Introduction
The fixed-dose combination of fluticasone furoate / umeclidinium / vilanterol (trade name: Trelegy Ellipta) has been approved in Germany since November 2017 for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) in adults who don't benefit enough from treatment with a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-2 agonist. As of October 2018, this fixed-dose combination is also an option for people who don't benefit enough from a combination of a long-acting beta-2 agonist drug and a long-acting anticholinergic drug.
COPD is a condition in which the lungs have become permanently damaged and the lower airways ( bronchi) are constantly narrowed. This makes it difficult to breathe. Typical symptoms include coughing, coughed-up phlegm and wheezing, as well as breathing difficulties during physical activity. Phases in which the disease suddenly gets much worse, known as flare-ups or exacerbations, are also typical. They are usually characterized by acute episodes of shortness of breath and severe coughing with sputum (phlegm). Various medications can relieve the symptoms and prevent acute breathing problems.
Umeclidinium is a long-acting anticholinergic drug, and vilanterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist drug. Both drugs widen the airways, in different ways. Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid. The drugs have been approved for the long-term treatment of COPD in adults for a while – both for use on their own and as part of various combinations.
