Dulera

WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH

Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as formoterol, one of the active ingredients in Dulera, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large placebo-controlled U.S. study that compared the safety of another long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (salmeterol) or placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in patients receiving salmeterol. This finding with salmeterol is considered a class effect of the LABA, including formoterol. Currently available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, Dulera should only be used for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue Dulera) if possible without loss of asthma control, and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use Dulera for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low or medium dose inhaled corticosteroids.

Asthma [1] Pulmonary Disease [2]

Reviewed by:

Beth Bolt, RPh [3]

Review Date:

June 11, 2012

Citation:

"Dulera", DailyMed: Current Medication Information; U.S. National Library of Medicine [4]

http://www.rxwiki.com/dulera [5]

Mometasone [6] Formoterol [7]

Rx Company Link:

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. [8]

RxNorm ATC Ref:

Corticosteroids, potent group III [9]

Contributor:

Anyssa Garza, PharmD [10]

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published_note:

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Long Title:

Dulera treats asthma. Do not use this medication to treat an asthma attack that has already begun, because it will not work fast enough. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication.

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Dulera [11]