Inhaled corticosteroids with long acting beta-2 agonists for treating asthma

Published on 08 Feb 2023
Last Updated on 08 Feb 2023

Guidance Recommendations

The Ministry of Health's Drug Advisory Committee has recommended the following inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta₂ agonist (ICS/LABA) inhalers for inclusion on the MOH Standard Drug List (SDL) for treating asthma in view of acceptable clinical and cost-effectiveness:

• Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (Relvar Ellipta) 100/25 mcg (30 inhalations) and 200/25 mcg (30 inhalations) inhalation powder;

• Budesonide/formoterol (DuoResp Spiromax) 160/4.5 mcg (120 inhalations) and 320/9 mcg (60 inhalations) inhalation powder.

The Committee has also recommended the following ICS/LABA inhalers for retention on the MOH SDL, in view of acceptable proposals from the companies:

• Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (Seretide Accuhaler) 100/50 mcg (60 inhalations), 250/50 mcg (60 inhalations), 500/50 mcg (60 inhalations) inhalation powder;

• Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (Seretide Accuhaler) 100/50 mcg (60 inhalations), 250/50 mcg (60 inhalations), 500/50 mcg (60 inhalations) inhalation powder;

• Budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort Turbuhaler) 160/4.5 mcg (120 inhalations) inhalation powder

• Budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort Rapihaler) 80/2.25 mcg (120 inhalations), 160/4.5 mcg (120 inhalations) inhalation aerosol.

Of note, Symbicort Turbuhaler 80/4.5 mcg, 320/9 mcg and Symbicort Rapihaler 80/4.5 mcg will be delisted with effect from 1 August 2023 due to discontinuation by the company.

The subsidy class and subsidy implementation dates (if applicable) for all ICS/LABA inhalers are provided in the Annex.

Inhaled corticosteroids with long acting beta2 agonists for treating asthma (Published 8 Feb 2023) [PDF, 175 KB]