budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort)

Following a full submission

budesonide/formoterol inhaler (Symbicort Turbohaler) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland for the symptomatic treatment of patients with severe COPD (FEV1 <50% predicted normal) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular therapy with long-acting bronchodilators.

It is the second of two long-acting 2-agonist/corticosteroid combination inhaler preparations considered by SMC and licensed for the symptomatic treatment of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The individual components have been available for many years and the combination product offers ease of administration and additional convenience. The combination appears to improve lung function to a greater extent than either of the individual constituents given alone.

Comparative data with other combination products are limited at the present time.