Breath-Actuated Aerosol for Asthma Maintenance Launches

Teva Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of the first and only breath-actuated inhaled corticosteroid in the United States designed to help eliminate the need for hand-breath coordination, according to the company press release.

Beclomethasone dipropionate HFA (QVAR RediHaler) inhalation aerosol is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma as a prophylactic therapy in patients 4 years of age and older. It is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

QVAR RediHaler is now commercially available to patients by prescription in 40 mcg and 80 mcg strengths. It administers the same active ingredient found in the previously available QVAR inhalation aerosol, but now delivers the medication via a breath-actuated inhaler, eliminating the need for hand-breath coordination during inhalation. The product is also readily available for use, with no shaking or priming needed.

“When it comes to the treatment of asthma, proper inhaler technique remains a critical issue for patients,” Warner W. Carr, MD, Associate Medical Director of Southern California Research at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Southern California Medical Group, said in a press release. “In fact, nearly 68% of patients do not use their metered dose inhalers well enough to benefit from the prescribed medication, leading to potentially uncontrolled asthma symptoms.”

Because the medication delivery is breath actuated, it should not be used with a space or volume holding chamber.

With the launch of QVAR RediHaler, Teva is discontinuing sales of the previously available QVAR.

Reference

Teva Announces U.S. Launch of QVAR® RediHaler™ (Beclomethasone Dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol [news release]. Teva’s website. http://www.tevapharm.com/news/teva_announces_u_s_launch_of_qvar_redihaler_beclomethasone_dipropionate_hfa_inhalation_aerosol_02_18.aspx. Accessed February 14, 2018.