Trelegy Ellipta is a combination inhaler medication used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With Trelegy, you can confidently take control of your respiratory health and enjoy more of life’s activities with ease. If you want to read about Why is Trelegy so expensive? read further in this article.
How does Trelegy work?
Trelegy is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It combines three active ingredients: Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium, and Vilanterol.
- Fluticasone Furoate: This corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation in the airways of the lungs which helps to improve airflow and decrease symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Umeclidinium: It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes smooth muscle contraction in the airways. By blocking this action, umeclidinium helps to relax and widen the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Vilanterol: It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to open them up and allow more air to flow into the lungs. This can relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.
Trelegy Side Effects:
Common side effects:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Headache
- Back pain and joint pain
- Cough
- Oral thrush
- Mouth and throat pain
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infection
Serious side effect includes increased risk of pneumonia. Although rare, it is essential to monitor symptoms of infection.
How much does Trelegy cost with and without insurance?
The Trelegy cost can vary widely depending on several factors including the dosage prescribed, the pharmacy where it’s purchased, and whether or not you have insurance coverage.
- Trelegy cost without insurance: The price of Trelegy without insurance varies according to the supply like 28-day supply costs around $332 and a 60-day supply can cost around $879.21. Prices can fluctuate based on pharmacy pricing and discounts offered.
- Trelegy cost with insurance: The price of Trelegy Ellipta may vary based on your insurance coverage, treatment plan, and pharmacy. For instance, commercially insured patients can apply for a savings coupon that lets them pay as little as $0 for a 30-, 60-, or 90-day supply.
| Medication | Cost | Shop |
| Brand Trelegy Ellipta 100mcg/62.5mcg/25mcg | $64.78 | Check Now |
| Brand Trelegy Ellipta 200mcg/62.5mcg/25mcg | $141.64 | Check Now |
Why is Trelegy so expensive?
Trelegy is expensive for several reasons:
- Triple Combination: Trelegy is a combination medication that contains three active ingredients: fluticasone furoate (a corticosteroid), umeclidinium (an anticholinergic), and vilanterol (a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist). Combining multiple medications into a single inhaler increases manufacturing costs compared to single-agent therapies.
- Patent Protection: The components of Trelegy are patented, which allows the manufacturer to set prices without generic competition. This exclusivity helps the pharmaceutical company recoup the costs of research, development, and clinical trials that were necessary to bring the medication to market.
- Complexity and Development Costs: Developing and testing combination therapies like Trelegy involves significant investment in research and clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy and safety. Why is Trelegy so expensive? These costs are reflected in the price of the medication, as pharmaceutical companies need to recover their investments in research, development, and regulatory approval processes. Additionally, the patent protection of Trelegy allows the manufacturer to set higher prices without generic competition, contributing further to its expense.
Is there a generic for Trelegy or a cheaper alternative?
Trelegy is a patented combination medication that contains three active ingredients (fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol), and as such, it is currently only available as a brand-name product.
Is there a generic for Trelegy? There is no generic version of Trelegy available in the market. Trelegy Ellipta is a combination inhaler used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. For those asking, “Is there a cheaper alternative for Trelegy?” it is important to explore other medication options and consult with a healthcare provider.
While there is no direct generic equivalent, alternative treatments may be available depending on the specific needs and conditions of the patient. These alternatives might include other combination inhalers or individual inhalers that can be used together to achieve similar therapeutic effects. It is essential to have a discussion with a healthcare professional to identify the most cost-effective and appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual health requirements.
How to lower Trelegy cost?
Lowering the cost of Trelegy or any expensive medication can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can consider:
- 3-Month Supply: Ask your doctor if you can get a prescription for a 3-month supply instead of just one month. Sometimes, buying a larger supply at once can lower the cost.
- Use Mail-Order Pharmacy: Mail-order pharmacies can sometimes offer medications at a lower price, and they deliver them right to your door. You can buy Trelegy online at LifeRx Pharmacy at the best prices.
- Generic Alternatives or Similar Medications: While there is no generic for Trelegy currently, your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe alternative medications or combination therapies that are more affordable. These alternatives may involve using separate inhalers for each component or different combination inhalers.
FAQs:
Do Trelegy side effects go away?
Many of the side effects associated with Trelegy are typically mild and transient, especially as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects such as upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, and coughing may diminish or disappear over time. However, it’s important to monitor any persistent or severe side effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Can Trelegy cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not listed as a common side effect of Trelegy. However, corticosteroids, such as fluticasone furoate, can sometimes cause hair thinning or hair loss in some individuals, particularly when used in high doses or over long periods. If you are experiencing hair loss and are concerned it may be related to Trelegy, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to take Trelegy with Prednisone?
It is generally considered safe to take Trelegy with Prednisone, but this should be done under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare provider. Prednisone is a corticosteroid and Trelegy also contains a corticosteroid (fluticasone furoate). When used together, there is a potential for increased risk of corticosteroid-related side effects such as bone density loss, increased blood sugar levels, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Can Trelegy cause hoarseness?
Yes, hoarseness can be a potential side effect of Trelegy. Fluticasone furoate, one of the components of Trelegy, is a corticosteroid that can sometimes irritate the throat or vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or voice changes. This side effect is more likely if the medication is not used correctly (e.g., not rinsing the mouth after inhalation) or if you are sensitive to corticosteroids.
Can you take Trelegy and Flonase together?
Taking Trelegy and Flonase together may lead to an increased risk of corticosteroid-related side effects, especially if both medications are used at high doses or for prolonged periods. Both medications contain corticosteroids (fluticasone furoate in Trelegy and fluticasone propionate in Flonase), which can have systemic effects when absorbed into the bloodstream.
