a triple-therapy inhaler.
It’s also worth noting that fluticasone propionate (a slightly different steroid molecule) is used in older inhalers like Advair.
Patients sometimes ask “fluticasone propionate vs. fluticasone furoate — what’s the difference?”
While both reduce airway inflammation, furoate is considered more potent at lower doses, which is why it’s used in newer inhalers like Trelegy and Breo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trelegy Ellipta
If you or a loved one has recently gotten a prescription for Trelegy Ellipta, it’s normal to have questions and concerns about how to use it or how it might affect your everyday life.
Here’s a smattering of quick questions and answers we think might help.
How Long Does It Take for Trelegy Ellipta to Work?
Short answer: It might take a bit for Trelegy Ellipta to work, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Trelegy doesn’t provide instant relief the way a rescue inhaler like albuterol does.
Instead, it works gradually to reduce inflammation and keep airways open. Many patients notice improvement within a few days, but it may take several weeks of consistent use to feel the full benefit.
Can I Take Trelegy Ellipta With Albuterol?
Yes, you can take Trelegy Ellipta alongside an albuterol inhaler.
They do two different things.
Trelegy is a maintenance inhaler, while albuterol is a short-acting rescue inhaler used for sudden symptoms.
Many patients are prescribed both. Your doctor will give specific instructions about when to use each.
What Happens if You Take Trelegy Ellipta Twice a Day?
Most people shouldn’t take Trelegy Ellipta twice per day – there’s really no reason to.
Trelegy is designed for once-daily use. Taking it more frequently increases the risk of side effects without improving results.
If you accidentally take an extra dose, contact your doctor for advice, but do not make it a routine.
Can I Take Trelegy Ellipta Every Other Day?
Unless your doctor has specifically recommended you take Trelegy Ellipta or a generic fluticasone furoate / umeclidinium / vilanterol trifenatate every other day, that’s probably not a good idea.
Trelegy’s triple therapy is intended to build steady control in your lungs. That control is built through consistent dosing, day after day.
If affordability or side effects are making you consider taking it less often, talk with your provider — there may be a lower-cost or simpler alternative that better fits your needs.
Does Trelegy Ellipta Cause Weight Gain?
Sometimes, steroids can cause weight gain, for some people – that’s true.
While Trelegy does contain an inhaled corticosteroid, the dose is localized to the lungs and not absorbed into the body the same way oral steroids are.
You shouldn’t have to worry about significant weight gain when using Trelegy Ellipta.
Can Trelegy Ellipta Cause Hair Loss?
It’s unlikely that Trelegy Ellipta would cause hair loss. If you do start to notice that your hair starts thinning shortly after taking Trelegy Ellipta, do bring it up to your doctor.
You may begin your treatment by exploring other causes, such as stress, nutrition, or other medications.
Is Muscle Pain a Side Effect of Trelegy Ellipta?
Sometimes, patients do describe muscle pain as a side effect shortly after starting Trelegy Ellipta. That’s a known side effect with some inhalers, and it can be linked to Trelegy Ellipta’s LABA or LAMA active ingredients.
If this does happen for you, it should be mild, and it should go away as your body gets used to the drug.
Ready to Start Navigating Trelegy Ellipta Generics and Alternatives?
Whether you’re looking for brand-name Trelegy Ellipta or an alternative, you’re in the right place.
Your team here at NorthWestPharmacy.com is ready to make the full process, from understanding your prescription to getting your medication shipped directly to your front door, as accessible and affordable as possible for you.
Our friendly, responsive customer service reps can assist with any questions you may have about the availability of generics and can even support you as you place your order.
If you’d like to know more about your unique prescription, our pharmacists are available to answer questions, too, to make you feel as comfortable and prepared as possible to move forward with your treatment.
Once you have a valid, updated prescription for the medication you need – including, for example, generic fluticasone furoate / umeclidinium / vilanterol trifenatate – you can upload your prescription directly to your site, click “add to cart,” and simply follow our secure payment process to check out in minutes.
We’re committed to helping you find high-quality, authentic medications for reliably low prices. The team here at NorthWestPharmacy.com is looking forward to supporting you and your healthcare journey.
