Triple Therapy for COPD: Historical Perspective and Current Controversies
Jose L. López-Campos
Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Universidad de Sevilla; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES). Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
*Correspondence: Jose L. López-Campos, Email not available
Abstract
The use of a combination of three inhaled drugs has recently been established as the first choice for some patients in the algorithm for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this review, we aim to give an overview of the development that has led to the establishment of this treatment strategy, as well as to summarize the current challenges that its use presents in real life. Due to the benefits of open triple therapies, various combinations have been developed with a triple therapy effect in one single inhaler. The clinician should bear in mind the potential benefits of prescribing triple combinations, either escalating from double therapies or unifying open therapies into a triple therapy. Specifically, the role of single-inhaler triple therapy in the reduction of mortality risk deserves a thorough evaluation. Consequently, triple therapy should be used as part of the escalation of treatment as the disease progresses.
