The propellant in the new Advair HFA inhaler appears not to be under as much pressure as in the old inhalers. Would a spacer be effective at all with the new HFA inhalers?
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Q: The new HFA Advair inhalers do not appear to recommend the use of a spacer with it. Should we?
Answers (7)
9/17/08 12:01am
Hi Lesley,
The reason for using a spacer is to give the user time to inhale the medicine correctly. Although the HFA inhalers may not be propelled as forcerfully as the old CFC versions, a spacer can still be useful, especially for children or anyone else who has trouble initiating correct technique of the inhaler. So, I would say it's up to you whether to use a spacer or not.
To your health,
Kathi
9/18/08 4:32pm
no
9/18/08 10:36pm
I don't know the answer to the question but I do have a question. It is : Is there any way I can get help with the cost of the asthma products?
I am looking at running out of money and am looking for a job but in the mean time I am having money problems. Too much month left at the end of my money. I am also looking at not taking the medicine as often as required or not at all.
Sincerely,
Katharine
9/18/08 11:22pm
yes
9/18/08 11:41pm
yes
9/18/08 11:51pm
I wouldn't think so , if the amount of propellant in the inhaler as under less pressure, how is it going to be as effective as the old inhalers. The diskus was the greatest thing around, why did they replace it.
And I wish someone would instruct people as to how many doses are in these inhalers. Even though it says how many metered doses there are....It feels like there is still some in there and you would be surpriised how some people are not using them properly.
Or how many people never heard of the spacers to begin with. Dr.'s don't always prescribe them to go with the inhalers. And if you are going to use the old time inhaler, you are propelling steroid medication into your throat , and for safety sake, shouldn't you be required to use one?
8/ 6/10 4:29pm
I am currently on the Advair diskus and I think it is the worst thing on the planet and have since called my pulmonologist (i am asthmatic) and he changed it to the Advair HFA with a spacer. Plus I take the Spiriva as well. Anything that is dispensing a corticosteroid in powder form in your mouth with that horrible design is not good. My tongue looks like a war zone - I've tried the swish & swallow nystatin, the mycelex troches, rinsing like instructed and nothing worked with this stupid diskus. I am so glad i am going to try the HFA - it has to be easier on the mouth than this diskus. I even complained to Blaxo-klein who makes the Advair that the diskus has too high a risk of mouth sores and thrush more so than the HFA.
10/ 6/08 11:07pm
My son's allergist definitely says to continue using a spacer with the new HFA inhalers. We recently asked him if my 13 year old son can carry only an albuterol HFA inhaler without a spacer, as the inhaler (but not the spacer) fits in his pants pocket. The doctor said, "no, never use an (HFA) inhaler without a spacer." My son has used Advair HFA & been told to use it with the spacer.
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By Lesley J. Mortimer— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 09/16/08
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Advair diskus average particle size of Fluticasone is over 6 microns but in HFA the particle size is less than 3 microns. To enter peripheral airways particle size should be less than 5 microns. Advair HFA allows for better deposition in distal airways compared with Advair Diskus. Peripheral airway inflammation needs to be addressed to control asthma and have adequate lung function.