Incruse Ellipta and Thrush: What Users Say

• Hop...
• February 15, 2020

For COPD "Incruse helped me breathe more than any other inhaler. But a couple of weeks after being on it, some food caught in my throat and (terrifyingly!) I coughed up blood. I hoped it was a one-off thing. But it happened again, necessitating an endoscopy and then an examination from an ENT. Tests revealed nothing. It’s happened now six times. Then a couple of months ago, the right side of my face went numb and swollen. Then I noticed white sores in my mouth and on my lips. Thrush. The doctor gave me antifungal drops that made it go, but it returned with a vengeance. It was a nightmare! I subsequently was prescribed a stronger antifungal - two lots - but it’s all returned. I always rinse my mouth thoroughly. I also gargle in salt and sterilize my toothbrushes. The next step is an even stronger antifungal that requires frequent liver tests - not ideal for someone with a lung/liver disease like me. I feel like I’m living a nightmare in my quest to breathe."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2016

For COPD "I began using Incruse Ellipta after my Medicare Advantage plan discontinued coverage for Spiriva, which I had used successfully for a couple of years. The biggest problem I encountered was the horrid, bitter taste of the Incruse. At first, I thought perhaps I had received an outdated inhaler, but my first refill had the same awful taste. I developed thrush and had to be treated for that. After six weeks on the Incruse Ellipta, my immunologist and I applied for and were granted an exception for me to return to using Spiriva."

• dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2018

For COPD "I switched to this last week from Spiriva due to a difference of $35 on my copay. I dislike it very much. I have had a sore throat since starting. I came down with a cold immediately. I get a horrible taste and a burning sensation in my throat when I take it, and gargling does not help my throat. The burning is still there. I expect to get thrush and will be very unhappy."

• Jus...
• January 17, 2017

For COPD "Just started inhaler today. I don't taste anything. And all inhalers can cause thrush, it's white spots in the back of the throat. Doctor said to rinse and gargle with water after use, harmless, and don't overuse any inhaler. Hope this helps."

• sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2016

For COPD "This drug made my heart rate drop extremely low! I got a sore throat and could not stand up! It gave me upper stomach pain and bloating! I also got thrush from it!"