Anoro Ellipta and Spiriva Handihaler are both maintenance medications for the treatment of COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a type of disease in the lungs characterized by long-term breathing difficulties and poor flow of air. People with COPD usually experience shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. COPD, for the most part, worsens over time, making it a progressive disease. Common day to day activities, such as just walking around or simply putting your clothes on, can become a chore. Anoro and Spiriva help those with COPD deal with their condition. This article aims to boost your knowledge and help you distinguish between the two.

Anoro

Anoro is a type of inhalation powder that contains a combination of Vilanterol and Umeclidinium. Vilanterol is an anticholinergic while Umeclidinium is a bronchodilator. The task of these types of medications is to relax the muscles in the airways to make breathing easier. Anoro prevents airflow obstruction in individuals with COPD. Anoro is used to control symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and other on-going lung diseases similar to COPD such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Both Vilanterol and Umeclidinium found in Anoro loosen up the muscles within the airways in the lungs, making breathing more effortless for COP patients. Anoro needs to be taken every day to maximize its effects. Before deciding to start medication with Anoro, one must first be aware of its precautions.

A person with allergies to Vilanterol and Umeclidinium or milk proteins must never take Anoro. This medicine is not to be used for asthma patients even though individuals with COPD have asthma-like symptoms. People with liver disease, epilepsy or seizure disorders, high blood pressure, heart disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid disorder and urination problems or bladder obstruction must first inform their doctor of these conditions in order to find out if Anoro is safe for them to take.

Spiriva

Spiriva is an anticholinergic bronchodilator used to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This drug is long-lasting since it is able to manage COPD for 24 hours. This medication is typically used to stop bronchospasms or the narrowing of airways in the lungs. Emphysema and bronchitis can also be treated with Spiriva. Asthma patients aged 12 years old and above may take Spiriva for the maintenance treatment of their condition. Spiriva reduces the ill effects of COPD.

Spiriva can also be used to fight spasm attacks. It should be taken note, however, that this drug must only be taken before a spasm attack and not after it since it will not be effective to counter the symptoms. Fast-acting inhalation medicines must be used instead to treat the bronchospasm attacks in the event that it has occurred already. Those with ipratropium or tiotropium allergies must avoid the use of Spiriva. It is best to inform your doctors if you have health conditions such as kidney disease, urination problems, and enlarged prostate or if you are taking medicines to treat overactive bladder, depression, Parkinson’s disease and high blood pressure so as to be sure of Spiriva’s safety and effectivity.

Disclaimer:

This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied as  medical advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplements.