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How Does the CFC-to-HFA Transition Impact Your Patients?
In spite of all of the news regarding removing albuterol-containing CFC metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) from the marketplace, there may still be some patients who continue to rely on their CFC inhalers. It’s important to identify these patients and help them consider transitioning to an HFA MDI or other medication by securing a replacement prescription.
Patients may be hesitant to move to a different product because of concerns such as:
- Comfort with present medication, effectiveness, and financial coverage
To lessen the impact on your patients, you may want to discuss the following facts with them:
- XOPENEX HFA is a safe and effective choice to control asthma symptoms1,2
- XOPENEX HFA is well tolerated1,3
- Proven in 3 pivotal trials
Plus, let your patients know that:
- Supplies of CFC MDIs are diminishing4
- There are no generic albuterol HFA MDIs5
- Managed care coverage is similar for all HFA MDIs6
During this ongoing transition, consider XOPENEX HFA—one of the available FDA-approved choices for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.
Click here for XOPENEX HFA Important Safety Information.
References:
1. Berger WE, Milgrom H, Skoner DP, et al. Evaluation of levalbuterol metered dose inhaler in pediatric patients with asthma: a double-blind, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled trial. Curr Med Res Opin. 2006;22 (6):1217-1226.
2. Data on file, Sepracor Inc.
3. XOPENEX HFA Inhalation Aerosol prescribing information.
4. US Food and Drug Administration. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Questions and answers on final rule of albuterol MDI’s. http://www.fda.gov/cder/mdi/mdifaqs.htm. Accessed October 26, 2006.
5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. For physicians. March 2007. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/ inhalertransition/for_physicians.asp. Accessed June 1, 2007.
6. Data on file, Sepracor Inc.
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©2007 Sepracor Inc. All rights reserved |
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Important Safety Information
XOPENEX HFA® (levalbuterol tartrate) Inhalation Aerosol is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levalbuterol, racemic albuterol, or any component of XOPENEX HFA. XOPENEX HFA and other β-agonists can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If additional adrenergic drugs, including other short-acting sympathomimetic bronchodilators or epinephrine, are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution to avoid deleterious cardiovascular effects. Due to the cardiovascular side effects associated with β-agonists, caution is generally recommended for patients with cardiovascular disorders (especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension), diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or convulsive disorders. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma. Please refer to the full prescribing information regarding potential drug interactions with β-blockers, diuretics, digoxin, or MAOI and tricyclic antidepressants.
XOPENEX HFA Inhalation Aerosol
In patients aged 4 to 11 years, the most common adverse events (occurring in ≥2% of patients receiving XOPENEX HFA at 90 mcg and more frequently than patients receiving placebo) were vomiting, accidental injury, pharyngitis, and bronchitis.
In patients 12 years and older, the most common adverse events (occurring in ≥2% of patients receiving XOPENEX HFA at 90 mcg and more frequently than patients receiving placebo) were asthma, pharyngitis, rhinitis, pain, and dizziness.
