December 2007
To view the Wieshammer abstract, click here.
The Misuse of Dry Powder Inhalers in Patients with Asthma and COPD
The use of Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) has increased substantially in the past few years. DPIs are breath-activated devices which deliver a pre-determined dose of medication in a very fine powder. Recent evidence shows that 1 in 3 people were using their DPI incorrectly, a number that jumps to over 60% in patients with severe airflow obstruction.1
Studies have already noted that patient technique may begin to decline just two months after patient education2, and Wieshammer et al note that technique should be revisited at every visit – especially in the case of compromised or elderly patients. They also recommend switching patients back to pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDI) with spacer if they consistently demonstrate the inability to take their medication effectively.
Helping patients understand the importance of good technique on effective medication delivery is critical to disease management. Devices that remove the potential for human error, such as the AeroChamber Plus* VHC with Flow-Vu* Inspiratory Flow Indicator (IFI) provide visual and audible feedback mechanisms that confirm when inhalation is being performed correctly. This may provide the patient with the encouragement to garner better compliance and control.3
The AeroChamber Plus* VHC with Flow-Vu* IFI has been carefully designed to include a number of features that promote consistent medication delivery, such as:
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Flow-Vu* Indicator allows caregivers to count patient breaths, ensure a good facemask seal and coordinate actuation with inhalation
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EZ Flow Exhalation Valve allows the mask to remain on the patient to ensure ambient air is minimized
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FlowSignal* Whistle (on adult products) provides audible feedback when the patient is inhaling too quickly
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Transparent Shatter Resistant Chamber provides visual assurance that all of the medication is being delivered
Since 1922, Trudell Medical International*
has established a history of innovation, developing ground-breaking new
products that enhance aerosol drug delivery designed to improve the quality
of life for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients
worldwide. For more information about Trudell Medical International and our
products, please visit our website - www.trudellmed.com
1 Wieshammer
S, Dreyhaupt J, Offenburg K. Dry Powder Inhalers in Asthma and COPD:
Which Factors Determine the Frequency of Handling Errors? A Study of
Aerolizer, Discus, Handihaler and Turbohaler. Chest 132(4): 2007
Supplement. 2 Inhaled respiratory medicines: optimising use
in COPD. Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education
Services. Therapeutic Brief 6 3 GK Crompton, PJ Barnes, M
Broeders, C Corrigan, L Corbetta, R Dekhuijzen, JC Dubus, A Magnan, F
Massone, J Sanchis, JL Veijo and T Voshaar. The need to improve
inhalation technique in Europe: A report from the Aerosol Drug Management
Improvement Team. Respir Med. 2006; 100:1479-1494
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registered trade marks of Trudell Medical International © Trudell Medical
International 2007. All rights reserved.
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