Helixtalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College Of Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, we highlight important changes to the 2023 GOLD Guidelines for COPD. In particular, we discuss a revision to the GOLD group classification system and the preferred initial therapies in patients with COPD. Key Concepts The newest GOLD COPD guidelines now recognize three GOLD groups – “A”, “B”, and “E”. Group “E” (formerly groups C and D) are patients with frequent exacerbations (defined as 2 or more in the past 12 months or 1 exacerbation requiring hospitalization). For group “E” patients, the preferred initial inhaler regimen is a LABA+LAMA. Triple therapy (LABA+LAMA+ICS) can be considered if blood eosinophils are elevated. “Triple therapy” (LABA+LAMA+ICS) has gained traction based on the IMPACT and ETHOS trials – this regimen reduced exacerbations and mortality compared to LABA+LAMA and LABA+ICS. With an exploding market of new COPD inhalers, the role of the pharmacist is even more critical to help identify affordable medications and provide patient education for proper inhaler technique.