Clean Inhaler Devices

[larrynz]

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation welcomes Pharmac's decision to continue to offer New Zealand asthma patients a choice of asthma relievers but warns that many New Zealanders may not have their condition under control because they are not cleaning their inhaler devices.

Foundation Executive Director, Jane Patterson said: `While the Foundation supports having as wide a choice of asthma medications as practicable, we are concerned that recent events suggest that many New Zealand asthma patients have not been cleaning their inhaler devices as recommended by the manufacturers. All salbutamol and other CFC-free inhalers should be regularly washed so that they can deliver the optimum dose of medicine. It appears that in some cases for years patients have not been washing their inhalers, which would contribute to the incidence of uncontrolled asthma.’

[the bear]

Hi larrynz; Was thinking of this post when I wrote about a new surgical procedure being done in St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. It is called bronchial thermoplasty and consists of three one hour long outpatient type operations. If you want any more info just e-mail me at [e-mail] as ever bear See the Thursday column.

[larrynz]

Barry I posted about thermoplasy under 'COPD questions' it is interesting.
Back to clean devices, when I came across that item it reminded me that the 'handi haler' I use with spireva does get neglected, it should be washed monthly at least. Compare it with a spray gun, it only gives good results when the nozzle is clean.

[filcab]

Hi Larry,

Great to hear from old friends!

It's interesting that you should mention your Spiriva Handi-haler. A lot of people complain about their capsule not vibrating and I believe most of the time the problem is in the handi-haler. When I get hold of a good one now, I keep it for as long as I can. I had a bunch of extras and finally dumped them! I have a couple of new ones just in case, but I'll use the one I have 'till it dies a slow death.

Phil

[the bear]

Hi all; My spiriva comes packed with three capsule holders and a handi haler. The three packages contain 10 capsules. So after thirty days I get a new one and just recycle the old handihaler.

After a bout with thrush, a fungus in my throat, I am a lot more aware of oral hygiene and rinse and gargle after every use of spiriva and the advair. As ever, bear.

[larrynz]

The odd thing in NZ is the prescription covers the drug but not the handyhaler , you have to buy it separate. I guess the chemist has to make a profit somewhere .

[cheryl]

How often should you clean the handi-haler - I get a months supply of capsules with a new handi-haler in the package. Should I be cleaning this or am I o.k. using it for the month??

- I now see Larry's post above - once a month cleaning - thanks all -

[maryaz]

I hope I won't be doubling up on anything here. I have not followed all the topics. This one interest me because I am finding out that the new HFA inhalers have a variety of instructions.

You discussed Spiriva. I am in the US. If I order in the USA I get a one month supply and a handihaler. I used to use it for a month and dump it. Exception is what Phil posted about a good one.

I buy mine out of the country at ADC and it generally has one rotahaler with the order. This particular 'haler' is obvious when needs cleaned just like a nebulizer looks. Gosh, I didn't know Sprivia sold without an inhaler. Guess all countries are different. Sorry Larry!

I am not sure where Canada is at with the new inhalers like albuterol, or even if you are doing it. The old ones are not around much and I have learned that the instructions for cleaning, priming and using can be different. Some don't need primed after sitting a few day like my old ones. There is one out that needs thrown away after 2 months if not used.

I just want to post this to caution everyone to read the instructions if you get any kind of new inhaler. Even if the same medicine but just a knew method of delivery or propellant. It seems the ProAir for one can plug up the holes and they suggest it be cleaned weekly and dried overnight.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I can't comment on some of the meds .....BUT....one of mine is Spiriva (I too didn't know it was sold elsewhere w/o the inhaler)....anyway. ....I'm bad.... I don't always throw out the old one when I open a new one. Gotta say though.....the old one does seem "duller" after a 2nd month with the piercer thingies.

I've heard meds like Atrovent and Ventolin are supposed to be "vented or squirted" (sorry; don't know what to call it) periodically if they've not been used.
The "Tiova" from ADC....I have on hand and as soon as my world settles down a bit I'm gonna give it a whirl (in lieu of Spiriva) I'll be interested to see if I can "see" when it needs cleaning....