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Fluticasone Propionate Reduces Oral Prednisone Use While it Improves Asthma Control
Michael Noonan1, Paul Chervinsky, William W. Busse
1Allergy and Asthma Center, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; Allergy and Asthma Specialists, Minneapolis, MN; Allergy Center of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA; and Glaxo Research Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
American Journal of Therapeutics
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Fluticasone propionate aerosol significantly reduced or eliminated oral prednisone use in severe asthma patients. This treatment also improved lung function and reduced nighttime awakenings.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Severe asthma often necessitates long-term oral corticosteroid use, such as prednisone.
- Oral corticosteroids are associated with significant systemic side effects.
- Finding effective alternatives to reduce oral corticosteroid dependence is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fluticasone propionate aerosol in reducing oral prednisone requirements in severe asthma patients.
- To assess the impact of fluticasone propionate on pulmonary function and asthma-related symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A 16-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 96 patients dependent on oral prednisone.
- Patients received either placebo or fluticasone propionate aerosol (750 or 1000 μg twice daily).
- Oral prednisone dosage was adjusted weekly based on predefined criteria.
Main Results:
- High rates of prednisone discontinuation were observed: 69% and 88% in the low and high dose fluticasone propionate groups, respectively, versus 3% in the placebo group.
- Significant improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and peak expiratory flow rates were noted.
- Reductions in nighttime awakenings and symptomatic albuterol use were observed compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Fluticasone propionate aerosol is an effective and safe treatment for reducing or eliminating oral prednisone dependence in severe asthma.
- Inhaled fluticasone propionate improves lung function and asthma control in patients previously reliant on oral corticosteroids.
- This therapeutic approach offers a promising strategy to mitigate the long-term risks associated with oral corticosteroid therapy.