Fluticasone propionate/formoterol: A fixed-combination therapy with flexible dosage

International guidelines describe asthma control as the main outcome of asthmamanagement. Prevention of symptoms, improved quality of life, and reduction of exacerbations are the main components, consequently decreasing health care costs. However, many of these objectives remain unmet in real life: several surveys show that a large proportion of asthmatic patients are not well controlled despite the efficacy of current available treatment. Several randomized controlled clinical trials indicate that combining inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β₂- agonists, bymeans of a single inhaler, greatly improves themanagement of the disease. The results of 9multicenter phase III clinical studies demonstrate that the fixed combination of fluticasone propionate/formoterol in a single inhaler is effective in terms of lung function and symptom control. These studies highlight the dose flexibility, safety and tolerability of this new inhaled combination. These characteristicsmeet the recommendations of nternational guidelines, and the preferences of respiratory physicianswho identified these aspects as critical components of a successful asthma therapy. Combination of fluticasone propionate/formoterol in a single inhaler provides potent anti-inflammatory activity of fluticasone propionate and rapid onset of action of the β₂-agonist formoterol making this association a viable treatment option both in terms of effectiveness and compliance.