Another Look at HFA Reliever Inhalers
Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 11:41PM Now that it has been more than a year since HFA reliever inhalers containing albuterol fully replaced generic and branded albuterol inhalers that contained Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), we can discuss some distinguishing features about the current available products.
Proventil HFA, the yellow inhaler, was one of the first of the newer fleet of inhalers to hit the market. It gets favorable marks for being senior to most of the inhalers of its class.
ProAir HFAis the red inhaler that delights doctors and patients because 200 doses are contained within the free samples as well as the prescription canisters. Furthermore, although not being much less expensive than some of the others, many insurances accept it as tier 2. When it first came on the scene it was on average, less expensive than the other albuterol inhalers. Recent reports indicate the gap has closed considerably (ProAir HFA, like many medications, has gone up in price). ProAir HFA, unlike all the others in this class, only requires 3 priming sprays whereas the others require 4.
Ventolin HFA, the blue inhaler, is the only one with a dose counter. I find this feature invaluable. Reliever inhalers are usually used as needed. How are patients supposed to keep up with how many doses have been used? There is no accurate way to tell without having a dose counter. Additionally, the makers of Ventolin HFA have a 64 dose canister that is less expensive than the 200 dose one. This means, those additional inhalers left at school or at grandmas, that never get even half used up before expiration no longer have to be tossed with so much medicine left inside. People with well controlled asthma would be better off with the 64 dose canister if they rarely need reliever inhalant.
Xopenex HFA, the light blue inhaler with the burgundy cap, is a more purified form of albuterol which has been associated with fewer complaints of jitteriness, tremor and palpitations. It requires more frequent priming depending on the frequency of use. Four priming sprays must be done if it has not been used in three or more days. Some insurance companies charge higher co-pays for this brand.
Maxair Autohaler, the big, light blue inhaler with a white tab, still contains albuterol with CFC. The makers of this inhaler have been given extra time to convert to HFA since they have a unique device (the inhaler kicks out the dose of inhalant after you begin to inhale, making it much easier to use correctly). You should re-prime this inhaler if it has not been used in more than 3 days. The good news is, it has 400 doses in the prescription inhalers (WOW!).
I posted an article on the new breed of HFA articles 2 years ago click on the title:
Okay, what are your thoughts on the above brands of reliever inhalers?