glycopyrrolate/formoterol vs umeclidinium/vilanterol
Side-by-side comparison of glycopyrrolate/formoterol and umeclidinium/vilanterol Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Bevespi Aerosphere
Anoro Ellipta
Bevespi Aerosphere is a medicine that helps people with COPD breathe easier. It contains two medicines that work together to open airways.
Anoro Ellipta is a combination medicine used long-term to help people with COPD breathe better. It contains two medicines that open airways.
Bevespi Aerosphere is used to help manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. This medicine helps to open your airways so you can breathe easier. It is not for sudden breathing problems.
Anoro Ellipta is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. This medicine helps to open the airways in your lungs so you can breathe easier. It is not for sudden breathing problems.
This medicine combines two drugs: glycopyrrolate and formoterol. Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic that relaxes the muscles around your airways. Formoterol is a LABA that also relaxes airway muscles, helping you breathe better.
Anoro Ellipta contains two medicines, umeclidinium and vilanterol. Umeclidinium is an anticholinergic that relaxes the muscles around your airways. Vilanterol is a LABA that also relaxes airway muscles. Together, they help to keep your airways open.
- • Cough
- • Urinary tract infection
- • Sore throat
- • Sinus infection
- • Lower respiratory infection
- • Constipation
- • Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing 1,000
- Asthma 793
- Wheezing 674
- Cough 626
- Pneumonia 538
- Shortness of breath 1,352
- Medicine not working 752
- Cough 701
- Asthma 604
- Using the inhaler incorrectly 520
LABA medicines like formoterol, when used alone for asthma, increase the risk of serious asthma problems. Bevespi Aerosphere is only for COPD, not asthma. Do not use Bevespi Aerosphere if you have asthma.
LABA medicines like vilanterol, when used alone for asthma, can increase the risk of serious asthma problems, including death. Anoro Ellipta is not for asthma. Do not use Anoro Ellipta if you are allergic to milk proteins or any of the ingredients in Anoro Ellipta.
It is not known if Bevespi Aerosphere will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is also not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are using Bevespi Aerosphere.
There is not enough information about using Anoro Ellipta during pregnancy to know if it is safe. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Anoro Ellipta passes into breast milk.
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How to Read This glycopyrrolate/formoterol vs umeclidinium/vilanterol Comparison
glycopyrrolate/formoterol is classified in the LAMA / LABA Combination drug class, while umeclidinium/vilanterol sits within the LAMA / LABA Combination class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, glycopyrrolate/formoterol has 3,631 submissions while umeclidinium/vilanterol has 3,929. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between glycopyrrolate/formoterol and umeclidinium/vilanterol — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.