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Drugs
Published in: Drugs 14/2015

01-09-2015 | Adis Drug Evaluation

Roflumilast: A Review in COPD

Author: Karly P. Garnock-Jones

Published in: Drugs | Issue 14/2015

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Abstract

Roflumilast (Daliresp®, Daxas®) is a selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that decreases systemic and pulmonary inflammation and improves disease symptoms in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This article reviews the pharmacological properties of roflumilast and its clinical efficacy and tolerability in patients with COPD. Roflumilast is an effective treatment in patients with moderate to severe COPD; it improves lung function and is generally associated with a lower risk of exacerbation, particularly in patients with more severe disease and/or chronic bronchitis, cough and sputum. It is generally well tolerated; the most common adverse event was diarrhoea. While associated with an increased risk of psychiatric adverse events and weight loss, roflumilast is not associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease and infection, and may decrease the risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Roflumilast is a useful addition to the treatment options for patients with COPD.
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Metadata
Title
Roflumilast: A Review in COPD
Author
Karly P. Garnock-Jones
Publication date
01-09-2015
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Drugs / Issue 14/2015
Print ISSN: 0012-6667
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1950
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-015-0463-1

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