Incruse Ellipta is used as maintenance treatment for symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps promote airflow to the lungs. Umeclidinium bromide is a long-term maintenance drug prescribed to reduce the risk of symptoms of COPD. It will not work to relieve COPD symptoms once they already started. Umeclidinium bromide should not be used to treat asthma.
Umeclidinium bromide is also used with another drug Vilanterol to also treat COPD. This drug is called Umeclidinium and Vilanterol.
Umeclidinium bromide is a dry powder for oral inhalation. It is supplied in a disposable inhaler containing a double-foil blister strip and a desiccant. It is only available with a prescription.
Before using Increlex, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
The doctor may consider the following first before prescribing Umeclidinium bromide to you:
Tell the doctor all your allergies, including previous reactions to Umeclidinium bromide or other inhalant medications. You also have to tell if you have allergies to food and other animal products.
Umeclidinium bromide is not proven safe for children. Do not give it to children. Keep the medications, inhalers and opened blister packs away from the reach of children and pets.
If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon, tell your doctor before using Umeclidinium bromide. Umeclidinium bromide is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, and there is no information demonstrating its safety on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not use Umeclidinium bromide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
List all medications you are taking and tell them to your doctor. Umeclidinium bromide is known to have several drug interactions, which may require your doctor to do precautions.
Here are some of the medication that may interact with Umeclidinium bromide:
To use Increlex properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.
Umeclidinium bromide has specific instructions on use. Your doctor will give you instructions on taking the drug. Do not use Umeclidinium bromide in other way or change doses.
Umeclidinium bromide is a powder administered via oral inhalation. This means you will take it like other medicines for COPD. The doctor will teach you on how to prepare the device and the foil packs properly.
Umeclidinium bromide is administered only once a day. Inhaling the dose requires proper steps. First, exhale completely (do not exhale on the inhaler), seal the mouthpiece with the lips, and inhale through the inhaler with a steady breath. Do not inhale through the nose. After inhaling, remove the inhaler from the mouth and hold the breath for 3 to 4 seconds, and then exhale gently. Close the inhaler afterwards. Do not take another dose even if you cannot feel the delivery of the previous dose.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Increlex, there are some precautions you must take.
Use Umeclidinium bromide only once a day. Taking two or more doses within 24 hours can cause side effects.
Treatment with Umeclidinium bromide requires you to have regular clinic appointments. This will allow the doctor to monitor your condition and check for early signs of side effects. Always stick to scheduled doctor’s visit and make sure to call your doctor for any questions and untoward symptoms.
Remember that Umeclidinium bromide, once opened, has a shelf life of only 6 weeks. Make sure to mark the date on the inhaler on the day you opened it. Dispose of the inhaler after 6 weeks or if the counter reaches zero. The inhaler included in the Umeclidinium bromide packaging is disposable. The inhaler used in Umeclidinium bromide must be discarded 6 weeks after it is used.
Do not use Umeclidinium bromide to relieve exacerbations or developing symptoms of COPD attacks. The doctor will prescribe another medicine to deal with those symptoms. If symptoms continue to worsen, call the doctor right away.
Call the doctor if you experienced the following while having Umeclidinium bromide treatment:
If your symptoms did not improve (or worsened) within a week of using Umeclidinium bromide.
Have significant reduction in peak flow, which is measured during checkups.
Your short-acting inhaler does not seem to work in relieving symptoms, or you used it more often than usual.
Experienced allergic reactions, like having hives, rash, itching, difficulties breathing, swelling of the face, mouth or tongue.
Umeclidinium bromide may cause a side effect called paradoxical bronchospasm, which cause a restriction in the airways. If you experienced wheezing or worsened symptoms after using Umeclidinium bromide, call your doctor immediately.
Umeclidinium bromide may worsen glaucoma in patients who have the condition. If you experienced symptoms such as blurred vision and difficulty reading, stop using Umeclidinium bromide and call the doctor.
Monitor your urine output while using Umeclidinium bromide. Note changes in urine volume, color, the frequency of urination and presence of pain during urination. Call your doctor if you noticed any reduction in volume or increased the need to urinate more while on treatment.
While on Umeclidinium bromide treatment, do not use other medicines, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products without the supervision of your doctor. Store Umeclidinium bromide in a closed container at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture.
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