The new bronchodilator for COPD (not asthma) was reviewed by The Medical Letter® in the April 30, 2012 issue.  I’ll include the news release from Novartis from last year. Indacaterol (Arcapta Neohaler) news release

 Once a medication has been on the market for one year, side effects usually show up and clinical effectiveness is more realistic.  Indacaterol (Arcapta Neohaler) did well:

• Once daily–yea!
• Dose is much lower in the US than in Europe
• Be careful with low potassium–may have to use potassium supplements
• Other side effects are similar to LABAs (long acting bronchodilators) including, but not limited to tremor, headache, nausea
• Cost is similar to other LABAs and much less than Perforomist™ or Brovana™
• Insurance coverage remains to be seen….new drug, less coverage.