Medco: Just using LABAs to treat asthma puts patients at risk

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. Nearly one-third of patients with asthma are taking their medications in a way that puts them at risk for worsening symptoms and death, according to a new study by pharmacy benefit manager Medco Health Solutions.

The study, by the company’s research and pulmonary therapeutic resource divisions, found that 31% of patients were taking long-acting beta agonists alone, not combining them with other asthma control drugs, despite warnings by the Food and Drug Administration. The drugs, also known as LABAs, include Foradil (formoterol fumarate), by Merck and Novartis, and GlaxoSmithKline’s Serevent (salmeterol xinafoate), the two drugs included in the study. Data from the study were presented at the 2010 Eastern Allergy Conference and coincided with National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“We’ve identified a gap in care that needs to be shared with the medical community in order to improve patient health and reduce the rate of preventable hospitalizations and emergency room visits,” Medco Therapeutic Resource Centers president Peter Juhn said. “This study demonstrates that specialized care can significantly improve clinical outcomes when treating patients with asthma.”