A combination of the corticosteroid mometasone furoate (Asmanex) and the long-acting beta₂-agonist (LABA) formoterol (Foradil) has become available in a single metered-dose inhaler (Dulera – Schering) for treatment of asthma in patients ≥12 years old. It is the third corticosteroid/LABA combination inhaler to become available for this indication in the US. None of these combinations should be used for initial treatment of asthma or for acute treatment of asthma symptoms.

STANDARD TREATMENT — Persistent asthma can be controlled in most patients with regular use of an inhaled corticosteroid in addition to as-needed use of an inhaled short-acting beta₂-agonist for acute exacerbations. When twice-daily use of an inhaled corticosteroid alone does not prevent symptoms, addition of an inhaled LABA is generally considered more effective and safer than increasing the ... more      

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