Patients whose asthma is uncontrolled on inhaled steroid therapy
alone are likely to benefit from switching to Symbicort. Studies
have shown that patients who are uncontrolled on inhaled steroids
benefit more from having a ß2-agonist added to their treatment
as opposed to doubling their dose of steroid (Pauwels et al 1997, O'Byrne et al 2001).
Management guidelines recommend adding a long-acting bronchodilator
to patients who are symptomatic on inhaled steroid therapy alone.
In reality, this can be done simply by switching to Symbicort.
Patients whose asthma is currently controlled on an inhaled steroid
plus a separate inhaled long-acting ß2-agonist may also benefit
from switching to Symbicort. Studies have shown that Symbicort is
at least as effective as its components delivered via separate
inhalers (Zetterström et al 2001)
Prescribing information varies from country to country, so please
consult your local prescribing information.
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