Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) is a brand-name inhaler that’s prescribed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As with other drugs, Anoro Ellipta can cause side effects, such as throat irritation and fast heart rate.

Anoro Ellipta can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Anoro Ellipta in clinical trials:

  • diarrhea
  • lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
  • pain in the arms or legs
  • sinus inflammation
  • throat irritation

Mild side effects can occur with Anoro Ellipta use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Anoro Ellipta’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Anoro Ellipta include:

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
  • mild chest pain
  • muscle spasms
  • neck pain
  • pain in the arms or legs
  • sinus inflammation
  • throat irritation

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews the side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Anoro Ellipta and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Anoro Ellipta may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Anoro Ellipta’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Anoro Ellipta, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • high blood sugar levels, which may include symptoms such as:
    • excessive thirst
    • frequent hunger
    • more urination than usual
  • low potassium, which may include symptoms such as:
  • new or worsening narrow-angle glaucoma, which may include symptoms such as:
    • blurred vision
    • eye pain
    • red eyes
    • seeing halos or bright colors around lights
  • new or worsening urinary problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • painful urination
    • trouble urinating
    • more urination than usual
  • heart and blood vessel problems*
  • paradoxical bronchospasm*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Anoro Ellipta inhaler can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Anoro Ellipta inhaler, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Anoro Ellipta may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

What happens if you stop taking Anoro Ellipta?

If you stop taking Anoro Ellipta, your COPD could get worse. You may have an increase in symptoms, such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Unmanaged COPD symptoms could increase your risk of a flare-up. This could lead to lung infections and hospitalization. Taking your maintenance medications, such as Anoro Ellipta, regularly can help prevent these complications.

Do not stop taking Anoro Ellipta without talking with your doctor first. If you have concerns about your Anoro Ellipta treatment, talk with your doctor.

Does Anoro Ellipta cause weight loss?

No, weight loss isn’t an expected side effect or Anoro Ellipta. It wasn’t reported in people taking the drug in studies.

However, weight loss can be a sign that your COPD is worsening. When you have COPD, it can take more energy to breathe. If you aren’t taking in enough calories, you may start to lose weight. In turn, losing too much weight can make COPD worse by decreasing muscle mass, including the muscles you use to breathe.

If you notice weight loss and have COPD, call your doctor for an appointment. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.

Does Anoro Ellipta cause hair loss?

No, hair loss wasn’t reported in studies of Anoro Elllipta. So, it isn’t an expected side effect of the drug.

However, hair loss can be a sign that your body has been under stress. This stress could be emotional, mental, or physical. For example, if you’re feeling anxious about your COPD or have recently had an infection, your body might respond by shedding hair. In most cases, this form of hair loss is temporary, and the hair can grow back.

Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing hair loss. They can determine the most likely cause and recommend ways to manage it.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Anoro Ellipta may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Anoro Ellipta.

Heart and blood vessel problems

Heart and blood vessel problems are possible while taking Anoro Ellipta. This includes high blood pressure and symptoms such as:

  • chest pain
  • fast heart rate
  • irregular heart rate

In some cases, people taking Anoro Ellipta experienced serious heart and blood vessel problems, including stroke and heart attack. These conditions can be fatal.

What you can do

Due to this risk, doctors are careful about prescribing Anoro Ellipta for people with heart problems or high blood pressure.

If you experience symptoms of a heart or blood vessel problem, get medical care right away. Your doctor may recommend stopping Anoro Ellipta if you develop symptoms of a heart or blood vessel problem.

Paradoxical bronchospasm

Paradoxical bronchospasm is possible in people taking Anoro Ellipta. This side effect can be life threatening.

Paradoxical bronchospasm means there is an unexpected tightening of the airways after taking the medication. The bronchospasm is unexpected because Anoro Ellipta is used to relax the airways.

Paradoxical bronchospasm can cause sudden symptoms such as:

  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble breathing
  • wheezing

What you can do

If you experience sudden breathing problems after taking Anoro Ellipta, use your rescue inhaler. Stop taking Anoro Ellipta and call your doctor right away. If your breathing problems are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number to get immediate medical care.

Before taking Anoro Ellipta, discuss your health history with your doctor. Anoro Ellipta may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • asthma
  • bladder or prostate problems
  • diabetes
  • eye problems, including glaucoma
  • heart problems
  • high blood pressure
  • liver problems
  • milk allergy
  • seizures
  • thyroid problems
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug or other drugs containing the same active ingredients
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • alcohol consumption

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.