Managed Care

COPD inhalers – hold your breath

February 17, 2014
Krishna Rutvij Patel, PharmD

With the approval of Breo Ellipta in May 2013 and Anoro Ellipta in December 2013, formulary decision makers are faced with more treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than ever before. There are now three inhalers that are combination products of a long-acting beta agonist and a glucocorticoid that can potentially help patients with moderate to severe COPD. Research comparing these available therapeutic options is limited, making differentiation difficult. Despite that, let’s take a look at several notable differences among these drugs.

Administration once daily Administration twice daily Black box warning Approved for COPD Approved for asthma Recommended in GOLD guidelines for moderate–severe COPD
Advair • • • • •
Breo Ellipta • • •
Symbicort • • • •
Source: GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease)

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