DuoResp Spiromax

DuoResp Spiromax received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU  on 28 April 2014.

The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription. It is available as an inhalation powder in a portable inhaler device, and each inhalation provides a fixed dose of the medicine. DuoResp Spiromax 160/4.5 microgram (160  micrograms of budesonide and 4.5  micrograms of formoterol) can be used for the regular treatment of asthma and when needed as a reliever. It can also be used for the treatment of COPD symptoms in adult patients. The higher strength, DuoResp Spiromax 320/9 micrograms (320  micrograms of budesonide and 9  micrograms of formoterol), can only be used for the regular treatment of asthma and for the treatment of COPD symptoms.

For the regular treatment of asthma, the recommended dose is 1 to 4 inhalations twice a day, depending on the strength being used, age, and the severity of the asthma. As asthma reliever therapy, patients can take 1 or 2 additional inhalations of DuoResp Spiromax 160/4.5 microgram only to relieve their symptoms. If patients need to take more than 8 inhalations per day, it is recommended they speak to their doctor to have their asthma therapy reconsidered.

For the treatment of COPD, the recommended dose is 1 or 2 inhalations twice a day, depending on the strength being used.

For further information, see the package leaflet or contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The two active substances in DuoResp Spiromax are well known and are present in several medicines used to treat asthma and COPD, either alone or in combination with other medicines.

Budesonide belongs to a group of anti-inflammatory medicines known as corticosteroids. It works in a similar way to naturally occurring corticosteroid hormones, reducing the activity of the immune system by attaching to receptors in various types of immune cell. This leads to a reduction in the release of substances that are involved in the inflammation process, such as histamine, thereby helping to keep the airways clear and allowing the patient to breathe more easily.

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist. It works by attaching to receptors known as beta-2 receptors found in the muscles of the airways. When it attaches to these receptors, it causes the muscles to relax, which keeps the airways open and helps with the patient’s breathing.

The European Medicines Agency concluded that, in accordance with EU requirements, DuoResp Spiromax 160/4.5 microgram and 320/9 micrograms have been shown to have comparable quality and to be bioequivalent to the corresponding strengths of Symbicort Turbohaler. Therefore, the Agency’s view was that, as for Symbicort Turbohaler, the benefit outweighs the identified risks and it can be authorised for use in the EU.

Studies on the benefits and risks of the active substances in the authorised uses have already been carried out with the reference medicine, Symbicort Turbohaler, and do not need to be repeated for DuoResp Spiromax.

As for every medicine, the company provided studies on the quality of DuoResp Spiromax. The company also carried out studies that showed that it is ‘bioequivalent’ to the reference medicine. Two medicines are bioequivalent when they produce the same levels of the active substance in the body.

Because DuoResp Spiromax is a hybrid medicine and is bioequivalent to the reference medicine, its benefits and risks are taken as being the same as the reference medicine’s.

Recommendations and precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients for the safe and effective use of DuoResp Spiromax have been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet.

As for all medicines, data on the use of DuoResp Spiromax are continuously monitored. Suspected side effects reported with the medicine are carefully evaluated and any necessary action taken to protect patients.