Tiotropium Respimat(®) vs. HandiHaler(®): real-life usage and TIOSPIR trial generalizability.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Two inhaler devices (Respimat® and HandiHaler®) are available for tiotropium, a long acting anticholinergic agent. We aimed to analyze drug utilization, off-label usage and generalizability of the TIOSPIR trial results for both devices.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years exhibiting at least one documented prescription of tiotropium in the database of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Bavaria, Germany, were included (years 2004-2008). Annual period prevalence rates (PPRs) were calculated stratified by age, gender and inhaler devices. Off-label usage (patients lacking a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis) and the proportion of patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the TIOSPIR trial were analyzed.

Results

Be

SUBMITTER: Schmiedl S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4833170 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature