From the Guidelines
Wixela inhaler is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing inflammation and relaxing airway muscles to improve breathing. The medication contains two active ingredients: fluticasone propionate (an inhaled corticosteroid) and salmeterol (a long-acting beta-agonist) 1. According to the guidelines, inhaled corticosteroids are the most potent and consistently effective long-term control medication for asthma, and long-acting beta2 agonists are used as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroid therapy for providing long-term control of symptoms 1.
Key Points
- Wixela is typically prescribed for patients whose asthma is not well-controlled on other medications or for those with moderate to severe COPD 1.
- The medication comes in three strengths (100/50,250/50, and 500/50 mcg) and is usually taken as one inhalation twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
- It's essential to note that Wixela is not a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms but rather a maintenance treatment to prevent symptoms.
- Patients should rinse their mouth after use to prevent thrush, and the medication should not be stopped suddenly without medical guidance 1.
Treatment Benefits
The combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in Wixela has been shown to reduce deaths in relative terms compared with placebo and inhaled corticosteroids alone 1. Additionally, pulmonary rehabilitation improved health status and dyspnea but not walking distance 1.
Important Considerations
- Long-acting inhaled therapies, supplemental oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation are beneficial in adults who have bothersome respiratory symptoms, especially dyspnea, and FEV1 less than 60% predicted 1.
- Treatment adherence, adverse effects, and effectiveness may differ among clinical settings 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Wixela Inhub® is used for asthma and COPD as follows: Asthma: o Wixela Inhub® is a prescription medicine used to control symptoms of asthma and to prevent symptoms such as wheezing in adults and children aged 4 years and older. COPD: Wixela Inhub® 250/50 is a prescription medicine used to treat COPD. COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both
The Wixela inhaler is used to treat two main conditions:
- Asthma: to control symptoms and prevent wheezing in adults and children aged 4 years and older
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): to treat COPD, a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both 2
From the Research
Conditions Treated by Wixela Inhaler
The Wixela inhaler, which contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, is used to treat the following conditions:
- Asthma: The inhaler is used for patients with asthma whose symptoms are not controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone 3.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): The inhaler is used for patients with COPD who are at a high risk for exacerbations 3, 4.
Treatment Mechanism
The combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in the Wixela inhaler provides both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, which can help improve lung function and reduce symptoms in patients with asthma and COPD 4.
Comparison with Other Treatments
Other studies have investigated the use of similar combination inhalers, such as fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, for the treatment of COPD and asthma 5, 6, 7. However, the Wixela inhaler is a generic equivalent of Advair Diskus, which contains the same active ingredients, fluticasone propionate and salmeterol 3.