e-Communications

Current Communications
Pharmacists ideally positioned to check inhaler technique
Many patients do not obtain all of the benefits from their inhaled medications because they do not use them correctly, and this can lead to poor asthma control.

Guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals repeatedly check their patient’s inhaler technique and provide training as required.

Pharmacists are in an ideal position to teach and check inhaler technique because they are the last healthcare providers to see patients before medication is dispensed and often have frequent contact with patients.
For full details, click here.
World COPD Day
According to the World Health Organization, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. It is estimated that one in 10 adults over the age of 40 may have COPD.

COPD is not a reversible condition, however, treatment can slow its progression. Inhaled long-acting bronchodilator medications are central to the symptomatic management of the disease.

There is a large choice of inhaler devices available for COPD patients. When prescribing a device it is important to prescribe a device that is easy to use.
For full details, click here.
Holiday Hours
Dates Customer Service order desk and Shipping/Receiving Departments will be closed:
December 26/11 – closed
December 27/11 – closed
December 30/11 – closed
Dates Customer Service order desk and Shipping/Receiving Departments will be open:
December 28/11 – open
December 29/11 – open
Regular business service resumes:
January 2/12 – open
For full details, click here.
Upcoming Events
Congress Pediatrie Pratique
Jan 27-28, 2011 - Paris, France

Alberta College of Family Physicians
February 23, 2012 - Banff, Alberta, Canada

For full details, click here.
AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber Just Got Better!
The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Anti-Static Valved Holding Chamber has been updated with the following enhancements:
  • Now Dishwasher Safe
  • Removable frontpiece - for improved cleaning efficiencies. Tamper resistant valve remains secure and protected
  • Improved transparency - clear body allows for visualization of aerosol plume; an important part of caregiver feedback
For full details, click here.
COUNTERFEIT WARNING
The Saudi Arabian Food and Drug Authority (Medical Devices Sector – Compliance and Enforcement Executive Department) has issued a warning regarding the existence of a counterfeit device found in that country.
For full details, click here.
The Most Important Advancement in Chamber Technology
Mom’s agree – the Flow-Vu* Inspiratory Flow Indicator is the most important advancement in Chamber Technology.

“Giving my daughter her asthma medication used to be very stressful – I never knew if she was getting her medicine. Now that I am using the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber I know she gets her medicine. I watch the breathing indicator move to ensure we have a good mask seal and then press the puffer when she inhales. Thank you for giving me peace of mind and for helping Katie to live a normal life." From: Alison, mother of asthmatic child
For full details, click here.
Be prepared for the September Spike
September is not only peak hurricane season but is also peak time for asthma exacerbations. Every year during the third week of September as children return to school, hospitalization rates for people with asthma skyrocket. The phenomenon occurs primarily in the Northern hemisphere and is commonly referred to as the “September Spike”.

Researchers believe that the cold virus is the main reason for the September Spike. However, other potential causes include: stress associated with returning to school, allergic triggers, pollution, and not taking preventer medication as prescribed in the summer. Recent research shows that the use of inhaled corticosteroids drops by 60% in the summer.
For full details, click here.
Prescribing the Most Appropriate Inhaler Device for Your Patient
There are over 230 different drug / device combinations for inhaled therapy for respiratory conditions available in Europe. This can make it difficult to know which device is most appropriate for your patient.

A task force from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM) have collaborated to develop a consensus statement which includes clear concise steps for healthcare providers when selecting the most appropriate aerosol delivery device for their patients.
For full details, click here.
Respiratory Drug Delivery - Poster Presentations
Trudell Medical International is pleased to have been a part of RDD Europe from May 3 – 6, 2011, in Berlin, Germany. In addition to being an exhibitor at the event, we presented four scientific posters which we have made available here.
For full details, click here.
news updates
Sign up to receive E-communications and Press Releases by email.
marketing [at] trudellmed [dot] com (Click Here).

Press Releases

Current Press Release
BPA Free
March 17, 2010
AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu*Chambers are Bisphenol A (BPA) Free
LONDON, Ontario: Trudell Medical International is pleased to announce that AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* anti-static Valved Holding Chambers are Bisphenol A Free. As always, the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chambers also remain free of Phthalates, Latex, Lead and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Trudell has recognized that consumers are beginning to voice their desire for more BPA Free products.  “As a developer of respiratory devices for a global market, it is critical that we proactively respond to any potential health concerns”, says Mark Pickard, Vice-President and General Manager of Trudell Medical International.
The innovations in the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chambers have been inspired by our users.  The product line features a number of enhancements such as the easier to see Flow-Vu* Indicator which is an important feedback tool for parents and caregivers to assure them that inhalation of the medication is performed correctly. The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chambers are more consumer friendly with a compact size for people on the go, visually appealing graphics and simplified user instructions. We believe that these innovations will continue to position the product as the global leader in the Valved Holding Chamber category.
AeroChamber* Valved Holding Chambers are the #1 Physician1 and Pharmacist2 recommended chambers in Canada.
About Valved Holding Chambers
Valved Holding Chambers are used along with a pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (also simply known as a ‘puffer’ or ‘inhaler’).  Aerosol inhalers are commonly prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath sometimes associated with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Typical aerosol inhalers deliver a dose of medication at speeds up to 8.4 meters per second.3 Understandably, users often find it difficult to time inhalation of the medication at just the right moment.  In fact, one study showed that only 9% of users were able to use the aerosol inhaler correctly.4 The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chambers contain and suspend the medication until the user is ready to inhale it.  Using AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with an inhaler helps to deliver the medication deep into the lungs where it is needed while minimizing potential for side effects such as bad taste and hoarseness.
About Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of a hard plastic called polycarbonate, which is often the basis of many plastic consumer products.  In addition, BPA containing epoxy resins are often used to line the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans.
BPA is an endocrine disruptor5, which can mimic the body’s own hormones and may be associated with negative health effects if the dosage is high.6   Researchers and regulatory agencies have expressed some concerns regarding Bisphenol A content in plastics.  Current findings indicate low health risks from exposure to BPA, but the scientific community has been unable to come to an agreement regarding appropriate safe levels for consumer products.
About Trudell Medical International
Based in London, Ontario, Trudell Medical International has a strong history of leadership in creating innovative aerosol drug delivery products that enhance the quality of life for people of all ages.  In addition to the AeroChamber Plus* Brand of Valved Holding Chamber, Trudell Medical International also develops and manufactures the AeroEclipse* II Breath Actuated Nebulizer and AeroCount* Dose Indicators.  For more information please visit www.trudellmed.com
Media Contact Information
Mark Pickard, Vice President & General Manager
Trudell Medical International
725 Third Street, London, ON, N5V 5G4
Phone: 519-455-4547 x 2201  Fax: 519-455-9053

* trade-mark or registered trade-mark of Trudell Medical International or an affiliate of Trudell Medical International
1 The Medical Post’s 2008 survey on OTC counselling and recommendations.
2 Drugstore Canada’s 2008 survey on OTC counselling and recommendations.
3 Hochrainer D, Hölz H, Kreher C, Scaffidi L, Spallek M, Wachtel H.  Comparison of the Aerosol Velocity and Spray Duration of Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler and Pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers.  J. Aerosol Med. Vol 18, Number 3, 2005: 273–282.
4 Plaza V, Sanchis J, CESEA Group. Medical Personnel and Patient Skill in the Use of Metered Dose Inhalers: A Multicentric Study. Respiration 1998; 65:195-198.
5 Okada H, Tokunaga T, Liu X, Takayanagi S, Matsushima A, Shimohigashi Y.  Direct evidence revealing structural elements essential for the high binding ability of Bisphenol A to human estrogen-related receptor-gamma.  Environ. Health Perspect.2008;116(1):32-38.  
6 Lang IA, Galloway TS, Scarlett A; et al. Association of urinary bisphenol A concentration with medical disorders and laboratory abnormalities in adults. JAMA. 2008;300(11): 1303-1310.
Previous Press Releases
Delivery of Aerosol Medication During a Phase 6 Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic Alert
June 2009 - According to the World Health Organization as of June 15, 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35,928 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths.  The WHO has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert to Phase 6.  Phase 6 calls for implementation of individual, societal and pharmaceutical measures to reduce the spread of disease.
The WHO Interim Guidelines Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory diseases in health care cite nebulization as a controversial/possible increase in risk of respiratory pathogen transmission. Trudell Medical International designs, manufactures and distributes devices used in the treatment of respiratory illness and diseases. Consider the importance of heeding the Precautionary Principle that was often cited by the Canadian SARS Commission in December 2006. The Precautionary Principle states that action to reduce risk need not await scientific certainty. As more information is learned regarding the transmission of influenza A (H1N1), consider the need to reduce risk whenever delivering aerosol medication.
For full details, click here.
HFA Transition Provides an Opportunity to Improve Aerobid† Inhaler
September 2008 - Trudell Medical International is pleased to announce the selection of the AeroCount* Dose Indicator for use with Forest’s proprietary product containing the active ingredient Flunisolide in a HFA formulation.
As the CFC to HFA transition deadline for pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers approaches, Flunisolide, an existing CFC based inhaled corticosteroid branded as Aerobid†, has been reformulated with a non-ozone depleting propellant to transition through the CFC phase out. A notable change in Forest’s Flunisolide HFA product will be the integration of the AeroCount* Dose Indicator to remind patients how much medication remains in their inhaler.
For full details, click here.
For kids with asthma, Back to School may also mean Back to the ER
September 2008 - Asthma is the most common respiratory disease in Canadian children.  Asthma is responsible for one-quarter of school absenteeism and is the leading cause of hospitalizations of children up to the age of 14.  Statistics show there is a 200% surge in hospital visits in the third week of September – commonly referred to as the September Spike epidemic.
September Spike is likely the result of viral infections spreading from child-to-child in the classroom, and then being transported home to other family members.  Children with asthma are at a higher risk of contracting respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, than the general population.  Having good asthma control for the entire year is one way of helping to minimize the effect of the September Spike epidemic.
For full details, click here.
 

Media

Media inquiries Journalists who want to speak to a company spokesperson should contact:
Mark PickardVice President & General ManagerTrudell Medical International
725 Third Street, London, Ontario, N5V 5G4
Phone: 519-455-4547, Extension 2201 
Fax: 519-455-9053
About Trudell Medical InternationalBased in London, Ontario, Trudell Medical International has a strong history of leadership in creating innovative aerosol drug delivery products that enhance the quality of life for people of all ages.  In addition to the AeroChamber* brand of Valved Holding Chamber, Trudell Medical International also develops and manufactures the AeroEclipse* II Breath Actuated Nebulizer and AeroCount* Dose Indicators.
Click here to view our Corporate Capabilities Overview.
About Valved Holding Chambers
Valved Holding Chambers are used along with a pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (also simply known as a ‘puffer’ or ‘inhaler’).  Aerosol inhalers are commonly prescribed to treat respiratory symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath sometimes associated with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Typical aerosol inhalers deliver a dose of medication at speeds up to 8.4 meters per second.1
Understandably, users often find it difficult to time inhalation of the medication at just the right moment.  In fact, one study showed that only 9% of users were able to use the aerosol inhaler correctly.2 The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chambers contain and suspend the medication until the user is ready to inhale it.  Using AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with an inhaler helps to deliver the medication deep into the lungs where it is needed while minimizing potential for side effects such as bad taste and hoarseness.
The Flow-Vu* Indicator provides important inspiratory feedback – and can only be found on AeroChamber* brand of chambers.  The Flow-Vu* Indicator helps to:
  • Confirm a good mask/mouthpiece seal to eliminate medication leakage
  • Count the number of breaths taken through the chamber
  • Find the right time to press the puffer at the start of inhalation to ensure medication reaches the deepest part of the lungs
  • Confirm that the patient is performing the inspiratory maneuver
By making it easier to confirm the proper use of your inhaler and chamber, the Flow-Vu* Indicator helps to get the medication to where it is needed – deep in the lungs.

1 Hochrainer D, Hölz H, Kreher C, Scaffidi L, Spallek M, Wachtel H.  Comparison of the Aerosol Velocity and Spray Duration of Respimat† Soft Mist† Inhaler and Pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers.  J. Aerosol Med. Vol 18, Number 3, 2005: 273–282.     2 Plaza V, Sanchis J, CESEA Group. Medical Personnel and Patient Skill in the Use of Metered Dose Inhalers: A Multicentric Study. Respiration 1998; 65:195-198.
 

Multimedia

Multi-Media Downloads
Why should I use a Chamber?This short animated video will help you understand what a Valved Holding Chamber does to help deliver your puffer medication deep into your lungs - where it is needed most!
 Video Length:  1:23 mins Download compressed media (24 MB)
How to use our Valved Holding Chambers with MouthpieceA short ‘How to Use’ video demonstrating the proper use of a puffer with our Valved Holding Chamber with mouthpiece.
Video Length:  1:03 mins
Download compressed media (21 MB)
How to use our Valved Holding Chambers with ComfortSeal* MaskA short ‘How to Use’ video demonstrating the proper use of a puffer with our Valved Holding Chamber with ComfortSeal* Mask.  Video Length:  1:11 mins
Download compressed media (19 MB)
How to Clean Your ChamberA short animated video demonstrating how to properly clean and care for our anti-static Valved Holding Chambers.Video Length:  1:23 mins
Download compressed media (19 MB)