The COPD prescribing tools

These tools present pharmacological treatment options for patients with COPD based on their symptoms and exacerbation severity; the first tool is used for treatment initiation and the second tool is used for the escalation or de-escalation of treatment.

Previously, bpac^nz provided one tool for COPD treatment initiation and escalation or de-escalation. Following the release of new guidelines by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD 2020) and the Asthma + Respiratory Foundation NZ (NZ COPD guidelines 2021), the prescribing tool has been updated and now includes a second clinical resource to be used at follow-up, after medicines have been initiated.