Stiolto Respimat new option for COPD

Patients with COPD and asthma have yet another medicinal option as Stiolto was approved in May of 2015 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The medicine should now be available in pharmacies around the U.S.

The medicine is another in a now increasing line of combination medicines approved for asthma and COPD. Stiolto contains:

• Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva), a long acting anticholinergic (LAAC)
• Olodaterol (Striverdi), a long acting beta adrenergic (LABA)

A 2008 study showed Spiriva by itself improved lung function. A 2009 study showed that Spiriva used in combination with Symbicort, a medicine that contains both a LABA and an inhaled corticosteroid, improves lung function by as much as 62 percent.

It should be said here that every time a new respiratory medicine is made it works a little bit different than its predecessors. So if you continue to have trouble with your COPD or asthma, this medicine is yet another option for you to try.

Further reading:

1. RT Magazine: COPD Treatment Stiolto Respimat Available in U.S.
2. Spiriva with Symbicort may improve lung function
3. Study: Spiriva improves lung function