UNDERSTANDING COPD

Image of woman reading document on COPD Flare-up

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Understanding COPD is important in finding the best treatment for you. COPD is a group of lung diseases that makes it harder to breathe. COPD is also progressive, which means it can worsen over time.

Talk to your doctor about treatment and lifestyle changes that may help you manage your condition. If you’d like some help with the conversation, get the free guide.

Common Types

Chronic Bronchitis vs Emphysema

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common conditions of COPD. While they both make breathing difficult, they affect the lungs in different ways. It is possible to have both conditions in varying degrees.

Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a condition where the airways in the lungs are inflamed all the time. This causes:

increased cough

reduced air flow

Bronchitis may be considered chronic (or long-term) if a person coughs and produces excess mucus most days for at least 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a condition where the air sacs (alveoli) inside the lungs are affected. Healthy air sacs expand when you breathe in and return to their original size when you breathe out. But with emphysema:

air sacs have become enlarged

air sacs cannot return to normal size

When air sacs are not emptying as they should, it causes air to become trapped, making it hard for air to enter.

COPD Causes & Risk Factors

These are some of the causes and factors that may put you at risk for developing COPD.

Smoking and secondhand smoke

Air pollution

Chemical fumes or dust

COPD Stages

COPD can be mild, moderate, or severe.
To make this determination, your doctor will examine you, give you a breathing test (spirometry), and assess your medical history. Based on the amount of limited airflow from your breathing test, your doctor will see where you fall in the GOLD* classification and determine your COPD severity. There are 4 grades or stages in the GOLD classification, with 4 being the most severe. Your doctor will also evaluate your symptoms and previous flare-ups to determine where you stand with your COPD.

*GOLD stands for Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.

Visit COPD.com to learn more about COPD stages.

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Symptoms & Flare-ups

Recognizing COPD symptoms

You probably know the COPD symptoms that are normal for you. But did you know that they can evolve or change over time? And sometimes they can be hard to recognize as COPD. Why? Because people may mistake symptoms for “getting older” in general. Or assume a symptom is caused by weight gain and not COPD.

If your current symptoms change or if you have new ones, don’t dismiss them—tell your doctor. And if you’re currently on a maintenance medication, your doctor may consider switching your treatment.

When you go to the doctor, ask, ask, ask, and keep pushing.

-MIKE, real patient compensated by GSK.
Watch real stories

Nobody deserves COPD.

-MELISSA, real patient compensated by GSK.
Watch real stories

With the right medication, you can still get out there.

-DIANE, real patient compensated by GSK.
Watch real stories

COPD symptoms include:

Difficulty breathing

You may experience shortness of breath and/or wheezing during normal activity or while at rest.

Chest tightness

You may have the feeling that something is squeezing or sitting on your chest, making it hard to breathe.

Coughing up mucus

You may experience a change in the amount or color of mucus coughed up.

What’s a COPD flare-up?

A flare-up (or exacerbation) is when your usual COPD symptoms become much worse for several days or weeks (not simply when you need to use your rescue inhaler) and require one or more of the following:

Steroids (like prednisone)
Antibiotics
Emergency room visit
Hospital stay

Respiratory viral or bacterial infections cause many flare-ups. But triggers range from pollution to stress, and they can be different for everyone. Flare-ups often come on suddenly, so it helps to be prepared with a COPD plan. Partner with your doctor to create one. Remember, “toughing it out” is not a plan. It’s just tough. So be sure to tell your doctor how your COPD truly affects you.

Real patients with COPD describe their experiences with TRELEGY

PLAY VIDEO | 3:05

View transcript

ANNOUNCER:
Once-daily TRELEGY is a prescription medicine used long term to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups. TRELEGY is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and won’t replace a rescue inhaler. Remember to watch the complete video to see additional safety information.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Once-daily TRELEGY 100/62.5/25 mcg is a prescription medicine used long term to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups. TRELEGY is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and won’t replace a rescue inhaler. Watch the complete video to see additional safety information.

Important Safety Information

Do not use TRELEGY to relieve sudden breathing problems.  Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms.
Do not use TRELEGY if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins or are allergic to any of the ingredients in TRELEGY. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure.
Do not use TRELEGY more often than prescribed.
Do not take TRELEGY with other medicines that contain a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) or an anticholinergic for any reason. Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and about all the medicines you take.

Please see additional Important Safety Information on this web page.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, on this web page.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
My life with COPD

MIKE:
Once I had COPD I noticed that it took me longer to do stuff, like cutting the grass or, you know, you'd stop, take a break.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Real patients who were taking TRELEGY at the time of filming and one of their caregivers. GSK paid them for their time and expenses for sharing their unique experiences. Individual results may vary.

MIKE:
It slowed my whole life down.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Mike

MELISSA:
You know I used to be able to, to jog and do a quick trot around the neighborhood. And you know, wave to all the dogs and the, and the kids that were out and, and have a great time. And then I was slower and slower, and then it was almost a crawl to get around to see everybody. So for a while I actually even eliminated that part of my life, and that wasn't, it wasn't any fun. It wasn’t any fun. I missed it.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Melissa

RODNEY:
I got to the point where I didn't do much fishing because it was too much of a chore. Woodworking was the same way. I- I- didn't enjoy it anymore because it was too hard.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Rodney

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Wanting more

MIKE:
I've had several flare-ups. I'd be treated with steroids and antibiotics, and, it would, it would feel like you were hit with a bad flu stick, is what it felt like. I missed out on several activities when I'd have these flare-ups. With Susan, there were things that she went ahead and did and I just canceled out on.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
A flare-up (or exacerbation) is the worsening of COPD symptoms for several days or weeks that may require steroids, antibiotics, or hospital stays.

MELISSA:
They're hard and it feels like there's an anvil right here and it's very, very difficult to take a deep breath.

MIKE:
I wanted more from a COPD treatment... with TRELEGY it was one medicine that had all the medicines in it I needed.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
TRELEGY won’t replace a rescue inhaler.

MIKE:
I pick up my TRELEGY inhaler and use it once a day.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
What 3 in 1 can do

DR. CORBRIDGE:
TRELEGY has two bronchodilators that will help you with the symptoms of COPD…

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Individual results may vary.

DR. CORBRIDGE:
…and the main one there being shortness of breath. And it has that third drug which is that anti-inflammatory…

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Dr. Corbridge, Pulmonologist

DR. CORBRIDGE:
…which we know is well positioned to prevent those exacerbations that you're at risk for.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Dr. Corbridge is a physician and was a GSK employee at time of filming.

DR. CORBRIDGE:
And it's conveniently administered. One inhalation per day I think is helping our patients.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Individual results may vary. TRELEGY won’t replace a rescue inhaler.

SUSAN:
When Mike couldn’t help in the yard it really affected him and he became so apologetic. He always felt so bad and would apologize, “I’m so sorry I can’t help you out there.”

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Individual results may vary.

SUSAN:
And now that he is taking the TRELEGY he is able to get out there.

MIKE:
I’m more content.

SUSAN:
Content is a good word.

MIKE:
Yeah, I’m more content now because I’m not sitting on the sideline watching other people do stuff.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Individual results may vary.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Want more from a COPD treatment? Ask your doctor if TRELEGY is right for you

ANNOUNCER:
TRELEGY won’t replace a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
TRELEGY won’t replace a rescue inhaler.

ANNOUNCER:
Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure before taking it.

ANNOUNCER:
Do not take TRELEGY more than prescribed. TRELEGY may increase your risk of thrush, pneumonia, and osteoporosis.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Use TRELEGY only once a day, every day.

ANNOUNCER:
Call your doctor if worsened breathing, chest pain, mouth or tongue swelling, problems urinating, vision changes, or eye pain occur.

TEXT ONSCREEN:
Click here to watch a video on how TRELEGY works

Please see additional Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information on this web page.

TRELEGY ELLIPTA was developed in collaboration with INNOVIVA. The shape of the ELLIPTA inhaler is a trademark of GSK. Trademarks owned or licensed by GSK. ©2020 GSK or licensor. FVUVID200021 September 2020. Produced in USA.

Approved Uses & Safety Info

Approved Uses

Once-daily TRELEGY is a prescription medicine used long term to treat COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both and to treat asthma in adults. TRELEGY 100/62.5/25 mcg is the only strength approved for COPD. TRELEGY is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and won’t replace a rescue inhaler.

Limitations of Use
TRELEGY is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace a rescue inhaler. TRELEGY should not be used in children younger than 18 years of age. It is not known if TRELEGY is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age.

Important Safety Information

TRELEGY contains vilanterol. Long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicines such as vilanterol,

TRELEGY contains vilanterol. Long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicines such as vilanterol, when used alone, increase the risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma problems. TRELEGY contains an ICS, an anticholinergic, and a LABA. When an ICS and LABA are used together, there is not a

TRELEGY contains vilanterol. Long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (LABA) medicines such as vilanterol, when used alone, increase the risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma problems. TRELEGY contains an ICS, an anticholinergic, and a LABA. When an ICS and LABA are used together, there is not a significant increased risk in hospitalizations and death from asthma problems.
Do not use TRELEGY to relieve sudden breathing problems. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms.
TRELEGY should not be used in children younger than 18 years of age. It is not known if TRELEGY is safe and effective in children.
Do not use TRELEGY if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins or are allergic to any of the ingredients in TRELEGY. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure.
Do not use TRELEGY more often than prescribed.
Do not take TRELEGY with other medicines that contain a LABA or an anticholinergic for any reason. Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and about all the medicines you take.
Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if your breathing problems get worse, if you need your rescue inhaler more often than usual or it does not work as well to relieve your symptoms.
TRELEGY can cause serious side effects, including:
- fungal infection in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using TRELEGY to help reduce your chance of getting thrush.
- pneumonia. People with COPD have a higher chance of getting pneumonia. TRELEGY may increase the chance of getting pneumonia. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms: change in amount or color of mucus; fever; chills; increased cough; increased breathing problems.
- weakened immune system and increased chance of getting infections.
- reduced adrenal function. This can happen when you stop taking oral corticosteroids and start taking inhaled corticosteroids.
- sudden breathing problems immediately after inhaling TRELEGY. If this happens, stop taking TRELEGY and call your healthcare provider right away.
- serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any of the following symptoms: rash; hives; swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue; breathing problems.
- effects on heart: increased blood pressure; a fast or irregular heartbeat, awareness of heartbeat; chest pain.
- effects on nervous system: tremor; nervousness.
- bone thinning or weakness (osteoporosis).
- eye problems including glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, cataracts, blurred vision, worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, or other changes in vision. You should have regular eye exams while using TRELEGY. Acute narrow-angle glaucoma can cause permanent loss of vision if not treated. Symptoms of acute narrow-angle glaucoma may include: eye pain or discomfort; nausea or vomiting; blurred vision; seeing halos or bright colors around lights; red eyes. If you have these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away before taking another dose.
- new or worse urinary retention. Symptoms may include: difficult, painful, or frequent urination; urination in a weak stream or drips. If you have these symptoms, stop taking TRELEGY and call your healthcare provider right away.
- changes in laboratory blood values, including high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low levels of potassium (hypokalemia).
- slowed growth in children.
Common side effects of TRELEGY 100/62.5/25 mcg for COPD include: upper respiratory tract infection; pneumonia; bronchitis; thrush in your mouth and throat (rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after use to help prevent this); headache; back pain; joint pain; flu; inflammation of the sinuses; runny nose and sore throat; taste disturbance; constipation; painful and frequent urination (signs of a urinary tract infection); nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; mouth and throat pain; cough; and hoarseness.
Common side effects of TRELEGY for asthma include: runny nose and sore throat; upper respiratory tract infection; bronchitis; respiratory tract infection; inflammation of the sinuses; painful and frequent urination (signs of a urinary tract infection); flu; headache; back pain.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088

GSK For You — If you don’t have prescription coverage, need cost information, or need help paying for your medicine, visit GSKforyou.com or call 1-866-GSK-FOR-U

The shape of the ELLIPTA inhaler is a trademark of the GSK group of companies.

Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

UNDERSTANDING COPD

On this page

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Common Types

Chronic Bronchitis vs Emphysema

Chronic Bronchitis

Emphysema

COPD Causes & Risk Factors

COPD Stages

A direct conversation, directed by you.

Sign up. See if you can save $.

How much could you save on once-daily TRELEGY?

Symptoms & Flare-ups

Recognizing COPD symptoms

When you go to the doctor, ask, ask, ask, and keep pushing.

Nobody deserves COPD.

With the right medication, you can still get out there.

COPD symptoms include:

What’s a COPD flare-up?

Real patients with COPD describe their experiences with TRELEGY

Are you ready to start a new day?

What does “I’m fine” really mean? Talk honestly with your doctor about TRELEGY.

How has life changed after TRELEGY? Real patients share their experiences.

For COPD treatment, your doctor is a partner you can trust. Find the right one for you.