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SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2007
August 17, 2007
Safety of fluticasone furoate nasal spray
Summary
Background - Fluticasone furoate (Ff) is a new corticosteroid preparation for intranasal and inhaled use that is thought to be more effective than the presently used fluticasone propionate (Fp). This enhanced effect is thought to be due to greater binding of Ff than Fp to corticosteroid receptors in tissues. But what about the safety of Ff treatment?
Findings - Rosenblut et al of the Hospital Dr. Sotero del Rio in Santiago, Chile compared effects of Ff, 110 mcg/day vs placebo in 806 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
After one year of such treatment, there were no differences in adverse effects between Ff and placebo treatment except for an increased frequency of epistaxis in the Ff group. There were no differences in mean ophthalmic exam findings and 24 hour urinary cortisol levels. Ff was not detected in the plasma of those treated with Ff.
Reference
Allergy 2007;62:1071-7
Editor's Comments
The increased incidence of epistaxis in subjects treated with Ff is not surprising since epistaxis is fairly common during chronic therapy with Fp. Although there does not appear to be systemic adverse effects of Ff therapy for 12 months, this report does not specify whether the Ff dose chosen actually improved the pre-existent PAR significantly.
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