International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Dec 2010
Comparative StudyComparative cost-effectiveness of a fluticasone-propionate/salmeterol combination versus anticholinergics as initial maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Relative costs and utilization-related outcomes of a fluticasone propionate 250 μg + salmeterol 50 μg combination (FSC), tiotropium bromide, and ipratropium as initial maintenance therapy in COPD have not been compared in a commercially-insured population. ⋯ In this retrospective "real-world" observational sample of COPD patients, initiating treatment with FSC was associated with significantly better clinical and economic outcomes compared with short- and long-acting anticholinergic therapy. Consistent with the goal of preventing and reducing exacerbations advocated by global guidelines, the findings suggest that initiation of maintenance treatment with FSC may afford clinical benefits at a lower cost than anticholinergic treatment.