Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol): Complete Patient Guide

What Is Breo Ellipta?

Breo Ellipta is a prescription combination inhaler containing two active ingredients: fluticasone furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid, or ICS) and vilanterol (a long-acting beta-agonist, or LABA). Together, these two medications work as a team — one reduces inflammation in your airways, while the other relaxes the muscles around them to keep them open. It belongs to a class of respiratory drugs known as ICS/LABA combinations, which are considered a cornerstone treatment in modern asthma and COPD management.

The FDA approved Breo Ellipta in May 2013 for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. A year later, in 2014, the FDA expanded its approval to include asthma in adults and adolescents 18 years and older. It's primarily prescribed to patients whose symptoms aren't adequately controlled by a single inhaled medication alone — particularly those who need both anti-inflammatory coverage and sustained bronchodilation throughout the day. Breo Ellipta is not intended for rescue use during sudden breathing episodes; it's a daily controller medication.

As of now, Breo Ellipta remains a brand-name drug manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). There is currently no FDA-approved generic version of Breo Ellipta available in the United States, which means it tends to carry a higher price tag than many other inhaler options and is stocked selectively across pharmacy networks. If you're having trouble finding Breo Ellipta, FindUrMeds can locate it at a pharmacy near you.

How Does Breo Ellipta Work?

Breo Ellipta works through a dual mechanism that targets two of the main problems underlying both asthma and COPD. The fluticasone furoate component is a corticosteroid that works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors inside the cells lining your airways. This reduces inflammation, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness over time — essentially calming down the chronic irritation that makes your lungs sensitive and reactive. It doesn't act instantly; the full anti-inflammatory effect builds up over days to weeks of consistent use, which is why Breo Ellipta must be taken every day even when you feel fine.

The vilanterol component takes a different approach. It's a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that binds to beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle surrounding your airways, causing them to relax and widen within approximately 15 to 30 minutes of inhalation. This bronchodilating effect lasts for a full 24 hours, which is why Breo Ellipta is dosed just once daily — a significant practical advantage over twice-daily alternatives. The medication is delivered through the Ellipta dry powder inhaler device, which is pre-loaded and breath-activated. No shaking, no priming, no coordination of pressing and inhaling required. Each strip contains 30 blisters, providing a full 30-day supply per inhaler.

Available Doses of Breo Ellipta

Breo Ellipta is available in two FDA-approved strengths, both in the same Ellipta dry powder inhaler device:

Breo Ellipta 100/25 mcg (fluticasone furoate 100 mcg / vilanterol 25 mcg per inhalation) — The most common starting dose for both COPD and asthma patients
Breo Ellipta 200/25 mcg (fluticasone furoate 200 mcg / vilanterol 25 mcg per inhalation) — Prescribed when higher ICS coverage is needed, typically for patients with more severe or poorly controlled asthma

Both strengths are taken as one inhalation once daily, at the same time each day. Your doctor will determine which strength is appropriate based on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and prior treatment history. For most patients initiating Breo Ellipta, the 100/25 mcg dose is the standard first step.

Having trouble finding a specific dose? FindUrMeds searches all strengths simultaneously.

Breo Ellipta Findability Score

Breo Ellipta Findability Score: 72 / 100

Our Findability Score is a proprietary metric that rates how easy or difficult a given medication is to locate in stock at retail pharmacies across the US. Scores run from 1 (extremely difficult to find — patients may need weeks of searching) to 100 (universally stocked, available at virtually any pharmacy). A score of 72 places Breo Ellipta in the "moderately available" tier — most pharmacies that carry respiratory inhalers stock it, but it's not a guaranteed shelf staple at every location, and availability can fluctuate by region, chain, and time of month.

Breo Ellipta earns a solid score for several reasons. Unlike opioids or stimulants, it is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance, meaning there are no DEA quota restrictions limiting how much manufacturers can produce or pharmacies can stock. It also does not appear on the FDA Drug Shortage Database as of the most recent update, and GlaxoSmithKline has maintained a generally stable supply chain for this product. However, because no generic is available, distribution is narrower than it would be for a multi-manufacturer drug — and because the Ellipta device is proprietary, pharmacies can't substitute a different inhaler format if the specific SKU is out.

Our platform's Pharmacy Call Index (PCI) for Breo Ellipta — a measure of how many pharmacy contacts it takes on average to confirm stock — sits at 2.1 calls per successful fill. That's notably lower than high-demand medications like Ozempic (PCI: 6.4) or compounded GLP-1 formulations, but higher than common generics available at virtually every pharmacy. According to our data across 40,000+ Breo Ellipta pharmacy searches, availability tends to be strongest at large-chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) and specialty or high-volume locations, while smaller independent pharmacies may carry it less consistently. Regional availability dips are occasionally seen in rural areas.

Practically speaking, a score of 72 means most patients can find Breo Ellipta without a prolonged search — but it's not uncommon to hit one or two "out of stock" walls before landing the right pharmacy, especially if you need the 200/25 mcg strength, which is dispensed less frequently and kept in smaller quantities. Patients using FindUrMeds report an average search time of under 24 hours to confirm Breo Ellipta availability, compared to a self-reported average of 3–5 pharmacy contacts made by patients searching on their own. Our success rate for finding Breo Ellipta in stock is 94% — slightly above our platform-wide average of 92%.

Skip the pharmacy calls. FindUrMeds finds Breo Ellipta for you.

Breo Ellipta Pricing

Breo Ellipta is a brand-name specialty inhaler with no generic equivalent, so its list price is significantly higher than most other respiratory medications. Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

With Insurance: Most commercial insurance plans that cover Breo Ellipta place it on Tier 3 or Tier 4 of the formulary. Typical copays range from approximately $30–$90 per inhaler per month for insured patients, though this varies considerably by plan, deductible status, and whether your insurer requires prior authorization. Some plans require step therapy — meaning they want documentation that you've tried a lower-tier ICS or ICS/LABA first. Medicare Part D coverage varies; Breo Ellipta is covered under some Part D plans but may require prior authorization or carry higher cost-sharing.

Without Insurance (Cash Price): The full retail cash price for Breo Ellipta without any discount card is approximately $350–$420 per inhaler at most major chain pharmacies. This reflects the brand-name-only status and the proprietary device. This is the price to avoid paying.

With GoodRx or Similar Discount Cards: GoodRx pricing for Breo Ellipta varies by location and pharmacy but typically brings the cost down to approximately $200–$290 per inhaler — a meaningful reduction but still significant. Prices are generally lower at warehouse pharmacies like Costco and Sam's Club. Always check current GoodRx pricing before filling, as it fluctuates.

Manufacturer Copay Card: GlaxoSmithKline offers the GSK Patient Assistance Program and a commercial copay card program called the GSK Savings Card. Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per month with the GSK savings card, subject to eligibility requirements and an annual maximum savings limit. Patients without insurance who meet income thresholds may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program, which can provide Breo Ellipta at no cost. Visit GSK's official patient support portal or ask your doctor's office for an enrollment form.

A note on price variability: Prices differ meaningfully between pharmacy chains and even between locations of the same chain. A Costco pharmacy in your city may charge significantly less than a CVS across the street. Always comparison-shop, and consider that finding the lowest price and finding in-stock availability are two separate problems — both worth solving.

Who Can Prescribe Breo Ellipta?

Breo Ellipta is a prescription medication, meaning you'll need a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber before a pharmacy can dispense it. The following healthcare providers are authorized to prescribe Breo Ellipta in the United States:

Pulmonologists — Lung specialists and the most common prescribers for COPD and severe asthma cases
Allergists and Immunologists — Frequently prescribe Breo Ellipta for asthma, particularly allergic asthma
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) — Family medicine and internal medicine doctors routinely manage both COPD and asthma and can prescribe and titrate Breo Ellipta
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) — Have full prescribing authority in most US states and can prescribe Breo Ellipta independently
Physician Assistants (PAs) — Can prescribe in all 50 states, typically with physician collaboration depending on state law
Geriatricians — Often manage COPD in older adults and are familiar with Breo Ellipta's once-daily convenience
Emergency Medicine Physicians — May initiate or adjust controller therapy, though ongoing prescriptions are usually managed by outpatient providers
Telemedicine Providers — Non-controlled medications like Breo Ellipta can be prescribed via telehealth in all 50 states. Platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, and respiratory-specific telehealth services can issue a valid Breo Ellipta prescription after a clinical evaluation. No DEA restrictions apply since it is not a controlled substance.

Once you have your prescription, the harder problem is finding a pharmacy that has it in stock. That's where FindUrMeds comes in.

Breo Ellipta Side Effects

Breo Ellipta is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it comes with a profile of potential side effects. Here's what to know.

Most Common Side Effects

These occur in a meaningful percentage of patients and are generally not dangerous but worth knowing about:

Nasopharyngitis (runny nose, nasal congestion) — The most frequently reported side effect, affecting approximately 9% of patients in clinical trials; often feels like a mild cold
Upper respiratory tract infection — Slightly increased susceptibility due to local immune modulation from the inhaled corticosteroid
Oral candidiasis (thrush) — White patches in the mouth or throat caused by the corticosteroid suppressing local immune defenses; risk is significantly reduced by rinsing your mouth with water and spitting after every dose
Headache — Reported in approximately 7% of patients; usually mild and transient
Oropharyngeal pain — Mild throat irritation or soreness; typically manageable and often improves with technique adjustments
Back pain — Reported more commonly in COPD patients; the causal relationship is not always clear
Dysphonia (hoarse or altered voice) — A known ICS class effect; rinsing your mouth after use helps reduce this
Cough — Some patients experience mild cough after inhalation; using correct inhaler technique minimizes this

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

These are less common but require prompt medical attention:

Paradoxical bronchospasm — A counterintuitive tightening of airways immediately after inhalation; contact your provider or seek emergency care if breathing worsens right after using Breo Ellipta
Cardiovascular effects — Vilanterol (the LABA component) can cause elevated heart rate, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat, particularly at higher-than-recommended doses; contact your provider if you notice a rapid or irregular pulse
Decreased bone mineral density — Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids is associated with modest reductions in bone density; discuss bone health monitoring with your doctor if you've been on ICS therapy for years
Adrenal suppression — High-dose or long-term ICS use can suppress the adrenal gland's cortisol production; clinically significant cases are rare with standard Breo Ellipta doses but worth monitoring in patients on multiple corticosteroid products
Worsening COPD or asthma — If you notice your symptoms are getting significantly worse, don't simply increase your dose; contact your provider
Pneumonia — Clinical trials of ICS-containing products in COPD patients have shown a modestly increased risk of pneumonia; report fever, increased sputum production, or new chest symptoms to your provider

Side Effects That Typically Improve Over Time

Many patients experience mild throat irritation, a slight change in voice quality, or mild headaches during the first 1–4 weeks of starting Breo Ellipta. These effects commonly diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Rinsing your mouth with water after every use — a step many patients skip — dramatically reduces both oral thrush risk and throat irritation.

This information is for general educational purposes only. It does not cover every possible side effect. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your personal risk profile, especially if you have cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, or immune system conditions.

Alternatives to Breo Ellipta

If Breo Ellipta isn't available at your pharmacy, isn't covered by your insurance, or isn't the right fit for your clinical situation, there are several well-established alternatives to discuss with your doctor.

Same-Class Alternatives (ICS/LABA Combinations)

These medications combine an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting beta-agonist, the same fundamental approach as Breo Ellipta:

Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) — A widely available ICS/LABA delivered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI); available in generic form as budesonide/formoterol, making it significantly cheaper; dosed twice daily
Advair Diskus or Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) — One of the most prescribed ICS/LABA combinations; generic versions (Wixela Inhub, AirDuo) are available and widely stocked; dosed twice daily
Dulera (mometasone/formoterol) — A pMDI option for asthma; twice-daily dosing; available at most major pharmacies
Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol/umeclidinium) — Uses the same Ellipta device and the same two active ingredients as Breo, with the addition of a third agent (LAMA); once daily; appropriate for COPD patients who need triple therapy
Wixela Inhub (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) — A FDA-approved generic equivalent to Advair Diskus; significantly lower cost and widely stocked

Different-Mechanism Alternatives

For patients who need a fundamentally different therapeutic approach:

LAMA monotherapy (e.g., Spiriva/tiotropium, Incruse Ellipta/umeclidinium) — Long-acting muscarinic antagonists; appropriate for COPD patients who may not need an ICS component
ICS monotherapy (e.g., Arnuity Ellipta/fluticasone furoate) — For mild asthma patients who only need the anti-inflammatory component, without the LABA
LABA/LAMA combinations (e.g., Anoro Ellipta, Stiolto Respimat) — An ICS-free option for COPD; used when inflammation is less of the dominant issue
Biologic therapies (e.g., Dupixent/dupilumab, Nucala/mepolizumab) — For patients with severe, eosinophilic, or difficult-to-control asthma that doesn't respond adequately to ICS/LABA therapy

If you'd prefer to stick with Breo Ellipta, FindUrMeds has a high success rate finding it in stock.

Drug Interactions with Breo Ellipta

Always give your prescriber and pharmacist a complete list of every medication, supplement, and herbal product you're taking. Breo Ellipta has several clinically meaningful interactions to know about.

Serious Interactions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, cobicistat, clarithromycin) — These drugs significantly slow the breakdown of both fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, potentially causing elevated systemic corticosteroid levels and increased cardiovascular risk; co-use is generally not recommended and requires close clinical monitoring if unavoidable
MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants — Can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of vilanterol, including tachycardia and hypertension; avoid concurrent use or use with extreme caution within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation
Beta-blockers (both cardioselective and non-selective) — Can block the bronchodilating effect of vilanterol, potentially worsening bronchospasm; non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) are particularly problematic in asthma patients
Other LABAs — Do not use additional long-acting beta-agonist-containing products alongside Breo Ellipta; doubling up on LABA therapy increases the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse events

Moderate Interactions

Diuretics (loop diuretics and thiazides) — Vilanterol can worsen hypokalemia (low potassium) caused by these medications; potassium levels may need monitoring
Xanthine derivatives (theophylline, aminophylline) — Additive cardiac stimulation effects with vilanterol; monitor heart rate and rhythm
Other corticosteroids (oral, injectable, or topical in large amounts) — Additive systemic corticosteroid burden increases the risk of adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, and metabolic effects; discuss total corticosteroid load with your prescriber

Food and Substance Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice — Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes and can increase systemic exposure to fluticasone furoate; not a formally contraindicated combination but worth discussing with your pharmacist, especially if you eat grapefruit regularly
Caffeine — No direct pharmacokinetic interaction, but high caffeine intake can amplify the mild stimulant cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate, jitteriness) of vilanterol; moderation is sensible
Alcohol — No specific pharmacokinetic interaction with Breo Ellipta, but alcohol can worsen respiratory inflammation and impair mucociliary clearance in COPD patients; general moderation is advised
Tobacco smoke — While not a drug interaction in the traditional sense, smoking actively undermines the anti-inflammatory mechanism of fluticasone furoate and accelerates COPD progression; smoking cessation is the single most impactful intervention for COPD patients

How to Find Breo Ellipta in Stock

Finding Breo Ellipta can occasionally take some legwork, but there are proven strategies that dramatically reduce how long the search takes. Here's what actually works.

1. Use FindUrMeds — The Fastest Option

FindUrMeds was built specifically for patients who are tired of calling pharmacy after pharmacy. Here's how the process works:

Submit your request in under 2 minutes. Enter your medication name (Breo Ellipta), the dose your doctor prescribed, and your zip code. No account required.
We contact 15,000+ pharmacies on your behalf. Our team reaches out across CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Costco, Sam's Club, and hundreds of independent locations — systematically, not randomly.
You get a confirmed in-stock location within 24–48 hours. According to our data across 40,000+ Breo Ellipta searches, 94% of patients receive a confirmed pharmacy location within this window. We tell you exactly where to go and what to ask for.

No more calling eight pharmacies on your lunch break. No more being put on hold and transferred. FindUrMeds does the calling so you don't have to.

2. Use GoodRx as a Stock Signal

Here's a lesser-known trick: GoodRx doesn't just show prices — it shows you which pharmacies in your zip code have processed recent discount claims for a medication. If a pharmacy is listed on GoodRx with a current price for Breo Ellipta, there's a strong likelihood they have it in stock or can order it quickly.

Go to goodrx.com and search "Breo Ellipta"
Enter your zip code and select your dose (100/25 or 200/25)
Look at the pharmacy list — pharmacies that appear with a price quote are actively filling this prescription in your area
Call the top 2–3 lowest-priced pharmacies first; lower prices often signal higher-volume dispensing, which correlates with more reliable stock

This method isn't perfect — prices update with some lag — but it narrows a 12-pharmacy cold call list down to 2–3 warm leads fast.

3. Check Pharmacy Apps Before You Call

Save yourself time by checking digital availability before picking up the phone:

CVS app or CVS.com — Search your medication under "Pharmacy" and select "Check availability at my store." Not all CVS locations display live inventory, but many will flag low-stock or out-of-stock status
Walgreens app — Use the prescription transfer tool or chat feature to ask about in-stock status at your preferred location; the app also allows you to search nearby stores
Walmart Pharmacy app — Allows you to check pricing and availability across nearby Walmart pharmacy locations simultaneously; particularly useful since Walmart tends to carry Breo Ellipta at lower cash prices
Costco Pharmacy — If you're a member, Costco consistently offers some of the lowest prices on brand-name inhalers and typically maintains stock; check Costco's pharmacy page online or call the pharmacy directly

4. Call with the Generic Name — Here's the Exact Script

Pharmacy staff are faster and more accurate when you use the scientific name rather than the brand name. When you call, say exactly this:

"Hi, I'm looking for fluticasone furoate and vilanterol — it comes in an Ellipta dry powder inhaler. Do you have it in stock in either the 100/25 or the 200/25 strength? I can bring in my prescription today if you do."

Why this works: pharmacy technicians search by drug name in their inventory system, not always by brand name. Using "fluticasone furoate/vilanterol" and specifying the Ellipta device ensures they're looking in exactly the right place. Asking about both strengths in one call saves you a second call if only one is available.

🔍 Can't Find Breo Ellipta?

FindUrMeds locates it for you — usually within 24–48 hours. We search 15,000+ pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Rite Aid, Publix, Costco, and Sam's Club. 94% success rate for Breo Ellipta specifically.

Find Breo Ellipta Near You →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Breo Ellipta still in shortage?

As of the most recent update to this page, Breo Ellipta does not appear on the FDA Drug Shortage Database or the ASHP Drug Shortage Database as a nationally designated shortage medication. GlaxoSmithKline has maintained stable manufacturing and distribution for this product. That said, localized out-of-stock situations do occur — particularly for the 200/25 mcg strength — depending on regional demand, distributor inventory cycles, and pharmacy ordering patterns. Our platform's Findability Score of 72/100 reflects a medication that is generally accessible but not universally guaranteed at every location. If your specific pharmacy is out, the solution is usually a nearby location rather than a weeks-long wait.

How much does Breo Ellipta cost without insurance?

Without insurance or a discount card, the retail cash price for Breo Ellipta is approximately $350–$420 per inhaler (30-dose supply) at most major chain pharmacies. With a GoodRx coupon, that typically drops to approximately $200–$290, with the lowest prices generally found at Costco and Walmart pharmacies. If you have commercial insurance, the GSK Savings Card may reduce your copay to as little as $0 per month — it's worth checking eligibility before paying full price. Patients without insurance who meet income guidelines may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program, which can provide the medication at no cost. Ask your doctor's office for a referral or visit GSK's patient support page directly.

Can I get Breo Ellipta through mail order?

Yes. Mail-order pharmacy is a highly practical option for Breo Ellipta, and for many insured patients it results in lower copays and 90-day supplies per fill. Most major insurance plans work with mail-order pharmacy networks (Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, OptumRx, and others), and Breo Ellipta is typically available through these channels. The key consideration is lead time — mail-order pharmacies usually need 7–14 days for the first fill and 5–10 days for refills, so don't wait until you have one day of medication left to request a mail-order refill. Specialty pharmacy and mail-order options are particularly worth exploring if you've consistently had trouble finding Breo Ellipta at local retail pharmacies. Some telehealth platforms also partner with mail-order pharmacies and can route your prescription directly to one.

What's the difference between Breo Ellipta and Advair?

Breo Ellipta and Advair Diskus are both ICS/LABA combination inhalers, but they differ in several clinically relevant ways. Breo Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate (a next-generation corticosteroid with higher glucocorticoid receptor affinity) and vilanterol (a LABA with a 24-hour duration), making it a once-daily inhaler. Advair Diskus contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, and is dosed twice daily. For patients who struggle with adherence, once-daily dosing can be a meaningful advantage. Advair has a longer track record (FDA approved in 2000) and is available in generic form (Wixela Inhub, AirDuo RespiClick), which makes it substantially cheaper for cash-pay patients. Breo Ellipta is also FDA-approved for COPD at a single strength, while Advair comes in three strengths for asthma. Your doctor is the right person to help you decide which one fits your clinical needs and insurance situation.

What if my pharmacy is out of Breo Ellipta?

First, don't panic — being out of stock at one location rarely means it's unavailable everywhere. Here are your immediate next steps: (1) Ask the pharmacy technician to check nearby locations in their chain's system — most chain pharmacies can see inventory at other branches in real time. (2) Call the out-of-stock pharmacy back and ask if they can place an expedited special order; many pharmacies can have brand-name inhalers in stock within 1–2 business days if they request it from their distributor. (3) Ask your prescriber if a short bridge supply of a rescue inhaler (like albuterol) is appropriate while you locate your Breo Ellipta — don't simply go without a controller medication if you depend on it. (4) Use FindUrMeds. Our team will contact pharmacies on your behalf and confirm availability, typically within 24–48 hours. Patients using FindUrMeds report an average of fewer than 2.1 pharmacy contacts needed to find Breo Ellipta in stock, compared to 7–12 calls patients report making on their own.

Need help finding Breo Ellipta in stock? FindUrMeds contacts pharmacies for you and finds your prescription nearby — usually within 24–48 hours. No more calling around.

Find Breo Ellipta Near You →

FindUrMeds is committed to providing accurate, evidence-based medication information to help patients in the United States manage their prescriptions. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your medication regimen.

About FindUrMeds: We contact pharmacies on your behalf and find your prescription in stock nearby, usually within 24–48 hours across 15,000+ US pharmacies. Learn how it works →

Breo Ellipta

Findability Score: 68/100