Two new steroid inhalers launched

Soprobec (beclometasone) is a metered-dose aerosol inhaler indicated for the prophylaxis of asthma in adults and children. It is available in four strengths, all compatible with the Volumatic spacer.

Stalpex (salmeterol/fluticasone) is a breath-actuated inhaler providing a predispensed dose of 50 microgram salmeterol and 500 microgram fluticasone propionate per inhalation, indicated for use in both asthma and COPD.

Stalpex can be used for the regular treatment of severe asthma where a long acting β₂-agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid is appropriate, and for the symptomatic treatment of COPD in patients with a pre-bronchodilator FEV₁ <60% predicted and a history of exacerbations and with significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator therapy. One inhalation is taken twice daily.

Similar to other LABA/corticosteroid combination inhalers, the most commonly reported adverse effects of Stalpex in clinical studies were headache and nasopharyngitis. Similar to other beclometasone inhalers, the most commonly reported adverse effects of Soprobec in clinical studies were oral candidiasis, hoarseness and throat irritation.