Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis with inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (ADVAIR DISKUS) 250/50: results of a patient experience trial.
BACKGROUND
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as a major healthcare problem in the United States and around the world.


OBJECTIVE
This survey regarding initial experience in patients with COPD collected feedback about newly initiated therapy with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FSC; ADVAIR DISKUS).


METHODS
Three telephone surveys were conducted; Survey 1 prior to initiating therapy with FSC 250/50, and Surveys 2 and 3 at 2 weeks and 30 days after initiating therapy with FSC 250/50, respectively.


METHODS
One thousand primary care physicians recruited outpatients into the trial.


METHODS
Patients were either newly diagnosed with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis or were still experiencing breathing difficulties on an anticholinergic medication.


METHODS
Patients initiated FSC 250/50 and received a 1-month supply of FSC 250/50 with an albuterol inhaler for rescue use.


METHODS
Outcome measures were patient perceptions of satisfaction, compliance, and convenience and changes in breathing on 1 (negative) to 9 (positive) point scales.


RESULTS
Five hundred sixteen patients completed all 3 surveys. The mean age was 61 years, 63% were female, and 62% had been diagnosed with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis for 3 years or less (Table 1).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients reported high satisfaction, compliance, and convenience with FSC 250/50 within 2 weeks of initiating therapy, all maintained over the trial period. Additionally, patients had positive changes in breathing, including improvements in the ability to breathe upon awakening in the morning.
Stoloff
Stuart
S
The University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA.
Samuels
Steven
S
Kerney
Donna
D
Brown
Christy P
CP
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D029481:Bronchitis, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000730:Androstadienes; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D000420:Albuterol