Therapeutic preferences and factors determining the use of inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting β2-agonists in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting b2-agonists (LABA) are a part of standard therapy of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aim
Assessment of the therapeutic preferences and factors determining the choice of polytherapy with ICS and LABA in patients with asthma and COPD in daily clinical practice.

Material and methods
This multicentre, open-label, post-marketing observational survey was performed nation-wide with the participation of 245 doctors and 13,800 patients with asthma or COPD on polytherapy with ICS and LABA. The study questionnaire included two parts: concerning doctors’ preferences in the use of ICS and LABA and their prescription in patients as well as efficacy and tolerance of inhaled drugs during two consecutive visits.

Results
The study doctors frequently declared a choice of polytherapy with formoterol and fluticasone in patients with asthma and COPD. The most important factors supporting the choice of ICS and LABA, declared by doctors, were safety and efficacy. ICS and LABA polytherapy with formoterol and fluticasone was used in 71.0% of patients with asthma and 81.4% with COPD. The most important factors explaining the choice of this drug combination were safety (75.3% and 72.5%, respectively) and efficacy (75.2% and 71.9%, respectively).

Conclusions
Formoterol and fluticasone polytherapy is frequently chosen by Polish physicians in the treatment of asthma and COPD due to its high efficacy and safety. In accordance with doctors’ declaration, in the study group this therapy was characterized by the highest effectiveness and the best tolerance.