The Potential For Improved Inhalation Technique With Duoresp® Spiromax® (Budesonide + Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate) Compared With Commonly Prescribed Dry Powder Inhalers For The Management Of Asthma And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In Spain: Estimated Impact On Number And Cost Of Unscheduled Healthcare Events.

• Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common respiratory conditions that represent a considerable cost burden to the Spanish healthcare system1. • Symbicort® Turbuhaler® (budesonide + formoterol fumarate dihydrate) and Seretide® Accuhaler® (fluticasone propionate + salmeterol) are commonly used dry powder inhalers (DPIs) in Spain, and can be difficult for patients to train with and use2–7. • Difficult to use inhalers can lead to patients demonstrating poor inhalation technique, defined as making at least one critical inhaler error – which drastically reduces, or prevents entirely, deposition of medicine in the lungs8. • Poor inhalation technique contributes to the economic burden of disease management by increasing the risk of unscheduled healthcare events, and therefore costs associated with event management, compared with patients who demonstrate good inhalation technique9. • DuoResp® Spiromax® is a new budesonide + formoterol fixed dose combination (FDC) DPI indicated in Europe for use in the same adult asthma and COPD population as the equivalent delivered doses of Symbicort® Turbuhaler®10. • DuoResp® Spiromax® was designed to address many training and usability issues associated with commonly used DPIs, and has the potential to improve inhalation technique.