Patient inhaler satisfaction with Spiromax Budesonide/Formoterol versus Diskus Fluticasone/Salmeterol in COPD

Introduction: Patient satisfaction with their inhaler is an acknowledged predictor for treatment adherence. In COPD, it is associated with fewer exacerbations and lower utilization of health care resources. Aim: To compare inhaler satisfaction between Spiromax Budesonide/Formoterol and Diskus Fluticasone/Salmeterol in the Symptom-driven Maintenance and Reliever Treatment to Prevent Exacerbations in COPD (COPD-SMART) study. Methods: A total of 202 current- and ex-smokers with moderate to severe COPD (mean age 67 ± 8 years, mean FEV1 43 ± 12 %predicted) were included in a randomized controlled open-label study with a follow-up of one year. After 1-6 months of treatment, the Patient Satisfaction and Preference Questionnaire (PASAPQ) was recorded. Differences in total score, and scores of performance and convenience domains as well as separate items were analyzed using independent samples t-test. Results: Although, there was no difference in PASAPQ total score and in the separate performance and convenience domains, inhaler satisfaction was significantly higher for Spiromax for the item ‘overall feeling of inhalation’, and tended to be higher for the items ‘size of inhaler’, ‘convenience of carrying’, and ‘overall satisfaction’ (table 1). Conclusion: COPD patients prefer the Spiromax to Diskus inhaler which may have implications for treatment compliance.