Utility and efficacy of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhaled from a single inhaler for persistent asthma.
The utility of a new therapy, in this instance fluticasone and salmeterol combination (FSC), is determined by multiple uncontrollable factors in individual patients and can be measured by continued use and efficacy over time. Over one year from April 2001, 186 patients with persistent asthma were switched from controller pharmacotherapy to FSC at equidose to prior inhaled corticosteroid. Follow-up data on 171 (92%) indicated 129 (75%) had continued FSC for one year. Compared to the 42 who discontinued FSC, those who continued had significant reduction of asthmatic exacerbations, improved spirometry, and reduced usage of inhaled reliever and systemic corticosteroid.
Mathison
David A
DA
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. dmathison@scrippsclinic.com
Koziol
James A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000420:Albuterol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013147:Spirometry; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000730:Androstadienes; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D000420:Albuterol