Evaluating the real-life effect of MP-AzeFlu on asthma control in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma in UK primary care

Background : MP- AzeFlu (azelastine/fluticasone propionate in one spray) is the most effective allergic rhinitis (AR) treatment available. Its effect on asthma control in co- morbid patients is unknown. We examined whether MP- AzeFlu altered asthma control in patients with AR and asthma. Method : This pre- post historical cohort study, carried out using the Optimum Patient Care Database, included patients aged ≥12 years from UK general practice with active asthma in the year before MP- AzeFlu initiation. Active asthma was defined as a recorded diagnosis, with ≥ 1 prescription for reliever or controller inhaler in the year prior to and including the initiation date. The primary endpoint was change in number of acute respiratory events (i.e. an exacerbation or an antibiotic course for a respiratory event) between baseline and outcome years. Study outcomes were assessed by Wilcoxon signed rank test or McNemar ' s test. Results : 1,188 patients were included (average age: 47 yrs; 58.4% female). Most were prescribed intranasal corticosteroids (60.4%) and Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long- acting β2 - agonist (59.3%) at baseline. MP- AzeFlu initiation was associated with significantly fewer acute respiratory events ( P = .013). Significantly more patients had well- controlled asthma in the year after MP- AzeFlu initiation ( P = .004). These asthma control benefits were noted despite significant reduction in short- acting β2 - agonist (SABA) dose ( P 2 SABA puffs/week ( P < .001) and the average ICS dose remaining stable (64.0% of patients) or reduced (20.4% of patients). Conclusion : MP- AzeFlu initiation is associated with reduced acute respiratory events, improved asthma control and reduced SABA and maintenance ICS dose in patients with AR and asthma. This study was funded by BGP Products Operations GmbH (A Mylan Company).