Do you need to shake Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol)

Do You Need to Shake Breo Ellipta?

No, you do not need to shake Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) before use. Unlike pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) that contain suspensions requiring shaking, Breo Ellipta is a dry powder inhaler that does not require shaking prior to administration.

Differences Between Inhaler Types

Dry Powder Inhalers (like Breo Ellipta)

• Breo Ellipta uses a blister strip dry powder delivery system 1
• The medication is already in powder form, not a suspension
• Shaking is not required or recommended for dry powder inhalers
• The Ellipta device delivers a consistent dose across various inspiratory flow rates 1

Suspension-Based Inhalers (MDIs)

• The EPOS2020 guidelines specifically recommend shaking bottles containing nasal corticosteroid suspensions 2
• Shaking decreases the viscosity of drug suspensions in MDIs, allowing creation of a fine mist needed for proper deposition 2
• Delays between shaking and actuating suspension-based inhalers can significantly affect the emitted dose 3

Proper Administration of Breo Ellipta

Breo Ellipta is designed for once-daily administration 4, 5, and proper technique includes:

1. Open the cover of the Ellipta device until you hear a click
2. Do not shake the device
3. Breathe out gently away from the device
4. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale steadily and deeply
5. Remove the inhaler, hold your breath for about 3-4 seconds, then breathe out slowly
6. Close the device after use

Important Considerations

• Using proper administration technique is crucial for optimal medication delivery
• Breo Ellipta offers the convenience of once-daily dosing, which may improve treatment adherence 4, 5
• For patients switching from other inhaler types, it's important to understand that different inhalers have different administration requirements

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Confusing administration techniques between different types of inhalers
• Breathing into the device before inhalation (which can disperse the powder)
• Not closing the device properly after use (which can affect subsequent doses)
• Not holding the breath after inhalation (which can reduce medication deposition)

Proper inhaler technique is essential for effective medication delivery. While suspension-based inhalers and nasal sprays require shaking before use 2, Breo Ellipta as a dry powder inhaler does not require this step.