Inhaled Formoterol-Fluticasone Single Inhaler Therapy in Asthma: Real-World Efficacy, Budget Impact, and Potential to Improve Adherence

Abstract

Asthma is the commonest chronic disease affecting airways in humans and has an increasing global disease burden. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the first-line therapeutic option for asthma, and addition of a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) has been shown to improve asthma control. A combination of the two agents in a single inhaler is beneficial with regard to ease of administration and patient compliance. Various ICS-LABA formulations are available across various countries in the world, one among them being formoterol-fluticasone. Both formoterol and fluticasone have pharmacologic peculiarities which places the combination in a uniquely advantageous position when it comes to asthma therapy. The present review focuses on some of the, hitherto, less explored aspects of this combination inhaler such as real-world efficacy, impact on budget allocation, results of switch-over therapy, and potential to improve adherence to asthma treatment. It also provides practical recommendations on positioning it in real-world asthma management.

Identification of potential drug targets for allergic diseases from a genetic perspective: A mendelian randomization study

“…These variants contribute to alterations in the expression of immune‐related genes 7 . Although there are some drugs for allergic diseases, such as fluticasone, 8 salmeterol, 9 loratadine, 10 dupilumab, 11 and hydrocortisone 12 . However, due to the high prevalence of allergic diseases and the drawbacks of existing treatment medications, such as significant side effects, incomplete symptom relief, and the need for long‐term maintenance therapy, research and development in the field of allergic disease medications remain urgent.…”

Effects of Adherence to Once-Daily Treatment on Lung Function, Bronchial Hyperreactivity and Health Outcomes in Adolescents with Mild-to-Moderate Asthmoka: A Twelve-Month Survey

“…On the other hand, it has been known for many years that therapeutic strategies, based on simple action plans and requiring a low frequency of inhalations per day, can contribute to better adherence to asthma treatment. In general, fixed-dose LABA/ICS applied through single-inhaler combinations actually tend to improve patients’ compliance substantially [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Moreover, the use of long-acting inhalation drugs, characterized by twenty-four-hour efficacy and then requiring only one device actuation per day, is supposed to further contribute to adherence improvement [ 23 ].…”