Drugs for pulmonary disease will be available in SUS

Since the publication of an ordinance of the Ministry of Health on Wednesday (26), patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will have access to medicines to treat symptoms of the disease. The Ministry of Health will incorporate the Unified Health System (SUS) medications budesonide, beclomethasone (inhaled corticosteroids), fenoterol, sabutamol, formoterol and salmeterol (bronchodilators).

After the publication of the ordinance, the public health system will have 180 days to start offering the products to the population.

Currently, the mergers are already available in SUS for other purposes such as the treatment of asthma. Now, they may also be indicated for COPD, which affects the lungs and affects mainly ex-smokers. Two of beclomethasone and sabutamol are already offered with up to 90% off at People's Pharmacy program for treatment of mild and moderate asthma.

They can be found in 557 own stores around the country and even in about 20 thousand pharmacies, conveniadas the program.

COPD is a common disease that affects a large portion of the Brazilians. The measure would improve the quality of life of patients and contribute to the economy in the finances of families, said Health Minister Alexandre Padilha.

Also included in the list of other mergers care lines to treat the disease, such as influenza vaccine, the home oxygen therapy and diagnostic testing for Alpha-1 deficiency (characterized by very low levels in the blood or missing a protein produced by liver). Related to smoking and passive exposure to smoke, dust and pollution, COPD causes shortness of breath, muscle fatigue and respiratory failure. Its prevalence is especially true in adults older than 40 years (15.8%) and is considered one of the leading causes of mortality in the country.

• Tweet