A new inhaler has been added to the PBS for treatment of asthma and COPD from 1 April 2024. Salflumix Easyhaler contains fluticasone propionate-salmeterol in two different strengths 250/50 and 500/50, similar to existing brands Seretide Accuhaler, Pavtide Accuhaler, and Fluticasone Salmeterol Ciphaler. It is ‘a’ flagged for generic substitution by pharmacists.
The Easyhaler device is new to Australia. It is a multidose reservoir-type dry powder inhaler (DPI), encased in a plastic protector cover. The Easyhaler should be placed in the protective cover after removal from the foil bag. Salflumix 250/50 should be discarded 1 month after removal from the foil pouch, and Salflumix 500/50 should be discarded 2 months after removal from the foil pouch. The inhaler label includes a space to write the date of when the inhaler should be discarded. The Easyhaler has a dose counter, which counts down in increments of 10.
Dose preparation of an Easyhaler requires shaking, with the inhaler kept in an upright position. Unlike other DPIs, Easyhaler must be shaken 3 to 5 times in an upright position before loading a dose. A dose is delivered by pressing once on the overcap of the inhaler. Patients should be instructed to inhale quick and deep over 2 to 3 seconds. Most patients, including older people and during exacerbations, can generate sufficient inspiratory flow to use their inhaler effectively. The simple patient instructions are: SHAKE - CLICK - INHALE.
Inhaler competence and patient satisfaction has been demonstrated for patients with asthma and COPD, across a wide range of ages and severity of disease.
Device-critical errors associated with the Easyhaler include failure to shake the device before use, which may reduce the delivered dose of drug, and failure to hold the device upright when priming.
Easyhaler is entirely carbon neutral.
