Two COPD Drugs Show Similar Effects on Bone Mineral Density

[Guest guest]

Two COPD Drugs Show Similar Effects on Bone Mineral Density

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients taking either of two

commonly used medications had similar changes in bone mineral

density, a randomized, multicenter trial showed.

Patients given the long-acting beta2-agonist salmeterol (Serevent) or

a combination of salmeterol and the corticosteroid fluticasone

propionate (Advair) for three years had no consistent differences in

bone mineral density at the lumbar spine or hip,

Glenn Crater, M.D., director of clinical development of

GlaxoKline in Research Triangle Park, N.C., reported at the

American College of Chest Physicians meeting here.

It should be reassuring to physicians who are taking care of patients

with COPD that they can use these medicines over long periods of time

without seeing detrimental effects on their bone mineral density, "

Dr. Crater said.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/CHEST/11550

Alana