New CFC-Free MDI Uses Corticosteroid Dry Powder

February 23, 1998
Since the EPA called to phase out MDIs using CFCs, the AARC has been concerned about availability of similar CFC-free products for asthma patients. We have recently become aware that a new CFC-free inhaler is now available.

Developed by Astra USA, the Pulmicort Turbuhaler® uses an inhalation-driven system to deliver medication. Astra USA says it is the first corticosteroid dry powder inhaler for asthma available in the United States. The product delivers medication to the lungs when the patient closes his or her lips around the mouthpiece and breathes in. It requires no coordination between inhaling and activating the device as many inhalers do.

Clinical trials involving 273 patients showed the Pulmicort Turbuhaler® effective in reducing chronic airway inflammation. Patients using 200 mcg of the product twice daily over 12 weeks were able to reduce their use of beta-2 agonist by 50 percent and their nighttime symptoms improved by 50 percent.

Adverse effects with the product at 200 mcg twice daily, 400 mcg twice daily, 800 mcg twice daily and with a placebo were as follows, respectively: respiratory infection--20 percent, 24 percent, 19 percent, 17 percent; headache--14 percent, 13 percent, 14 percent, seven percent; oral candidiasis--two percent, four percent, four percent, two percent; dysphonia--one percent, two percent, six percent, zero percent; and pharyngitis--10 percent, nine percent, five percent, nine percent.

---