Wixela Treats Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Wixela Inhub (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) is FDA-approved for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically for patients with asthma whose symptoms are not controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone and for COPD patients at high risk for exacerbations. 1
Indications for Wixela in COPD
Wixela Inhub is indicated for COPD patients with:
- FEV1 less than 60% predicted 2
- History of exacerbations (typically ≥2 exacerbations per year) 2
- Persistent symptoms despite bronchodilator therapy 2, 3
- Patients who may benefit from combination therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) 3
According to European guidelines, ICS/LABA combinations like Wixela are recommended for patients with:
- Frequent exacerbations despite optimal bronchodilation
- FEV1 <50-60% predicted
- History of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) 2
Indications for Wixela in Asthma
Wixela is indicated for:
- Patients aged ≥12 years with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma 4
- Patients whose asthma symptoms are not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone 1
- Maintenance treatment of asthma as a controller medication 5
Clinical Evidence
Wixela Inhub is a generic equivalent to Advair Diskus, containing the same active ingredients (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) in identical strengths. Clinical studies have demonstrated:
- Bioequivalence to Advair Diskus in lung function improvements, specifically in FEV1 measurements 5
- Similar effectiveness in preventing COPD exacerbations compared to brand-name Advair Diskus (HR 0.97,95% CI 0.90-1.04) 6
- Comparable safety profile with similar incidence of pneumonia hospitalization (HR 0.99,95% CI 0.86-1.15) 6
- Equivalent in vitro dose delivery performance across all patient groups 7
Contraindications
Wixela is contraindicated in:
- Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures
- Patients with severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or demonstrated hypersensitivity to fluticasone propionate, salmeterol, or any of the excipients 8
Clinical Considerations
When prescribing Wixela for COPD:
- Consider blood eosinophil counts (≥300 cells/μL suggests better response to ICS) 3
- Monitor for increased risk of pneumonia, which is associated with ICS use in COPD patients 3, 2
- Evaluate for appropriate inhaler technique, as proper inhalation technique is essential for drug delivery 3
For optimal COPD management, Wixela may be considered as part of:
- Step-up therapy for patients with persistent symptoms despite LAMA or LABA monotherapy
- Initial therapy for patients with severe COPD and high exacerbation risk 3
In summary, Wixela Inhub provides a therapeutically equivalent generic option to Advair Diskus for patients with asthma and COPD, with comparable efficacy, safety, and performance characteristics.