Budesonide with eformoterol (Symbicort Turbuhaler) for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseBudesonide with eformoterol (Symbicort Turbuhaler) for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Published 2011-12-01 00:00:00


From 1 December 2011 the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of the fixed-dose combination of budesonide 400 micrograms with eformoterol 12 micrograms (400/12; Symbicort Turbuhaler) for asthma will be extended to include symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1

Under the new listing, budesonide with eformoterol (400/12) cannot be prescribed to initiate bronchodilator therapy for COPD.

The extended listing applies to adults with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≤ 50% of predicted normal, with frequent symptoms despite long-acting bronchodilator use and/or a history of recurrent exacerbations.1

The listing does not apply to the fixed-dose combination of budesonide with eformoterol 100/6 or 200/6 inhalers.

The PBAC recommended the listing on a cost-minimisation basis — that is similar efficacy and cost — compared with fluticasone 250 micrograms with salmeterol 25 micrograms. The equi-effective doses are fluticasone 500 micrograms with salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily, and budesonide 400 micrograms with eformoterol 12 micrograms twice daily.

Reference

  1. Australian Department of Health and Ageing. November 2010 PBAC outcomes – positive recommendations. 2010. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pbacrec-nov10-positive (accessed 16 February 2011).
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Date published: 2011-12-01 00:00:00

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