Which Combination Inhaler Is Most Effective for Patients with COPD?

LAMA-LABA was associated with fewer chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and pneumonia hospitalizations than was corticosteroid plus LABA.

Current guidelines recommend inhalers containing a long-acting antimuscarinic antagonist (LAMA) plus a long-acting β-agonist (LABA) over inhalers containing an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) plus a LABA for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; NEJM JW Gen Med May 15 2023 and Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 207:819). Indeed, trials have shown that combined LAMA-LABA treatment prevents COPD exacerbations more effectively than does ICS-LABA treatment. However, the same trials have reported mixed results regarding pneumonia. Using a large insurance claims database, researchers conducted this study of 31,000 propensity score–matched patient pairs (mean age, 70) with COPD who filled new prescriptions for LAMA-LABA or ICS-LABA …

Reviewing Author

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Which Combination Inhaler Is Most Effective for Patients with COPD?

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Reviewing Author