Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators for COPD--lack of logic continues.
Long acting inhaled bronchodilators - beta agonists and anti-cholinergic--can improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, increase exercise ability, and reduce exacerbation rates in patients with COPD. PHARMAC needs to change policy so that these patients have easy access to this effective group of drugs.
Jones
David
D
Respiratory Medicine Dept, Wellington Hospital, Wellington South, New Zealand. david.jones@ccdhb.org.nz
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017277:Drug Approval; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D009520:New Zealand; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide