Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Combining long-acting bronchodilators shows efficacy in COPD

Combining the long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) indacaterol plus long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) glycopyrronium is more effective than salmeterol plus fluticasone in preventing exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have a history of exacerbation durin…

Review finds benefits of corticosteroids outweighs pneumonia risk in COPD

The risk of pneumonia associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is outweighed by the benefits of treatment, according to the findings of a safety review by the European Medicines Agency.…

Electronic repeat dispensing service at heart of PSNC’s proposals for clinically focused pharmacy service

An electronic repeat dispensing service for people with long-term conditions should become routine for community pharmacists in England, according to proposals for a more clinically led profession drawn up by national negotiators.…

Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use not linked to fracture risk in asthma

$Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a recommended first-line preventative therapy for asthma and long-term use is not linked with bone-density-related adverse effects, such as osteoporosis and fractures. In the image, a woman holds an asthma inhaler$

Review offers reassurance over link between long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids and bone density.…

Iron deficiency in COPD patients could point to new treatment approach

Iron deficiency is more common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than in those without the lung condition, finds new research.…

Oxygen therapy: emergency use and long term treatment

Emergency oxygen treatment is used two million times a year by ambulance services, and almost one in five hospital patients in the UK are being treated with oxygen at any one time.…

Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD have neutral effect on mortality despite increased pneumonia risk

Use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia but a neutral or even reduced risk of pneumonia-associated and overall mortality.…

Improving outcomes for COPD patients

An initiative to improve COPD care at Barts Health NHS Trust in London has led to improved health outcomes.…

Osteoporosis drug shows promise as COPD treatment

Repurposing the bisphosphonate bone drug alendronate relieves symptoms of emphysema associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by targeting alveolar macrophages, according to a study in mice…

Inhaled corticosteroids: managing side effects

Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly prescribed but need careful management to minimise the risk of side effects.…