About Alvesco®
Alvesco
® (ciclesonide) is a novel inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for the treatment of persistent asthma. Alvesco
® is administered as a prodrug and possesses a
unique pharmacological profile. Activated in the respiratory tract, Alvesco
® controls the underlying cause of asthma - airway inflammation (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Alvesco® treats the underlying chronic inflammation associated with asthma
Airway inflammation in the small airways has emerged as an important factor in the pathogenesis of asthma1. Formulated as a solution and delivered via the familiar metered-dose inhaler (MDI) using a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant, Alvesco® reaches both the large and small airways.2 Alvesco® improves pulmonary function as well as reduces asthma symptoms, the number of exacerbations and the need for rescue medication.3,4 For further information as to which patients would benefit most from treating small airways with Alvesco®, please see our Patient profiles section.
Two different inhalers are available: the Alvesco® 80 Inhaler delivers 80 micrograms (µg) of ciclesonide and the Alvesco® 160 Inhaler delivers 160µg of ciclesonide with each actuation (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Two different Alvesco® inhalers are available
Please refer to the section on Prescribing Alvesco® for more information on Alvesco®’s approved indication and dosing guidelines.
References:
- Berger WE, Kerwin E, Bernstein DI, et al. Efficacy and safety evaluation of ciclesonide in subjects with mild-to-moderate asthma not currently using inhaled corticosteroids. Allergy Asthma Proc 2009;30:304-314
- O'Connor BJ, Kilfeather S, Cheung D, et al. Efficacy and long-term safety of ciclesonide in patients with severe asthma: a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study with long-term (1-year) follow-up. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2010;11:2791-2803
- Contoli M, Bousquet J, Fabbri LM, et al. The small airways and distal lung compartment in asthma and COPD: a time for reappraisal. Allergy 2010;65:141-151
- Newman S, Salmon A, Nave R, et al. High lung deposition of 99mTc-labeled ciclesonide administered via HFA-MDI to patients with asthma. Respir Med 2006;100:375-384