August 2007
How is your patients’ inhaler technique?
It is well known that poor inhaler technique is a common problem with both asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. In fact, it is estimated that only 1 in 5 patients use their inhaled medication correctly.1 Improper inhalation technique leaves medication in the mouth and throat. To be effective, medication must reach deep into the lungs.
The use of multiple respiratory prescriptions by one patient can be a cause for poor compliance and technique. Patients sometimes make the conscious decision to alter their asthma therapy program without consulting their healthcare provider because they feel it is too time consuming or inconvenient, regardless of how educated they may be about their medications or disease.1
Taking time during a patient consultation to ensure they feel comfortable with their medication and the required technique for effective drug delivery has been shown to help, although inhaler technique may begin to decline just two months after patient education.2
Products that help put the control back into the hands of the patient, reassuring them that inhalation is being performed correctly, can empower them which may help improve patient compliance and control.3
AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chamber (VHC) with Flow-Vu* Inspiratory Flow Indicator (IFI) has incorporated multiple feedback mechanisms to help the patient and caregivers achieve proper technique consistently without altering the characteristics of their aerosol medication. Patients are provided with the following feedback mechanisms:
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Flow-Vu* IFI allows caregivers to count patient breaths, ensure a good seal and coordinate actuation with inhalation
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Mask models feature the EZ Flow Exhalation Valve which offers low resistance to exhaled breath
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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
Continued research and innovative product ideas are why the AeroChamber* Brand has become the world-wide market leader in Valved Holding Chambers. With a full line of products designed specifically for each patient type and scientifically proven in over 300 in vivo and in vitro peer-reviewed articles – the AeroChamber* Brand of Valved Holding Chamber is the most recommended valved holding chamber in the world.
1P Barnes, J.C. Virchow, J.
Sanchis, T. Welte and S. Pedersen. Asthma management: important issues.
European Respiratory Review, 14(97):147-151 2Inhaled respiratory
medicines: optimising use in COPD. Veterans’ Medicines Advice and
Therapeutics Education Services. Therapeutic Brief 6 3GK
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
* Trade marks and registered trade marks of Trudell Medical International ©
Trudell Medical International 2007. All rights reserved.
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