AUSTRALIANS with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are using triple therapy are being urged to speak with their pharmacist to ensure it is still the right treatment for them.
The message comes off the back of a new report released by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, which shows that triple therapy prescriptions (the combination of inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting dual bronchodilators) for COPD in Australia have surged by 130% since 2015.
This is despite guidelines that triple therapy should be reserved for patients with severe COPD with frequent exacerbations and significant symptoms despite optimal dual therapy, and for those with co-existing asthma.
The Atlas Focus Report: COPD also found a 31% drop in spirometry testing rates between 2015-16 and 2022-23, despite the test being the gold standard for confirming a diagnosis of COPD.
The report states that without spirometry, patients are in danger of misdiagnosis and being prescribed medications that put them at unnecessary risk.
"We must refocus efforts to ensure people receive the right care, based on accurate diagnosis and best practice," said Medical Advisor for the Commission, Dr Lee Fong.
"Patients with COPD who are using triple therapy should check with their GP or pharmacist if it's still the best treatment for them."
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