Patient considerations in the treatment of COPD: focus on the new combination inhaler fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol

Antonio Molino,1,* Giovanna Calabrese,1,* Mauro Maniscalco2 1Division of Pneumology, Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy; 2Pulmonary Rehabilitation Division, ICS Maugeri SpA SB, Institute of Telese Terme, Telese Terme, Benevento, Italy *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: The pharmacological treatment for stable COPD is based on the use of inhaled bronchodilators (long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists and long-acting beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists) and inhaled corticosteroids. The use of triple inhaled therapy is recommended to selected patients with COPD. Among the various inhaler combinations in triple therapy, a new combination by fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol is available for COPD patients. Recently, a large clinical trial using this combination has been published, resulting in a reduction in exacerbation rate in COPD patients. Furthermore, this combination has demonstrated efficacy and safety, with a single administration a day, through a dry powder inhalator device, which has shown a good adherence and is a preference of the patient. This review focuses on the main characteristics of this inhaler combination evaluating the main clinical effects, the patients’ adherence, and the safety. Keywords: COPD, fluticasone, triple therapy, umeclidinium, vilanterol, rehabilitatio