Daily Diary – Day 58: Understanding Trelegy and Ventolin

Hello Diary,

Today, I had an insightful conversation with a patient, Mrs. R.S., who had questions about her prescription for Trelegy. She wanted to understand how it works, how it differs from Ventolin, and why she feels better when using it but worse when she stops it. Here’s a detailed explanation of our discussion.

Understanding Trelegy and Ventolin:

What is Trelegy?

• Trelegy: Trelegy is an inhaler that combines three medications: fluticasone (a corticosteroid), umeclidinium (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and vilanterol (a long-acting beta-agonist). It is used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
  • Fluticasone: Reduces inflammation in the airways.
  • Umeclidinium: Relaxes and opens the airways.
  • Vilanterol: Helps keep the airways open and makes breathing easier.

What is Ventolin?

• Ventolin: Ventolin (albuterol) is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhaler. It is used for quick relief of asthma symptoms and COPD exacerbations.
  • Albuterol: Works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Key Differences:

1. Usage:

   • Trelegy: Used for daily maintenance to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
   • Ventolin: Used as a rescue inhaler for immediate relief of acute symptoms.

2. Components:

   • Trelegy: Contains three medications for long-term control.
   • Ventolin: Contains one medication for quick relief.

3. Duration:

   • Trelegy: Provides long-lasting effects over 24 hours.
   • Ventolin: Provides quick relief but lasts only 4-6 hours.

Why She Feels Better with Trelegy and Worse When She Stops:

• Consistency in Medication: Trelegy is designed to be taken regularly to keep symptoms under control. The combination of medications helps reduce inflammation, keep airways open, and prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Stopping Trelegy: When Mrs. R.S. stops using Trelegy, the inflammation in her airways can return, leading to worsening symptoms and reduced lung function. This is why it’s crucial to use maintenance inhalers consistently, even if she feels better.

How to Use Trelegy:

1. Shake the Inhaler: Always shake it before each use.
2. Breathe Out: Breathe out fully to empty the lungs.
3. Inhale the Medication: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, close your lips around it, and breathe in deeply while pressing down on the inhaler. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
4. Rinse Mouth: After inhalation, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to prevent infections or irritation.

Side Effects of Trelegy:

• Common Side Effects: Headache, back pain, cough, and mouth or throat irritation.
• Severe Side Effects: Seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions.