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Extrafine beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate metered-dose and dry-powder inhalers in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a profile of their use

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Abstract

Extrafine beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol 100/6 and 200/6 μg fixed-dose combination (FDC) is available in the EU as a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (Fostair®, Foster®, Formodual®, Innovair®, Inuvair®, Inuxair®, Combair®) and a dry-powder inhaler (Fostair NEXThaler®, Foster NEXThaler®, Formodual NEXThaler®, Innovair NEXThaler®, Inuvair NEXThaler®). It is an effective, convenient and well-tolerated option for maintenance, or maintenance and reliever therapy in patients with asthma, as well as for the symptomatic treatment of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Extrafine beclometasone/formoterol is generally well tolerated, improves lung function and asthma control and reduces COPD exacerbations in these patients in clinical studies. It is generally more effective than beclometasone and formoterol monotherapies in clinical studies and generally provided better asthma control, reduced the use of rescue medication and improved health-related quality of life compared with large-particle FDCs in real-world studies.

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Acknowledgements

The manuscript was reviewed by: F. Kanniess, Pulmonary Research Institute Hospital Grosshansdorf, Grosshansdorf, Germany; S. Saluja, Saran Ashram Hospital, Dayalbagh, Agra, India. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of extrafine beclometasone/formoterol FDC inhalers was offered an opportunity to review this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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    Sohita Dhillon

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Correspondence to Sohita Dhillon.

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S. Dhillon is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no conflicts of interest.

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Dhillon, S. Extrafine beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate metered-dose and dry-powder inhalers in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a profile of their use. Drugs Ther Perspect 33, 260–271 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-017-0397-7

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