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Umeclidinium Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

What is this medication?

UMECLIDINIUM (ue MEK li DIN ee um) treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is often called a controller inhaler. Do not use it to treat a sudden COPD flare-up.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): INCRUSE ELLIPTA

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Bladder problems or difficulty passing urine
  • Glaucoma
  • Prostate trouble
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to umeclidinium, lactose, milk proteins, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This medication is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
  • Atropine
  • Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
  • Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
  • Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine
  • Certain medications for Parkinson disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
  • Ipratropium
  • Tiotropium

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checkups. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not get better.

If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your care team right away. Do not use this medication more than once every 24 hours.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Trouble passing urine
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep inhaler away from extreme heat, cold or humidity. Get rid of it 6 weeks after removing it from the foil pouch, when the dose counter reads "0" or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

To get rid of medication that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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