Does Medicare Cover Trelegy Ellipta?

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common conditions that affect the lungs, often making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be triggered by external factors such as pollen, smoke, weather changes and viral infections, while COPD is more common in older adults and often brought on by chronic asthma, genetics, cigarette smoking and occupational exposures.

While the extent of symptoms from both conditions can range from mild to severe, COPD and asthma can often be treated and managed with medications such as Trelegy Ellipta.

Do Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Plans Cover Trelegy Ellipta?

Roughly 97% of Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) prescription drug plans and standalone Medicare Part D drug plans cover Trelegy Ellipta. However, specific coverage options may vary depending on plan availability in specific locations, so Medicare recipients should always verify coverage and costs with their plan providers.

During the Medicare deductible stage, Medicare beneficiaries are usually required to pay the full cost for all prescriptions until they meet their deductible, which should be no more than $545 in 2024.

The average cost of Trelegy Ellipta during the deductible stage can vary depending on the plan you have and what Medicare coverage stage you're in, such as the deductible stage, the "Part D donut hole" or the catastrophic coverage phase.

Is Trelegy Ellipta a Steroid Drug?

One of Trelegy Ellipta's ingredients is fluticasone, an inhaled corticosteroid that helps reduce swelling and irritation in the airways of the lungs. Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of hormones that are naturally produced by the body's adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are responsible for regulating blood pressure, immune response and the body's natural response to various stressors.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take Trelegy Ellipta?

Trelegy Ellipta can be taken in the morning, afternoon or evening. Individuals should take the medication once per day and do their best to take it at the same time each day to allow for 24 hours between each dose.

How Long Should Someone Take Trelegy Ellipta?

Trelegy Ellipta is typically prescribed on a long-term basis to help individuals with asthma and COPD maintain lung function and control their uncomfortable symptoms. Studies have shown that Trelegy Ellipta may provide relief as soon as the first dose, but it can also take as long as 52 weeks for the lungs to show significant improvement. 

Does Trelegy Ellipta Increase Heart Rate?

Trelegy Ellipta may cause an increased heart rate if an individual takes more medicine than prescribed. The recommended dose is one inhalation each day, and taking additional doses can trigger adverse side effects such as shakiness, chest pain and shortness of breath.

In some cases, individuals may assume that Trelegy Ellipta works the same as a rescue inhaler in the event of a sudden COPD or asthma flare-up in which symptoms come on hard and fast, which can lead to overuse of the medication. Rescue inhalers typically contain albuterol, a medication that quickly opens up the airways to provide relief during acute attacks.

Trelegy Ellipta inhalers contain corticosteroids that may help reduce lung inflammation and open up the airways over an extended period of time. 

Learn more about your Medicare prescription drug coverage options and compare plans available where you live to find a plan that covers your drugs.