Findings of Observational Study Presented at American Thoracic Society Annual Meeting RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and TORONTO, May 20
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and TORONTO, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Patients
with asthma not adequately controlled on the inhaled corticosteroid
fluticasone propionate (FP) alone experienced significant reduction in severe
exacerbations when switched to the equivalent dose of FP combined with
salmeterol administered as Advair Diskus(R) (fluticasone propionate and
salmeterol inhalation powder) compared with patients who received a double
dose of FP. The findings from an observational study were presented today at
the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society meeting in
Toronto.
Researchers analyzed more than 5 years of data from a health insurance
claims database and identified 1,904 patients uncontrolled on an inhaled
corticosteroid alone. The study found patients who were switched to Advair
were 36 percent less likely to suffer a severe asthma exacerbation defined by
treatment with oral or injected steroid, an emergency-department (ED) visit or
hospital admission (p<0.001) than those who received double dose FP. In an
analysis of only ED visits and hospitalizations, the number of events was too
infrequent in both treatment groups to show a statistical difference, however
the rate of these events was lower in patients treated with Advair (5.2%)
versus FP (7.6%).
Additionally, patients switched to Advair needed 34 percent fewer
prescriptions for albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist also known as a
rescue inhaler (p<0.001). Results were similar regardless of the starting dose
of FP.
Advair combines two medications in one device to help prevent and control
asthma symptoms. Asthma causes inflammation (swelling in the airways) and
airway constriction (the tightening of muscles that surround the airways), and
Advair contains both an inhaled corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate, to
reduce inflammation; and an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator, salmeterol, to
help prevent and reduce airway constriction. Advair is for people who still
have symptoms on another asthma controller, or whose disease severity clearly
warrants treatment with two maintenance therapies.
About Observational Studies
This was an observational study. Unlike randomized controlled trials,
observational studies such as these do not imply causality, though they can
imply association of the treatment to the outcome. Even though outcomes were
adjusted for severity using known subject demographics, asthma-related
outcomes are influenced by many factors, such as prescriber and clinical
factors. These factors were not measured or evaluated in this study.
Important Information about Advair
Advair won't replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms and should
not be taken more than twice a day. Advair contains salmeterol. In patients
with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of
asthma-related death. So Advair is not for people whose asthma is well
controlled on another controller medicine. People should speak to their doctor
about the risks and benefits of treating their asthma with Advair. People
taking Advair should see their doctor if their asthma does not improve. Thrush
in the mouth and throat may occur. People should tell their doctor if they
have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Some people may experience
increased blood pressure, heart rate, or changes in heart rhythm. Advair
Diskus is for patients 4 years and older. For patients 4 to 11 years old,
Advair Diskus 100/50 is for those who have asthma symptoms while on an inhaled
corticosteroid. Advair HFA is for patients 12 years and older.
For more information about Advair please visit http://www.gsk.com.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based
pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. GlaxoSmithKline is committed to
improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better
and live longer. For company information visit http://www.gsk.com.
SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline
