Real-world perceptions of inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist combinations in the treatment of asthma

Prescribing data for Europe show a shift from inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) prescribed alone or in free combination with long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) to fixed-dose single-inhaler combinations of these agents. However, existing guidelines provide little advice on selecting a specific ICS/LABA combination therapy for the treatment of asthma. European survey data indicate that the factors physicians take into account when making prescribing decisions are broadly in line with those considered to be important by experts in a Delphi process: the availability of a range of doses, the efficacy of the combination, the long-term safety and tolerability of the ICS and LABA components, the potency of the ICS and the speed of onset of the LABA. Further research is needed to help inform physician choice of ICS/LABA combinations for patients with asthma.