An observational study of more than 64,000 asthma patients demonstrated that patients receiving treatment with Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) had a significant risk reduction in emergency department visits due to asthma versus patients treated with fluticasone propionate (FP) alone.
A second analysis of clinical trials of patients treated with salmeterol plus FP (the components found in Advair) reported fewer asthma exacerbations when compared to patients treated with FP alone. These findings were presented today at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia.
?Each year in the US nearly two million asthma patients have to go to the hospital emergency room because of their asthma,? said Dr. Kathy Rickard, Vice President Clinical, Respiratory Medicine Development Center (North America), GlaxoSmithKline. ?Frequent asthma exacerbations, emergency department visits and hospitalization are signs of uncontrolled asthma and can be avoided with an appropriate asthma management plan. These findings demonstrate that in appropriate patients, combination treatment with a long-acting beta-agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid is an effective option for maintaining control of a patient?s asthma.?
Use of concurrent therapy, like Advair, is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, which position an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) as preferred therapy for patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma.
Important information about Advair Diskus
Advair contains salmeterol. In patients with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of asthma-related death. So Advair is for patients not adequately controlled on other asthma-controller medications (e.g., low- to medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids) or for patients whose disease severity clearly warrants treatment with two maintenance therapies. Advair is not approved for patients whose asthma can be managed with an ICS along with occasional use of short-acting beta-agonists. Advair Diskus is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
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. 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 is for patients 4 years and older. For patients 4 to 11 years old, Advair 100/50 is for those who have asthma symptoms while on an inhaled corticosteroid.