New salmeterol/fluticasone MDI extends choice in asthma prescribing

Aloflute is indicated in the regular treatment of asthma in adults aged 18 years and older where use of a combination product (long-acting β₂ agonist and inhaled corticosteroid) is appropriate: 

• for patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' inhaled short-acting β₂ agonist and
• for patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β₂ agonist.

Aloflute is available in two strengths each providing 25 micrograms of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate 125 or 250 micrograms per metered dose. Similar products already available in the UK include AirFluSal MDI, Sereflo, Seretide Evohaler and Sirdupla.

The recommended dose of Aloflute is two inhalations twice daily. The dose should be titrated to the lowest effective fluticasone dose. As Aloflute is not available in a lower-strength inhaler containing salmeterol 25 microgram and fluticasone propionate 50 microgram, titration down to this level will necessitate a change to another inhaler containing this lower dose of fluticasone.

Prescribers should note that the only spacer recommended for use with Aloflute is the AeroChamber Plus device.