Overuse of short-acting β2 -agonists in the Russian population with asthma: the persisting threat

Short-acting β2 -agonists (SABA) overuse is associated with negative outcomes in asthma patients. There is a lack of actual data about patterns of SABA overuse in the Russian population with asthma.

The aim. To investigate patterns of SABA overuse in the Russian population with asthma.

Methods. Data from the Russian population of “SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III” study were analyzed. SABINA III was a cross-sectional observational study covering 24 countries. Adults and adolescents with a documented diagnosis of asthma for at least 12 months were enrolled in the study. Data on disease characteristics and asthma treatments during previous 12 months were collected using real-time electronic case report forms and were analyzed with methods of descriptive statistics.

Results. Majority of the Russian population (n = 618) consisted of patients with moderate/ severe asthma (78.5%). Asthma was uncontrolled or partly controlled in 70% of patients. SABA over-prescription (≥ 3 canisters per year) was seen in 37% of patients. The frequency of SABA over-prescription was similar in patients with mild (35%) and moderate/severe (38%) asthma. SABA was purchased over-the-counter (OTC) in the past 12 months by 30% of all patients, while 14% purchased ≥ 3 canisters of SABA per year. More than 90% of patients who purchased SABA OTC, already received prescriptions for SABA, of whom 59% were prescribed ≥ 3 canisters per year.

Conclusion. Russia is faced with very high level of SABA overuse. Over-prescription is the main cause for SABA overuse. To reduce SABA overuse, it is necessary to educate both patients and doctors, and actively implement up-to-date asthma treatments.

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