WHEN DUAL THERAPY IS NO LONGER SUFFICIENT: FLUTICASONE FUROATE/ UMECLIDINIUM/VILANTEROL IN THE TREATMENT OF COPD

Abstract

  When dual therapy does not provide adequate control of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and triple therapy is indicated, it is important to choose a treatment regimen that is not only effective but also as simple as possible. A simpler regimen may help patients adhere more closely to the prescribed treatment. One available triple-therapy option is the combination of fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium and vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI), administered via a single Ellipta inhaler as one inhalation once daily. This article reviews the relevance of dosing frequency and the number of inhalers to treatment adherence, together with evidence from the IMPACT and INTREPID trials and real-world studies. The available data support the effectiveness of FF/UMEC/VI in reducing COPD exacerbations and improving lung function and health status. Following an individualized assessment of the benefits and risks of inhaled corticosteroid treatment and the patient’s ability to use the inhaler correctly, a once-daily single-inhaler regimen may be a rational option when escalating from dual to triple therapy.