Trelegy Ellipta interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors

Trelegy Ellipta interactions with other medications  

Before you start treatment with Trelegy Ellipta, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Trelegy Ellipta interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Trelegy Ellipta and other interactions” section.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a table of drugs that can interact with Trelegy Ellipta. Keep in mind that this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Trelegy Ellipta. Some of these interactions are described in detail in “Drug interactions in depth.”

When to avoid Trelegy Ellipta

Sometimes, certain factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Trelegy Ellipta due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Trelegy Ellipta include:

Treating status asthmaticus or sudden worsening of COPD

Trellegy Ellipta should not be used as a treatment for status asthmaticus or a sudden worsening of COPD (COPD exacerbation). Trelegy Ellipta is not a rescue inhaler, and does not work quickly enough to treat a sudden worsening of COPD or asthma symptoms.

Follow your doctor’s advice on using your rescue inhaler for an asthma attack or worsening COPD symptoms. If your symptoms feel severe or life-threatening, seek immediate medical attention.

Having had an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta or any of its ingredients, including milk proteins

If you have had an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta or any of its ingredients, which includes milk proteins (dairy allergy), your doctor will likely not prescribe Trelegy Ellipta. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Note:Before you start treatment with Trelegy Ellipta, it’s important to tell your doctor if these contraindications apply to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Trelegy Ellipta.

Trelegy Ellipta interaction with alcohol

There are no known interactions between Trelegy Ellipta and alcohol. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit alcohol consumption during Trelegy Ellipta treatment.

This is because drinking alcohol can worsen the condition you’re receiving Trelegy Ellipta to treat. For example, if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, drinking alcohol may worsen your symptoms.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Trelegy Ellipta treatment, talk with your doctor.

Drug interactions in depth

Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of Trelegy Ellipta.

Beta blockers

Trelegy Ellipta can interact with beta-blockers. These medications are prescribed for certain conditions including high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmia.

Interaction result:Taking Trelegy Ellipta with a beta-blocker can make Trelegy Ellipta less effective.

Interaction explained:Trelegy Ellipta contains vilanterol as one of its active ingredients. Vilanterol is a type of medication called a beta agonist. It works by activating beta receptors in your lungs. Beta-blockers can block vilanterol from working, which means Trelegy Ellipta may not work as well if taken with a beta-blocker.

It’s important to note that some beta-blockers are considered “cardioselective”. This means they mostly block beta receptors in the heart and not in the lungs. However, cardioselective beta-blockers can still affect beta receptors in the lungs, especially at higher doses.

Examples of beta-blocker drugs: Here are some beta-blocker drugs that may interact with Trelegy Ellipta:

• carvedilol (Coreg)
• propranolol (Inderal LA)
• labetalol
• atenolol (Tenormin)
• metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)

Steps you or your doctor may take:If you’re prescribed Trelegy Ellitpa and need to take a beta-blocker as well, your doctor may switch you to a cardioselective beta-blocker such as atenolol or metoprolol. While cardioselective beta-blockers still have a risk for interacting with Trelegy Ellipta, this risk is lowered compared to using a noncardioselective beta-blocker such as propranolol or carvedilol. Your doctor will also likely closely monitor you to ensure Trelegy Ellipta is working as expected.

Anticholinergic medications

Trelegy Ellipta can interact with anticholinergic medications. These medications are prescribed for a variety of conditions, including overactive bladder and certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Interaction result: Taking Trelegy Ellitpa together with an anticholinergic medication can increase the risk for certain side effects of Trelegy Ellipta and anticholinergic medications, including:

• irregular heartbeat
• urinary retention
• headache

Interaction explained: Trelegy contains umeclidinium, which is an anticholinergic medication. Taking another anticholinergic medication together with Trelegy increases your risk for anticholinergic side effects that either medication can cause.

Examples of anticholinergic drugs: Here are some anticholinergic drugs that may interact with Trelegy Ellipta:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• oxybutynin (Ditropan XL)
• benztropine
• trihexyphenidyl
• scopolamine

Steps you or your doctor may take: Due to the risk for side effects, doctors typically avoid prescribing Trelegy Ellipta together with another anticholinergic medication. If prescribing this combination cannot be avoided, your doctor will likely closely monitor you for anticholinergic side effects.

Certain diuretics

Trelegy Ellipta can interact with certain diuretics. These medications are prescribed to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, and edema (fluid buildup) caused by conditions such as liver disease or heart failure.

Interaction result: Taking Trelegy Ellitpa together with certain diuretics can increase the risk for certain side effects of certain diuretics and Trelegy Ellipta.

Interaction explained: Certain diuretics can cause low blood potassium (hypokalemia) or affect your heart rhythm as a side effect. These side effects can worsen if you also take a beta agonist medication. And, Trelegy Ellipta contains the beta agonist vilanterol.

Examples of diuretic drugs: Here are some diuretics that may interact with Trelegy Ellipta:

• loop diuretics, such as:
  • furosemide (Lasix)
  • bumetanide (Bumex)
  • torsemide (Soaanz)
• thiazide diuretics, such as:
  • chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
  • hydrochlorothiazide

Steps you or your doctor may take: Although Trelegy Ellipta and certain diuretics may interact, doctors still commonly prescribe these medications together. Your doctor can monitor this interaction and may order an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and blood tests to check your potassium level. Your doctor can provide more information, such as how often they’ll order these tests during your treatment.

Trelegy Ellipta and other interactions

Trelegy Ellipta may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Trelegy Ellipta.

Trelegy Ellipta interactions with supplements

Before you start treatment with Trelegy Ellipta, tell your doctor and pharmacist which supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

It’s important to note that Trelegy Ellipta can interact with caffeine. Interactions with caffeine found in food are discussed below. But caffeine is also an ingredient in certain supplements, including some pre-workout supplements. Caffeine found in supplements can also interact with Trelegy Ellipta.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Trelegy Ellipta interactions with herbs

It’s possible for Trelegy Ellipta to interact with an herb called echinacea. Some people take this herb to boost their immune system. If you take echinacea during Trelegy Ellipta treatment, it may decrease the effectiveness of Trelegy Ellipta.

If you take any echinacea supplements, talk with your doctor before starting Trelegy Ellipta treatment. They may advise you to stop taking the supplements.

Trelegy Ellipta interactions with vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Trelegy Ellipta. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Trelegy Ellipta.

Trelegy Ellipta interactions with food

Trelegy Ellipta may interact with caffeine. Consuming too much caffeine while taking Trelegy Ellipta can increase the risk of heart-related side effects. Examples of foods and beverages that contain caffeine include:

• coffee
• tea
• chocolate
• energy drinks

Because of this interaction, your doctor will likely recommend limiting how much caffeine you consume during Trelegy Ellipta treatment.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Trelegy Ellipta. Specifically, grapefruit products can stop your body from breaking down Trelegy Ellipta. This raises the level of Trelegy Ellipta in your body, which increases your risk of side effects from Trelegy Ellipta Due to this risk, your doctor may recommend not consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking the drug.

If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during treatment with Trelegy Ellipta, talk with your doctor.

Trelegy Ellipta interactions with vaccines

There are no known interactions between Trelegy Ellipta and vaccines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Trelegy Ellipta interactions with lab tests

Trelegy Ellipta may interact with the tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) test (also called a tuberculosis skin test), which is used to test for tuberculosis (TB). Using Trelegy Ellipta may cause a false-negative test result, meaning the test doesn’t show TB even if you actually have it. This effect may last for up to 6 weeks after your last dose of Trelegy Ellipta.

If you need a test for TB, your doctor may choose an alternative besides the skin test if you’re using Trelegy Ellipta.

TRELEGY ELLIPTA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Trelegy Ellipta. Some research suggests smoking cannabis may not carry as high as risk for developing COPD compared to smoking tobacco. But any smoke is damaging to your lungs, regardless of whether it comes from tobacco or cannabis. So, smoking cannabis could still worsen COPD or asthma symptoms if you already have either condition.

As with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Trelegy Ellipta. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Trelegy Ellipta treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Trelegy Ellipta and health-related interactions

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Trelegy Ellipta. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Trelegy Ellipta may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Trelegy Ellipta include:

• Bladder or prostate condition: if you have a bladder or prostate condition that makes it difficult to pass urine, using Trelegy Ellipta could worsen your symptoms. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the benefits and risks if you use Trelegy Ellipta.
• Diabetes: if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, using Trelegy Ellipta could worsen your condition by increasing your blood sugar level. Your doctor may adjust the dose of your diabetes medications if they prescribe Trelegy Ellipta to you.
• Glaucoma or other eye condition: Trelegy Ellipta can cause eye-related side effects, including worsened glaucoma and cataracts. Your doctor will likely have you complete eye exams regularly if they prescribe Trelegy Ellipta for you.
• Heart condition, including high blood pressure: Trelegy Ellipta can cause heart-related side effects, including increased blood pressure and arrhythmia. If you have a heart condition, talk with your doctor to learn more about the benefits and risks if you use Trelegy Ellipta.
• Liver condition: If you have a liver condition such as cirrhosis, the amount of Trelegy Ellipta may build up in your system if you use the medication. This can raise your risk for Trelegy Ellipta side effects. Your doctor can provide more information on whether you can safely use Trelegy Ellitpa based on the severity of your liver condition.
• Seizures: While rare, Trelegy Ellipta may raise the risk for seizures in some people. If you already experience seizures, taking Trelegy Ellipta could make them more frequent or cause symptoms to be severe. Your doctor can help determine if it’s safe for you to use Trelegy Ellipta if you have a condition that causes seizures.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): If you have hyperthyroidism, using Trelegy Ellipta could worsen your condition. If your doctor prescribes Trelegy Ellipta, they’ll likely closely monitor your thyroid hormone levels during treatment.
• Weak bones (osteoporosis): Fluticasone, an ingredient in Trelegy Ellipta, can weaken bones if used long term. If you already have osteoporosis or another condition causing weak bones, using Trelegy Ellipta could raise your risk for a bone fracture. Your doctor can provide more information on how they’ll monitor your bone health if you’re prescribed Trelegy Ellipta. They can also prescribe a treatment for osteoporosis.
• Weakened immune system: If you have a weakened immune system, using Trelegy Ellipta could further worsen your condition. This may increase your risk for infection, including measles or other serious infections. While using Trelegy Ellipta, you should immediately report symptoms of an infection to your doctor. You may be at higher risk for experiencing severe symptoms of infection and should seek treatment right away.
• Allergic reaction, including milk protein allergy: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Trelegy Ellipta or any of its ingredients, including milk proteins your doctor will likely not prescribe Trelegy Ellipta. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
• Breastfeeding: It’s unknown whether it’s safe to use Trelegy Ellipta while breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Trelegy Ellipta may have on a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Trelegy Ellipta. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
• Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough clinical trials to determine whether Trelegy Ellipta is safe to use while pregnant. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Trelegy Ellipta. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

Preventing interactions

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Trelegy Ellipta. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

• Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
• Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Create a medication listTrusted Source, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Trelegy Ellipta label and other paperworkTrusted Source that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Trelegy Ellipta doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Trelegy Ellipta by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

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.