The Basics
What is Vilanterol?
used to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma
Brand names for Vilanterol
Breo Ellipta
How Vilanterol is classified
Beta Adrenergic Agonists, Bronchodilator Agents
Vilanterol During Pregnancy
Vilanterol pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Vilanterol while pregnant
N/A
Taking Vilanterol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Vilanterol?
Although no published data exist on the use of vilanterol during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] Vilanterol is available only in combination products such as Breo Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta. The authors of several reviews agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5] Combination products such as Breo Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta are likely to be acceptable for similar reasons.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no published data exist on the use of vilanterol during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] Vilanterol is available only in combination products such as Breo Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta. The authors of several reviews agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5] Combination products such as Breo Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta are likely to be acceptable for similar reasons.
Possible effects of Vilanterol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Vilanterol
Formoterol, Salmeterol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Lindberg C, Boreus LO, de Chateau P et al. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Resp Dis Suppl. 1984;134:87-91. PMID: 6586490
2. McDonald CF, Burdon JG. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust. 1996;165:485-8. PMID: 8937369
3. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:39-41. PMID: 7619245
4. Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001;56:325-8. PMID: 11254828
5. Taddio A, Ito S. Drugs and breast-feeding. In, Koren G, ed. Maternal-fetal toxicology. A clinician’s guide. 3rd ed. New York. Marcel Dekker. 2001;177-32.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
