nMRCGP exam update - Evidence for aspirin use
Contributed by Dr Louise Newson, a GP in the West Midlands. Read more
News
Asthma maintenance and reliever in one inhaler
04-Jun-07
AstraZeneca has announced the UK launch of a treatment for uncontrolled asthma which combines maintenance and relief, but requires only a single inhaler.
The treatment, Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (Symbicort SMART®), is the first of its kind and may offer greater convenience for patients who currently require more than one inhaler.
The system works because the inhaler contains both an inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide) and a rapid and long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol). The rapid onset of action seen with formoterol, which is faster than that seen with salmeterol according to research, is key to its efficacy.
Dr John Haughney, a GP in Glasgow, said: 'As well as compelling data, there are many appealing practical features of using this approach in the management of asthma. By reducing the symptoms and the number of attacks they experience, patients now have the means to achieve control of their asthma using only one inhaler.'
What do you think? Comment below or email healthcare.republic@haymarket.com
Tools
Healthcare Republic Forums
Hottest Topics
Registrar
RCGP curriculum - Introducing the GP curriculum
Dr Ben Riley and Dr Jayne Haynes explain what the curriculum is and why it is necessary. Read more
Alcohol problems in young people
Greater awareness of drinking problems is needed, say Professor Eileen Kaner and Ruth McGovern. Read more
Latest Clinical Articles
Altitude-related illness
Contributed by Dr Matthew Litchfield, GP, Nottingham and Dr James Milledge, retired consultant respi... Read more
Clinical Review - Subfertility in women
Contributed by Mr David Walker, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Royal United Hospit... Read more
Stable angina pectoris
Contributed by Dr Unni Krishnan, clinical research fellow in cardiology at the Glenfield Hospital, L... Read more
MIMS Product News
New drug - Relistor
Wyeth has launched Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide) for the treatment of opioid-induced constipat... Read more
Thalidomide available in the UK
Thalidomide, under the name of Thalidomide Pharmion is now commercially available in the UK. Read more
MMR catch-up programme
The DoH has written to healthcare professionals to call for urgent action to help reduce the risk of... Read more
Jobs
Job of the Week
- Locum GPs wanted North East England
- Full-time GP principal required East Midlands
- 6 Month Locum required - Solihull, Birmingham West Midlands
- Salaried GP/Computer Enthusiast West London
- General Practitioners, West Coast New Zealand Australasia
- Full time salaried GP North West England
- GP East London
- Partner Vacancy Wales
- Salaried GP Yorkshire and Humberside
- Part time Salaried GP North London
Comments
Only registered users may comment. Log in now or register for a free account.