Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium inhalation powder)

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: February 2022 | Last updated: March 2022

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium inhalation powder) is a prescription drug used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a long-acting treatment that can help people with COPD breathe better.1

Incruse is used once daily as a maintenance treatment. It cannot replace a rescue inhaler to treat severe, sudden COPD symptoms or flare-ups.1

What are the ingredients in Incruse?

The active ingredient in Incruse is umeclidinium. It is a long-acting muscarinic agent (LAMA) or anticholinergic medicine.2

How does Incruse work?

Anticholinergic medicines like Incruse work by relaxing the muscles in the airways in the lungs. COPD can cause symptoms such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These occur when the muscles around the airways tighten. By relaxing the muscles in the airways, Incruse can relieve these symptoms, making it easier for people with COPD to breathe.1,3

What are the possible side effects of Incruse?

The most common side effects include:1-3

  • Upper respiratory infection
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Cough
  • Mouth, tooth, and throat pain
  • Joint pain
  • Change in taste
  • Muscle pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Bruising or dark areas of skin
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

Incruse may also cause serious side effects, including:1-3

  • Allergic reactions like rash, hives, or breathing problems
  • Difficult or painful urination
  • New or worsening eye problems, including acute narrow-angle glaucoma

If your breathing problems quickly worsen after taking Incruse, contact 9-1-1 right away.1-3

These are not all the possible side effects of Incuse. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Incruse.

Things to know about Incruse

Incruse should not be used if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins, umeclidinium, or any other ingredients in this drug.1-3

There is not enough data to know if Incruse is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.1

Incruse may interact with other medicines. Before beginning treatment for COPD, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Incruse.

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