At randomization, current ICS were stopped and the patients were randomized to receive ciclesonide delivered via HFA-MDI at 640 |j,g/d (CIC640; 80 ^g X four puffs bid); ciclesonide delivered via HFA-MDI at 1,280 |xg/d (CIC1280; 160 |xg X four puffs bid); or placebo (all received at 8 am and 8 pm). During each of the […]
Prior to randomization, during the screening period, the lowest effective dose of oral prednisone was established for each patient. This was determined in one of two ways: (1) a documented history verifying failed attempts at prednisone dose reduction within 2 months prior to screening/baseline; such patients were considered to be currently on their lowest effective […]
Taken together, these data suggest that ciclesonide, with its favorable therapeutic profile, may be a suitable OCS-sparing therapy. We report here the results of a placebo-controlled study examining the efficacy of ciclesonide administered twice daily in reducing the use of the OCS prednisone in patients with severe, persistent asthma. The effects on HPA-axis function and […]
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective agents for controlling persistent asthma. However, in very severe cases and during exacerbations, oral corticosteroids (OCS) are necessary. As systemic adverse events (AEs) are associated with OCS use, oral steroid-sparing strategies are employed and have been demonstrated with ICS such as be-clomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, and fluticasone propionate in […]