Inhalers and nebulised solutions

New inhaler standards endorsed by RPS

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has endorsed a new set of inhaler standards developed by the UK Inhaler Group (UKIG) — a coalition of not-for-profit organisations and professional societies with a common interest in promoting the correct use of inhaled therapies. The standards have…

Patients need training to use inhalers properly, study finds

Ellipta inhaler device comes out on top in GSK-sponsored research comparing several types of inhaler devices and their misuse among COPD and asthma patients.…

Dangers with inappropriate use of long-acting beta agonists

Caution is required when prescribing or dispensing long-acting beta agonists to manage airways diseases, such as asthma.…

Industry-wide standard on inhaler colour needed, say experts

Asthma inhalers being produced in an “increasing array” of colours is unsafe and could put patients lives at risk, say researchers, who have called for an official colour-coding system to avoid confusion.…

Lung disease patients still don’t use inhalers properly

Data spanning 40 years show only 31% of patients with asthma or COPD use inhalers correctly, prompting calls for new approaches to education and drug delivery.…

How to help patients optimise their inhaler technique

Examining the impact of sub-optimal inhaler technique and how healthcare professionals can support patients in optimising their technique.…

Combining long-acting bronchodilators shows efficacy in COPD

Combining the long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) indacaterol plus long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) glycopyrronium is more effective than salmeterol plus fluticasone in preventing exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have a history of exacerbation durin…

Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD have neutral effect on mortality despite increased pneumonia risk

Use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia but a neutral or even reduced risk of pneumonia-associated and overall mortality.…

Osteoporosis drug shows promise as COPD treatment

Repurposing the bisphosphonate bone drug alendronate relieves symptoms of emphysema associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by targeting alveolar macrophages, according to a study in mice…