Advantages of high-dose dual combination of beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract which requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. The results of modern studies of asthma treatment have shown that combination of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP)/formoterol fumarate (FF) has a rapid bronchodilating effect, while improving control over asthma symptoms, reducing the frequency of exacerbations, and improving the indicators of external respiratory function. Treatment with BDP/FF is associated fewer side effects compared to systemic corticosteroids (CSs). The rapid onset of action of the fixed BDP/FF combination and the long-lasting effect allow using a single inhaler both for relief of asthma symptoms and for maintenance therapy. The presence of FF in the fixed combination provides rapid bronchodilation, while increasing adherence to basic asthma therapy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and pharmacoeconomic advantages of a high-dose fixed combination of extrafine dispersed (EFD) BDP/FF 200/6 μg in patients with asthma in comparison with other combinations of inhaled CSs and long-acting β2-agonists.

Conclusion. EFD BDP/FF at a dose of 200/6 μg can be considered an effective and safe agent for asthma patients whose condition is not adequately controlled with monotherapy with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) or medium doses of ICSs in combination with long-acting β₂-agonists. The clinical advantage of the BDP/FF combination compared to the fixed combination of ICS/salmeterol (SALM) is the significantly faster onset of the bronchodilator effect of FF (within 1 – 3 minutes after the inhalation), along with the increase in the likelihood of asthma control and reduction of the daily consumption of short-acting β₂-agonists compared to the combination of fluticasone propionate/SALM due to the small size of the BDP/ FF molecules.

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