Background/objectives: Environmentally friendly hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) pressurised metered-dose inhalers are currently being marketed to replace chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-driven devices. It is uncertain whether these new formulations with different properties are acceptable to patients. Similarly, switching a patient to a dry powder inhaler (DPI) carries the risk of non-acceptance.
Methods: One hundred patients with obstructive airway disease on regular CFC aerosol inhaler medication underwent a standardised, structured interview. During the interview patients were asked to use a new HFA aerosol inhaler and three DPIs in random order. Patients' notions were recorded.
Results: Most patients (96) agreed to change from their CFC to the HFA inhaler, of those, only 12 did so with some reservation. Properties (taste, user-friendliness, design) of the HFA inhaler were rated favourably. DPIs represented an acceptable alternative to aerosol inhalers. In fact, 57 patients preferred a DPI over the HFA inhaler. Not all powder devices were equally acceptable. Replacing the CFC inhaler with patients' preferred alternative devices resulted in a more than 3-fold increase in costs.
Conclusion: Concerns about the acceptability of reformulated CFC-free aerosol inhalers are ill founded. However, if given the choice, many patients prefer a DPI over the HFA inhaler. The transition offers an opportunity to review patients' current treatment and the proficiency of their inhaling technique. Moving to CFC-free inhalers will have revenue implications.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000063276 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Effects of flow lamination on aerosolized drug delivery through spatial barriers.
Int J Pharm
December 2024
SkinAxis LLC, Cedar Knolls, NJ, USA. Electronic address:
In this study we evaluated the effects of flow lamination on aerosol flow dynamics and deposition at the exit point in testing models with spatial barriers (narrowing or curving).We compared ModiFlow (MF) to an idealized Standard Spacer (SS) in their efficiency of delivery of aerosolized medication (fluticasone) across different types of spatial barriers. Fluticasone propionate HFA Inhaler from Prasco Labs 220 µg per actuation was used to deliver 1 spray in each test tube.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUse of metered dose inhalers for bronchodilator responsiveness testing: laboratory practices in Australia and opportunities for carbon footprint reduction.
BMJ Open Respir Res
December 2024
Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Background: Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are important devices for delivering inhaled medications; however, they have an outsized carbon footprint due to their propellant gas. Many short-acting beta-agonist inhalers contain HFA-134a which has a global warming potential >1000 fold higher than carbon dioxide. We aimed to determine the practices around MDI use and disposal within Australia's major lung function testing laboratories and identify the actions that most influence the carbon footprint of bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) testing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmaceutical, Clinical, and Regulatory Challenges of Reformulating Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers to Reduce Their Environmental Impact.
J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv
November 2024
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Article Synopsis
- Early pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants, which harmed the ozone layer, leading to their phase-out under the 1987 Montreal Protocol.
- Current pMDIs now use hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs), like HFA-134a, which do not deplete ozone but contribute to global warming, prompting a gradual reduction in their use.
- Instead of switching to dry powder inhalers (DPIs), which may not be suitable for all patients, an alternative is to reformulate pMDIs to use low-global warming potential propellants like HFA-152a, addressing environmental impact while considering patient
Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD): Update on Prevalence, Risk Factors, Pathogenesis, and Therapy.
Curr Rheumatol Rep
December 2024
Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Purpose Of Review: Rheumatoid arthritis is frequently complicated by interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), an underappreciated contributor to excess morbidity and mortality. The true prevalence of RA-ILD is difficult to define given the variability in diagnostic criteria used. The lack of standardized screening methods, an incomplete understanding of disease pathogenesis, and dearth of validated biomarkers have limited the development of controlled clinical trials for this disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!