In Therapeutics Letter #1021 we reviewed the inhaled long acting β2 agonist (LABA) indacaterol for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We concluded “There are no proven clinically meaningful benefits in terms of reduction in mortality or total serious adverse events…” for this indication based on 12 trials in 6,947 patients. In this Letter we report systematic reviews of 3 other inhaled … [Read more...]
[102] Indacaterol for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory condition characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction. It is caused by exposure to noxious particles or gases, with exposure to cigarette smoke the most common cause. Several classes of drugs can be prescribed: short and long-acting beta2 (β2) agonist, short and long-acting antimuscarinic, inhaled corticosteroids and … [Read more...]