Breo Ellipta Free Samples And Patient Assistance Options For Copd And Asthma Treatment

Breo Ellipta is a prescription medication used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. For patients seeking to try this medication before committing to a full prescription, various sample and assistance programs are available. This article provides detailed information about how to obtain free Breo Ellipta samples, available discount programs, and eligibility requirements for patient assistance.

What is Breo Ellipta

Breo Ellipta is a once-daily combination inhalation powder containing fluticasone and vilanterol. Fluticasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation, while vilanterol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing. This combination medication is approved for use in adults with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) to improve symptoms and prevent bronchospasm or asthma attacks.

For patients with COPD, Breo Ellipta is indicated for long-term treatment. For asthma patients, it is used as a short-term treatment until symptoms are well-controlled with other medications. The Breo 100/25 mcg strength is the only formulation approved for COPD treatment.

It is important to note that Breo Ellipta is not a rescue medicine and will not work quickly enough to treat acute asthma or bronchospasm attacks. Patients should always have a separate rescue inhaler available for sudden breathing problems.

Free Sample Availability

Healthcare providers can obtain free Breo Ellipta samples for their patients through two official channels:

1. By visiting GSK Pro and creating an account
2. By calling the dedicated pharmacy support number at 888-593-5977

These samples can be provided to patients to try the medication before committing to a full prescription. The samples are provided directly to healthcare providers who can then distribute them to eligible patients.

The availability of free samples is part of GSK's commitment to ensuring patients have access to their medications. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in this process by evaluating whether Breo Ellipta is appropriate for their patients and facilitating access to the samples.

Prescription Discount Options

In addition to free samples, Breo Ellipta offers several discount options to help reduce prescription costs:

Free Discount Drug Coupon

All patients are eligible to receive a discount by using the free Breo Ellipta coupon. This coupon can provide savings of up to 80% on prescription costs when used at local pharmacies. The coupon is accessible to all patients regardless of insurance status.

Free Prescription Discount Card

The Breo Ellipta program also offers a free prescription discount card with the following features:

• No registration required
• Available to everyone regardless of insurance status
• Potential discounts up to 80%
• Card never expires
• Ready for immediate use
• No activation required
• Can be used as a prescription coupon

This discount card can be particularly beneficial for patients with high deductibles, copays, or those without insurance coverage. The card provides an immediate way to reduce the cost of Breo Ellipta prescriptions at participating pharmacies.

Patient Assistance Programs

For patients facing financial difficulties, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may provide additional support. These programs are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and offer free or discounted medications and copay assistance to low-income or uninsured individuals who meet specific guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for patient assistance programs for Breo Ellipta, patients generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Income level: Between 400-500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Residency: Must reside and receive treatment in the United States
• Insurance coverage: Part D eligibility is determined case by case
• Diagnosis: Must have an FDA-approved diagnosis for Breo Ellipta treatment

Eligibility requirements may vary for different assistance programs, and interested patients should check the program website for specific details about qualification criteria.

Application Process

The application process for patient assistance programs typically involves:

1. Completing an application form available through the official Breo Ellipta website
2. Providing documentation of income and residency
3. Obtaining certification from a healthcare provider
4. Submitting the completed application with required documentation

Once approved, patients may receive their medication at no cost or at a significantly reduced price, depending on the specific program and their financial circumstances.

Important Safety Information and Side Effects

Before using Breo Ellipta, patients should be aware of important safety information and potential side effects associated with the medication.

Warnings and Precautions

Breo Ellipta contains vilanterol, which is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). When LABA medicines are used alone, they increase the risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma problems. However, Breo Ellipta contains both an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a LABA, and when used together, this risk is not significantly increased.

Key warnings include:

• Do not use Breo Ellipta to relieve sudden breathing problems
• Always have a rescue inhaler available for sudden symptoms
• Not known if Breo Ellipta is safe and effective in children under 5 years of age
• Do not use if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins or are allergic to any ingredients in Breo Ellipta
• Do not use more often than prescribed
• Do not take with other medicines containing a LABA

Potential Side Effects

Breo Ellipta can cause both common and serious side effects:

Common Side Effects for COPD Patients:

• Runny nose and sore throat
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache
• Thrush in mouth or throat (rinse mouth with water after use to help prevent)
• Back pain
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Inflammation of the sinuses
• Cough
• Mouth and throat pain
• Joint pain
• High blood pressure
• Flu
• Fever

Common Side Effects for Asthma Patients:

• Runny nose and sore throat
• Thrush in mouth or throat (rinse mouth with water after use to help prevent)
• Headache
• Flu
• Respiratory tract infection
• Bronchitis
• Inflammation of the sinuses
• Mouth and throat pain
• Hoarseness and voice changes
• Cough

Serious Side Effects:

• Fungal infection in mouth or throat (thrush)
• Pneumonia
• Weakened immune system and increased risk of infections
• Reduced adrenal function
• Sudden breathing problems after inhaling
• Serious allergic reactions
• Effects on heart (increased blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain)
• Effects on nervous system (tremor, nervousness)
• Bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis)
• Slowed growth in children
• Eye problems including glaucoma, increased eye pressure, cataracts
• Changes in laboratory blood values (high blood sugar, low potassium)

Patients should contact their healthcare provider or seek medical attention if they experience any concerning side effects or if their breathing problems worsen.

Conclusion

Breo Ellipta offers multiple options for patients to access the medication, including free samples through healthcare providers, prescription discount coupons, and patient assistance programs for those who meet eligibility criteria. These programs can significantly reduce the financial burden of treatment for COPD and asthma.

Patients interested in obtaining free samples should discuss this option with their healthcare provider, who can order samples through GSK Pro or by calling 888-593-5977. The prescription discount card and coupon provide immediate savings opportunities for all patients, regardless of insurance status.

For those facing financial hardship, patient assistance programs may offer additional support, with eligibility based on income, residency, and diagnosis requirements. While these programs can help make Breo Ellipta more accessible, patients should carefully review all safety information and potential side effects before starting treatment.

As with any prescription medication, patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine if Breo Ellipta is appropriate for their condition and to monitor for any adverse effects during treatment.

Sources

1. Breo Ellipta Coupon and Sample Information
2. Official Breo Website