P245 Switch to budesonide/formoterol easyhaler inhalation therapy from other inhalers in COPD patients; a real-life study

Introduction and objectives The effectiveness of inhalation therapy can be largely influenced by the inhaler and its ease-of-use for the patient. We studied the clinical effectiveness and patient satisfaction among COPD patients switching to budesonide/formoterol Easyhaler treatment from other inhalers in a real-life setting. Methods Adult patients (>18 years) requiring treatment with combination of ICS/LABA according to GOLD guidelines were treated with budesonide/formoterol Easyhaler 160/4.5 ug or 320/9.0 ug per inhalation. COPD assessment test (CAT), mMRC Dyspnea Scale, spirometry and patient satisfaction questionnaire was performed at recruitment and at 12±2 weeks. Results A total of 778 patients (M/F 0.88, mean age 64.1 years, 47% current smokers) were enrolled, 563 (72%) of whom switched treatment from another inhaler, most common Respimat (102), Turbuhaler (96), MDI (95), Breezhaler (90) and Discus (60). Within all groups, significant improvement was observed in CAT and mMRC Dyspnea Scale scores (p Conclusion Budesonide/formoterol Easyhaler therapy showed significant clinical and quality of life improvement among COPD patients. This was observed respectively for the switch from the five most commonly used inhalers. Patients overall satisfaction was significantly higher with Easyhaler compared to the previous inhalers.