AirDuo RespiClick and Authorized Generic for Uncontrolled Asthma

AirDuo RespiClick (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder; Teva) and its authorized generic have been made available for the treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older who are uncontrolled on an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose disease severity clearly warrants the use of an ICS/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) combination. 

AirDuo RespiClick is available in three strengths: 55/14mcg, 113/14mcg and 232/14mcg. The medication is delivered via Teva’s RespiClick breath-activated, multi-dose dry powder inhaler (MDPI). Each inhaler contains 0.45g of the formulation and provides 60 actuations; a dose counter is attached to the actuator. 

Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of actions on multiple cell types (eg, mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (eg, histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in inflammation.

In vitro tests show that salmeterol is a potent and long-lasting inhibitor of the release of mast cell mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandin D2, from human lung.

Reference

Teva launches AirDuo™ RespiClick® and its authorized generic, two inhalers containing fluticasone propionate and salmeterol [press release]. Jerusalem, Israel: Teva. Published April 20, 2017. Accessed May 4, 2017.

This article originally appeared on MPR