Teva Discontinuing Digihaler Line of Inhalers

Who #1: 

The Drug manufacturer Teva 

Who #2: 

Patients with asthma and their care providers who could benefit from integrated digital monitoring and feedback of their inhalers.  

What: 

Teva is discontinuing its Digihaler line of inhalers even though clinical trials showed improved asthma control with Digihalers dry powder inhalers (DPI) compared to other inhalers. Digihalers had built-in sensors that tracked medication use and inhaler technique. Data could be shared with healthcare providers to improve adherence and asthma control.

Why: 

Digihalers were more expensive and were not widely adopted and reimbursed by insurance companies.

When: 

Teva discontinued ProAir DPI Digihaler (albuterol sulfate), AirDuo Digihaler (fluticasone and salmeterol), and ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) on June 1, 2024. Teva stated that its non-digital RespiClick DPI devices delivering ProAir and AirDuo will remain available.

The COPD 101 Library

 The COPD Foundation has expanded its excellent COPD 101 Library again. It is an excellent overview of key clinical concepts for COPD & Genetic COPD, including risk factors, epidemiology, screening and diagnostics, and treatment strategies. This presentation can be a starting point for anyone new to COPD or seeking to improve overall care. Patient education materials, created specifically to assist clear communication of disease management concepts, are also included to help optimize therapy plans.

COPD 101 is available on the site below and is in Basic PDF, Enhanced PDF (including speaker notes), and Full PowerPoint (presentation-ready) formats.  

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Healthcare-Provider/The-101-Library.aspx

Reducing Price of Inhaled Drugs

 Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca and Glaxo Smith Kline have  announced that they will begin limiting out-of-pocket costs for inhalers for eligible patients to $35/month. 

This program will start on June 1, 2024 at retail pharmacies. This price cap does not apply to government-sponsored health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits.

TECHNOLOGY IS NOTHING.

'TECHNOLOGY IS NOTHING.
WHAT'S IMPORTANT IS THAT YOU HAVE A FAITH IN PEOPLE, THAT THEY-RE BASICALLY GOOD AND SMART, AND IF YOU GIVE THEM TOOLS, THEY'LL DO WONDERFUL THINGS WITH THEM.'

- STEVE JOBS

 

Celebrating Respiratory Care Week 2023

Do few things, but do them well

 “Do few things, but do them well. 

Simple joys are holy.”

— St. Francis of Assisi

Cross Reactions

 If you have asthma or COPD with asthma, do not assume a “Natural” label means it’s a natural fit for you.

Consider: A, B, C, D & C, D, E

If you are Latex sensitive or allergic consider avoiding eating/drinking: 

Avocados

Bananas

Chestnuts

Deliciosa Actinidia (kiwifruit) 

If you are Ragweed sensitive or allergic consider avoiding eating/drinking:

Chamomile, 

Dandelion Daisy 

Echinacea

Cross Reactions to certain foods can occur because they share similar structures that the body mistakenly recognizes as the allergens.

Speak to your allergist or healthcare provider about other specific cross reactions.