Study Suggests that Adding Singulair to Advair Offers no Additional Improvement in Overall Asthma Control RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and TORONTO, May 18
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and TORONTO, May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies,
experience significantly better lung function when treated with Advair
Diskus(R) (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) as
compared with Singulair (montelukast sodium). The results of the 660-subject
study were presented today at the International Conference of the American
Thoracic Society meeting in Toronto.
The study also showed patients treated with Advair plus Singulair saw no
measurable improvement compared to patients treated with Advair alone in their
asthma symptoms or albuterol use. In another comparison patients using Advair
plus the intranasal corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate nasal spray, saw
significant improvement in daytime nasal symptoms compared to patients treated
with Advair plus Singulair (p<0.001).
"These findings give us a greater understanding of how to treat patients
with asthma and seasonal allergies, two diseases that often are seen in
tandem," said Rohit Katial, MD, National Jewish Medical Research Center. "By
using the right combination of treatments, physicians can help patients gain
relief from the symptoms of both diseases."
The study included people age 15 and up who had both persistent asthma and
seasonal allergies. Patients received one of four different treatments: Advair
Diskus 100/50 twice daily, Singulair 10 mg once daily, Advair 100/50 twice
daily with Singulair 10 mg once daily or Advair 100/50 twice daily with
fluticasone propionate nasal spray 200 mcg once daily. Those who received
Advair alone had significant improvements in their morning peak expiratory
flow, a measure of asthma control, as compared with Singulair alone (p<0.001).
Secondary endpoints, including symptom-free days and rescue-treatment-free
days, were significantly increased in the Advair group compared with the
Singulair group. The incidence of adverse events was similar among all groups.
Advair Diskus 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.
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.
Important Information about Flonase
For best results, use Flonase daily. Your nasal symptoms may begin to
improve in as few as 12 hours. Maximum relief may take several days. Results
may vary. If side effects, they are generally mild and may include headache,
nosebleed, or sore throat.
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
