Preliminary results from the SABINA (SABA use IN Asthma) program showed a lower proportion of SABA overuse in Italy compared to other European countries.

This study’s objective was to examine whether SABINA’s results might have been due to the Italian National Health System and pharmaceutical market dynamics.

SABA overuse is quite common among SABA users; the average number of SABA canisters purchased per year is four.

More than two SABA canisters/year was associated with a 30% higher likelihood of experiencing exacerbations.

Changes to national treatment guidelines should be encouraged to ensure successful implementation of the latest GINA recommendations.