Two recent international studies show that the asthma medicine SINGULAIR^TM (montelukast sodium) provided superior control of inflammation in adults and children with asthma.

IMPACT was the largest and longest-running trial to compare SINGULAIR combined with Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS).  This international study showed that SINGULAIR provided better control of inflammation compared with a long-acting beta agonist and ICS.

 

“Currently, patients with asthma who are symptomatic on inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) alone are usually prescribed long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) or increased doses of steroids to achieve optimal asthma control,"  said Leif Bjermer, M.D, lead investigator of the study and Professor at the Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. “ This study shows that montelukast added to ICS was at least as effective as a LABA plus ICS, with better control of inflammation. Therefore, montelukast is an important alternative for combination therapy with ICS for mild to moderate patients.”

 

PREVIA was a large-scale worldwide study which showed SINGULAIR is an effective treatment for children whose asthma attacks are triggered by the common cold.1

 

Upper respiratory infections, which are usually caused by viruses and referred to as the common cold, are the most frequent triggers of asthma attacks in the paediatric population. 2

           

“This is the first time a treatment option for asthma has been proven to be effective at reducing childhood asthma attacks brought on by the common cold,” said Professor Hans Bisgaard, of the Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, and the PREVIA (PREvention of Virally Induced Asthma) study’s lead investigator.  “The PREVIA results are important because they provide data to support a new option for treating this type of asthma attack.  Currently, these children are commonly treated with older asthma medications, such as steroid inhalers and/or bronchodilators, which have not been shown to be consistently effective in reducing these attacks.”

 

Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, affecting 8 to 13 percent of children, with an increasing prevalence in children under 5 years old.3 Viruses that cause the common cold and respiratory infections account for up to 85 percent of childhood asthma attacks.4

SINGULAIR^TM (montelukast, MSD) belongs to a new class of asthma medicines, called leukotriene receptor antagonists.  Taken as a once-a-day tablet, Singulair is a steroid-free preventer-type medicine which helps control asthma in adults and children.  (Asthma is usually managed with a combination of steroids and other inhaler medications).

While it may not completely eliminate the need for ‘prevention’ and ‘reliever’ inhalation devices, Singulair can dramatically reduce their use in many patients.  

Asthma sufferers wishing to try SINGULAIR can obtain a free one month sample from their doctor.   Call Merck Sharp & Dohme on 0800 500 673 to obtain a voucher.

1. PREVIA manuscript draft page 10 “Efficacy”
2. Johnston SL, Pattemore PK, Sanderson G, et al. Community study of role of viral infections in exacerbations of asthma in 9-11 year old children. BMJ. 1995;310:1225–1229.
3. Mannino DM, Homa D, Pertowski C, et al. Surveillance for Asthma – United States, 1960-1995 In: CDC Surveillance Summaries, April 24, 1998. MMWR 1998;47(No. SS1): 1–30. Also: PREVIA manuscript draft and WHHM Data on File 9/22/03.
4. Johnston SL, Pattemore PK, Sanderson G, et al. Community study of role of viral infections in exacerbations of asthma in 9-11 year old children. BMJ. 1995;310:1225–1229.

SINGULAIR^TM is a trademark of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE USING SINGULAIR (montelukast sodium) 5 mg chewable tablet & 10 mg tablet:
SINGULAIR is indicated in adult and paediatric patients for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma, including the prevention of day- and night-time symptoms and the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm, and for the relief of daytime and night-time symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. SINGULAIR should not be taken in patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction. SINGULAIR should not be used to treat acute asthma attacks. Inhaled or oral corticosteroids if appropriate should be reduced gradually. Common side effects are: abdominal pain, headache and thirst. SINGULAIR is a private purchase prescription only medicine that the patient will need to pay for. Price may vary across different pharmacies. Consult your doctor to see if SINGULAIR is right for you, a normal doctors visit fee will usually apply. Use only as directed and if symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Marketed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland. For detailed prescribing information, consult the data sheet or consumer medicine information phone 0800 500 673 or refer to the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz . [MPI-SGA-2]

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11-05-GEN-03-NZ-4253-O

TAPS NA8597

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