Multi-dose dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are commonly used in asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) treatment. A disadvantage is their sensitivity to humidity. In real life, DPIs are periodically exposed to humid conditions, which may affect aerosol characteristics and lung deposition. This study compared DPI aerosol performance after exposure to humidity. Budesonide (BUD) inhalers (Turbuhaler; Novolizer; Easyhaler) and budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FORM) inhalers (Turbuhaler; Spiromax; Easyhaler) were stored in 75% relative humidity (RH) at both ambient temperature and at −0 °C. Delivered dose (DD) and fine-particle dose (FPD) were tested in vitro before and after storage. BUD inhalers: Turbuhaler and Novolizer showed only small decreases (<15%) in FPD in 40 °C/75% RH, whereas FPD for Easyhaler decreased by >60% (P=0.01) after 1.5 months of storage. Easyhaler also decreased significantly after 6 months of storage in ambient/75%RH by 25% and 54% for DD and FPD, respectively, whereas only small decreases were seen for Turbuhaler and Novolizer (<15%). BUD/FORM inhalers: Turbuhaler and Spiromax DD were unchanged in 40 °C/75% RH, whereas Easyhaler showed a small decrease. FPD (budesonide) decreased for Turbuhaler, Spiromax and Easyhaler by 18%, 10% and 68% (all significant), respectively, at 40 °C/75% RH. In ambient/75%RH, DD was unchanged for all inhalers, whereas FPD (budesonide) decreased for Spiromax (7%, P=0.02) and Easyhaler (34%, (P<0.01)). There are significant differences in device performance after exposure to humid conditions. A clinically relevant decrease of more than half FPD was seen for one of the inhalers, a decrease that may affect patients’ clinical outcomes. Prescriber and patient knowledge on device attributes are essential to ensure optimal drug delivery to the lungs.
We present an evaluation of the accuracy of an adherence monitoring add-on device (SmartTurbo v2.0, Nexus6 Limited, Auckland, New Zealand) designed to fit a commercial inhalation device (Turbuhaler®, dry powder inhaler, AstraZeneca). The evaluation has been based on simulated reallife placebo usage by 11 patients and carried out during a 12 day period. The simulated usage covered low and high inhalation patterns. Of the simulated total 2089 inhalation events 2073 were correctly detected and recorded on the devices' memory. The above indicated an overall accuracy of detection of 99.2%, including possible human errors from the testers. The results confirm that the tested add-on device could successfully be utilized in clinical trials as a reliable replacement of a patient diary report.
Flexhaler is a multiple-dose, inspiratory flow-driven dry powder inhaler that is a newer version of Turbuhaler, and is identical to the Symbicort Turbuhaler. Sustained performance is of the utmost importance to ensure consistent drug delivery throughout the lifespan of the inhaler. We report functionality testing results of Flexhaler inhalers used in two large-scale 12-week studies of budesonide (Pulmicort) and returned for testing. Functionality tests included measurement of airflow resistance and inspection of vital parts for the mechanical functionality of the inhaler, including visual inspection of the indicator wheel and function check of dose loading. In addition, delivered dose, particle size distribution, moisture content, and microbial counts were evaluated. Seven hundred sixteen out of 720 units were returned. Airflow resistance was not affected by the handling of the Flexhaler inhalers during use (prior to use, average airflow resistance: 67 Pa(0.5)*s*L(-1); returned inhalers: 66 and 67 Pa(0.5)*s*L(-1) in each study, respectively. The average dose delivered remained as intended after prolonged clinical use [95% (range 88 -103%) vs. reference of 99% (range 93-104%) before issue]. Relative fine particle dose ( <5 mum) after use was 107% (range 96-111%) of the reference value before issue. Moisture content in the inhaler desiccant was 3-25%, suggesting variability in storage conditions. Among the 28 inhalers randomly selected for microbiological testing there was no or very limited microbial growth. All 14 inhalers returned with functionality issues operated as intended and no reported functionality issues could be confirmed. Flexhaler inhalers operated as intended during these two clinical trials. These results should reassure both clinicians and patients with respect to the consistent quality of this unit for the delivery of dry powder formulations for inhalation.
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