What is the difference between Breztri vs Trelegy?

Q: What is the difference between Breztri vs Trelegy?

Trelegy and Breztri are both triple-therapy inhalers that combine three different medications in one device, but they have several important differences that may influence which triple combination inhaler is best for you. Trelegy can be used for both COPD and asthma in adults, while Breztri is only for COPD.

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 4, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Trelegy and Breztri are both triple-therapy inhalers that combine three different medications in one device, but they have several important differences that may influence which triple combination inhaler is best for you. Trelegy can be used for both COPD and asthma in adults, while Breztri is only for COPD.

Key Differences Between Breztri and Trelegy at a Glance

Breztri vs Trelegy Ellipta
Feature	Breztri Aerosphere	Trelegy Ellipta
Approved uses	COPD only	COPD and asthma
Type	Metered dose inhaler (MDI)	Dry powder inhaler (DPI)
Dosing	2 puffs twice daily	1 puff once daily
ICS	Budesonide 160 mcg	Fluticasone furoate 100 mcg
LABA	Formoterol 4.8 mcg	Vilanterol 25 mcg
LAMA	Glycopyrrolate 9 mcg	Umeclidinium 62.5 mcg
FDA Approval	July 2020	September 2017
Manufacturer	AstraZeneca	GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Both of these inhalers are for long-term, regular use to help manage breathing problems. They are not for use in emergency situations when someone is having trouble breathing.

Triple Therapy Components Comparison

Breztri Aerosphere contains:

Budesonide (ICS - inhaled corticosteroid) - 160 mcg
Glycopyrrolate (LAMA - long-acting muscarinic antagonist) - 9 mcg
Formoterol (LABA - long-acting beta2-agonist) - 4.8 mcg.

Trelegy Ellipta contains:

Fluticasone furoate (ICS - inhaled corticosteroid) - 100 mcg
Umeclidinium (LAMA - long-acting muscarinic antagonist) - 62.5 mcg
Vilanterol (LABA - long-acting beta2-agonist) - 25 mcg

Breztri vs Trelegy: Approved Uses

Breztri Aerosphere Indications

COPD maintenance treatment in adults only
Not approved for asthma (clinical trials have not been conducted in asthma patients)
More specialized focus on COPD triple therapy.

Trelegy Ellipta Indications

COPD maintenance treatment in adults
Asthma maintenance treatment in adults and children 12+ years
Broader FDA approval for respiratory conditions.

Inhaler Type Differences: MDI vs DPI

Breztri: Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Delivery method: Pressurized spray/mist
Coordination required: Must coordinate pressing and breathing
Breath strength: Works with weaker inspiratory effort
Spacer compatible: Can use with spacer devices
Best for: Patients who struggle with dry powder inhalers.

Trelegy: Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Delivery method: Dry powder activated by breath
Coordination: Less coordination needed
Breath strength: Requires strong, deep breath to activate
Spacer: Cannot use with spacer devices
Best for: Patients who can generate adequate inspiratory flow.

Dosing Schedule: Which Triple Therapy is More Convenient?

Breztri Dosing Schedule

Frequency: Twice daily dosing
Amount: 2 puffs morning and evening (4 total daily)
Timing: Space doses 12 hours apart
Convenience: Requires twice-daily adherence.

Trelegy Dosing Schedule

Frequency: Once daily dosing
Amount: 1 puff per day
Timing: Same time each day
Convenience: Better for medication adherence.

Side Effects: Breztri vs Trelegy Safety Profile

Side effects are similar with both Breztri and Trelegy.

Cost Comparison: Breztri vs Trelegy Pricing

Breztri Cost Considerations

Without insurance: $400-500+ per month
AstraZeneca copay card: May reduce to $10-25/month for eligible patients
Medicare coverage: Typically covered under Part D plans
Patient assistance: Available through manufacturer programs

Trelegy Cost Considerations

Without insurance: $400-600+ per month
GSK copay assistance: Available for eligible commercially insured patients
Medicare coverage: Generally covered with prior authorization
Longer market presence: More insurance formulary coverage

Which is Better: Breztri or Trelegy for COPD?

Choose Breztri if you:

Have COPD only (not asthma)
Prefer MDI delivery or need spacer compatibility
Can manage twice-daily dosing
Want the newer triple therapy option (2020 approval)
Have had issues with dry powder inhalers.

Choose Trelegy if you:

Have both COPD and asthma
Prefer once-daily convenience
Can use dry powder inhalers effectively
Want longer-established clinical experience
Need treatment for multiple respiratory conditions.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Triple Therapy COPD Inhalers

Both Breztri and Trelegy represent excellent triple combination COPD treatments with proven efficacy. The decision between these triple therapy inhalers should be individualized based on:

Respiratory conditions (COPD only vs COPD + asthma)
Dosing preference (once vs twice daily)
Inhaler type tolerance (MDI vs DPI)
Insurance coverage and cost considerations
Previous medication experience.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to determine which triple therapy COPD inhaler best matches your specific needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Both medications require proper technique and consistent use to achieve optimal COPD management results.

Frequently Asked Questions: Breztri vs Trelegy

Can You Use Both Breztri and Trelegy Together?

No - never use Breztri and Trelegy together. Both are triple therapy inhalers containing similar medication classes. Using both would result in:

Medication overdose
Increased side effect risk
Potentially dangerous drug interactions
No additional benefit.

Is Breztri or Trelegy more effective for COPD?

Both show similar effectiveness in clinical trials. The choice often depends more on individual patient factors, tolerability, and dosing preferences than pure efficacy differences.

Which has fewer side effects, Breztri or Trelegy?

Side effect profiles are similar since both contain the same medication classes (ICS/LABA/LAMA). Individual tolerance varies.

Can I switch from Trelegy to Breztri?

Yes, but only under medical supervision. Your doctor will guide the transition and monitor your response.

Which is cheaper, Breztri or Trelegy?

Costs are similar without insurance. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend more on your insurance coverage and available manufacturer assistance programs.

Do Breztri and Trelegy work the same way?

Yes, both use triple therapy combining an inhaled steroid, LABA, and LAMA, though they contain different specific drugs within each class.

References

Breztri Prescribing Information. https://drd9vrdh9yh09.cloudfront.net/50fd68b9-106b-4550-b5d0-12b045f8b184/9d44f9af-438a-448b-bb5c-dae506e17e49/9d44f9af-438a-448b-bb5c-dae506e17e49_viewable_rendition__v.pdf
Trelegy Prescribing Information. https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Trelegy_Ellipta/pdf/TRELEGY-ELLIPTA-PI-PIL-IFU.PDFhttps://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Trelegy_Ellipta/pdf/TRELEGY-ELLIPTA-PI-PIL-IFU.PDF

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