ALIFLUS ® is a drug based on Salmeterol Xinafoato and Fluticasone propionate
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Adrenergics for aerosols
Indications ALIFLUS ® Salmeterol and Fluticasone
ALIFLUS ® is indicated for the regular treatment of asthma in patients inadequately responsive to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and as-needed beta 2 agonists and in patients requiring long-acting treatment.
Mechanism of action ALIFLUS ® Salmeterol and Fluticasone
ALIFLUS ® owes its intense therapeutic activity to the presence of two active ingredients with different and complementary biological properties, particularly valuable for the treatment of asthma.
More precisely in ALIFLUS ® we find Salmeterol, a selective agonist of beta 2 adrenergic receptors, characterized by a long duration of action of about 12 hours, useful in determining a prolonged bronchodilation carried out through the inhibition of contractility of the bronchial smooth muscles, and the Fluticasone propionate, synthetic corticosteroid with an intense anti-inflammatory activity important in reducing the inflammatory stimulus present at the level of the airways while ensuring a sensitive antiallergic activity, characterized by the control over the recall and activation of cellular elements involved in the allergic response.
The topical inhalation use of ALIFLUS ® on the one hand and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the two active ingredients on the other, significantly minimizing the amount of drug systemically absorbed, considerably reduce the classic risks associated with systemic therapy, making the therapy generally safe and well tolerated. .
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
SALMETEROL AND FLUTICASONE IN THE TREATMENT OF COPD
Respir Med. 2013 Apr; 107: 542-9. doi: 10.1016 / j.rmed.2012.12.020. Epub 2013 Jan 20.
Influence of salmeterol / fluticasone via single versus separate inhalers on exacerbations in severe / very severe COPD.
Hagedorn C, Kässner F, Banik N, Ntampakas P, Fielder K.
This work demonstrates the efficacy of treatment with Salmeterol and Fluticasone in the treatment of respiratory problems in patients with severe obstructive pulmonary disease, and is also particularly safe and well tolerated.
EFFECTIVENESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR SAFETY OF THERAPY WITH LONG DURATION D "ACTION BETA AGONISTS
Length 2013 Oct 24. [Epub ahead of print]
Cardiovascular Safety of Long Acting Beta Agonist-Inhaled Corticosteroid Combination Products in Adult Patients with Asthma: A Systematic Review.
Iftikhar IH, Imtiaz M, Brett AS, Amrol DJ.
Interesting study that demonstrates how the use of long-acting inhaled beta agonists associated with corticosteroids in patients with asthma is generally safe from a cardiovascular point of view, with no risk variations.
ASSOCIATED THERAPIES FOR ASTHMA: COSTS AND BENEFITS
Prim Care Respir J. 2013 Nov 2. pii: pcrj-2013-06-0090-R1. doi: 10.4104 / pcrj.2013.00088. [Epub ahead of print]
Clinical and cost effectiveness of switching asthma patients from fluticasone-salmeterol to extra-fine particle beclometasone-formoterol: a retrospective matched observational study of real-world patients.
Price D, Small I, Haughney J, Ryan D, Gruffydd-Jones K, Lavorini F, Harris T, Burden A, Brockman J, King C, Papi A.
Study that demonstrates how the therapeutic switch from Fluticasone and Salmeterol to other associations, can lead to savings in terms of health costs, without however determining a further improvement in symptoms.
Method of use and dosage
ALIFLUS ®
Pressurized suspension for inhalation of 25 mcg of Salmeterol xinafoate and 50, 125 or 250 mcg of Fluticasone propionate.
The definition of the therapeutic scheme and the timing of recruitment must necessarily be defined by your doctor following a careful assessment of the patient's health conditions, the ongoing clinical picture and the ability to respond therapeutically to treatment.
In principle, the therapy involves two daily inhalations, even in the absence of symptoms, taking care to administer the minimum dosage necessary to ensure effective symptom control.
The doctor should also constantly monitor the patient's state of health, informing him on the correct methods of use of the dispenser and on the potential side effects related to the therapy.
Warnings ALIFLUS ® Salmeterol and Fluticasone
ALIFLUS ® therapy requires continuous and careful supervision by the physician, who should pay attention to:
- the onset of potential side effects;
- the reduction or worsening of the symptoms complained of, taking care to adjust the dosage or institute suitable supportive therapy;
- the correct use of the dispenser and the drug by the patient;
- the use of the drug in particular risk categories such as patients with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, the elderly and malnourished.
At the same time, the patient should scrupulously follow all the instructions provided by the doctor, consulting him immediately if he perceives changes in symptoms or the onset of new symptoms.
In any case, the doctor should institute a therapy that guarantees the therapeutic effect with the lowest possible dose.
It is also useful to remember that the use of Beta2agonists without clinical need is prohibited in and out of competition.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Given the presence of studies, albeit experimental, which demonstrate a potential toxicity of beta 2 agonists and glucorticoids on the fetus, it would be appropriate to extend the aforementioned contraindications to use also to pregnancy and the subsequent period of breastfeeding, limiting their use exclusively in cases of unavoidable necessity and always under the supervision of your doctor.
Interactions
The patient receiving ALIFLUS ® should avoid the simultaneous use of selective and non-selective beta blockers.
Furthermore, although the systemic absorption of the two active ingredients is minimal and clinically insignificant, it would in any case be advisable to avoid the simultaneous use of inducers or inhibitors of the cytochromial system, in order to reduce possible variations in the pharmacokinetic properties of the two active ingredients.
Contraindications ALIFLUS ® Salmeterol and Fluticasone
The use of ALIFLUS ® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to one of its excipients.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
ALIFLUS ® therapy, especially after prolonged use, could lead to the onset of candidiasis of the mouth and throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, throat irritation, hoarseness, sinusitis, headache and tremors.
Fortunately, systemic adverse reactions, which are clinically more relevant, are rarer.
Note
ALIFLUS ® is a drug subject to mandatory medical prescription.
The information on ALIFLUS ® Salmeterol and Fluticasone published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
