I've known I wanted to be a doctor since a young age, and felt compelled to specialize in allergy very early on. As a patient-turned-physician, I know firsthand the impact allergy and asthma specialists can have on one's life, and I'm proud to be able to work with my patients towards solutions to help manage their conditions. In the last year, I've prescribed the Digihaler® technology-enabled inhalers from Teva Pharmaceuticals to my patients with asthma. Digihaler has helped me have more informed treatment discussions with my patients, using objective inhaler use data collected by this portfolio of integrated digital inhalers. Inhaler use is recorded as an event if the cap is opened or a patient inhales.
The Digihaler family of inhalers includes rescue and maintenance medicines that have been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are available by prescription to patients:
- ProAir® Digihaler® (albuterol sulfate) inhalation powder is indicated in patients ≥4 years of age for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and in patients ≥4 years of age for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
- Contraindications: ProAir Digihaler Inhalation Powder is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to albuterol or patients with a severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins. Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, and rash have been reported after the use of albuterol sulfate. There have been reports of anaphylactic reactions in patients using inhalation therapies containing lactose.
- Paradoxical Bronchospasm: ProAir Digihaler can produce paradoxical bronchospasm that may be life-threatening. Discontinue ProAir Digihaler and institute alternative therapy if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs.
- Please see additional safety information below and full Prescribing Information.
- ArmonAir® Digihaler® (fluticasone propionate) inhalation powder is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 12 years of age and older. Limitation of Use: ArmonAir Digihaler is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
- AirDuo® Digihaler® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) inhalation powder is indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older and is only for patients uncontrolled on an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose disease severity clearly warrants an ICS/Long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). Limitation of Use: AirDuo Digihaler is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
- Contraindications: ArmonAir Digihaler and AirDuo Digihaler are contraindicated in: Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma requiring intensive measures, and; patients with known severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or any ingredients of ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler.
- Serious Asthma-Related Events - Hospitalizations, Intubations, Death: Use of a LABA as monotherapy (without an ICS) for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death. Available data from controlled clinical trials also suggest that use of LABA as monotherapy increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy. When LABA are used in fixed-dose combination with ICS (such as AirDuo Digihaler), data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared with ICS alone.
- For important safety information, please see below and read the full Prescribing Information for ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler and ArmonAir Digihaler online.
Each Digihaler inhaler can connect to a companion Digihaler app using Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing the collected data to be sent to the patient's mobile device. In addition, my practice uses the Digihaler Dashboard, a secure, online tool that enables healthcare professionals to view patients' inhaler event data the patient consents to share.
While there are many factors considered to determine an asthma treatment plan, I have found that collaboration between the patient or their caregivers, and their healthcare provider is important. This partnership is powered by honest and comprehensive conversations between my patients and me. Despite their best efforts, many of my patients don't accurately track or convey their inhaler use during office visits. However, as we know, a major issue in respiratory care is that patients are not always using their inhalers as prescribed.¹
The Digihaler family of inhalers has built-in sensors that track when the cap is opened or the patient inhales, and how well the patient inhales, as measured by inspiratory flow.
The measurement of inspiratory flow rates may help HCPs and patients assess whether inhaler technique may need improvement. ²⁻⁴ Additionally, this technology may help HCPs, like myself, better understand patients' rescue inhaler (SABA) use. In the "Data" section of the Digihaler app, users can export reports which show a three-month view of inhaler events and inspiratory flow rates and can also share these reports with their HCP if they choose via print, email, text or in-person.
In my experience, the ability to objectively track inhaler usage and not rely solely on patient recall has been informative during office visits. As a recent example, I had a patient who was using her inhaler regularly, but we couldn't determine why she was still having symptoms. Once this patient shared the data collected in the Digihaler mobile app, we were able to determine the issue. The data revealed a possible air vent block. When we reviewed her inhaler technique together, we discovered her finger was blocking the air vent, potentially impacting the amount of medicine being dispensed.
The Digihaler inhalers allow me to let the dialogue in my office be patient-led; they come in with objective data on their inhaler use, as well as a record of how they've been feeling, as captured by a daily self-assessment scale, providing a more informed picture of their experience. I encourage my fellow physicians to visit DigihalerHCP.com to learn more about the first and only family of breath-actuated digital inhalers, and if it could be appropriate for your patients.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PROAIR DIGIHALER (Continued)
- Deterioration of Asthma: Need for more doses of ProAir Digihaler than usual may be a marker of acute or chronic deterioration of asthma and requires reevaluation of treatment, such as possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids
- Use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents: ProAir Digihaler alone may not be adequate to control asthma in many patients. Early consideration should be given to adding anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., corticosteroids
- Cardiovascular Effects: ProAir Digihaler, like other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients, as measured by heart rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. If such effects occur, the drug may need to be discontinued. ProAir Digihaler, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension
- Do Not Exceed Recommended Dose: Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma
- Hypersensitivity Reactions including Anaphylaxis: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of albuterol sulfate, as demonstrated by rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, pruritus, and rash have been reported with the use of therapies containing lactose, an inactive ingredient in ProAir Digihaler
- Coexisting Conditions: ProAir Digihaler, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus; and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines
- Hypokalemia: As with other beta-agonists, ProAir Digihaler may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients. The decrease is usually transient, not requiring supplementation
- Most common adverse reactions (≥1% and >placebo) are back pain, pain, gastroenteritis viral, sinus headache, urinary tract infection, nasopharyngitis, oropharyngeal pain and vomiting
- Drug Interactions: Other short-acting sympathomimetic bronchodilators should not be used concomitantly with ProAir Digihaler
- Beta-Blockers: Beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking agents not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such as ProAir Digihaler, but may produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers
- Diuretics: Caution is advised in the coadministration of beta-agonists with non-potassium sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics). Consider monitoring potassium levels
- Digoxin: Carefully evaluate the serum digoxin levels in patients who are currently receiving digoxin and ProAir Digihaler
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or Tricyclic Antidepressants: ProAir Digihaler should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with these agents, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of these agents, because the action of albuterol on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated. Consider alternative therapy
Please see full Prescribing Information for ProAir Digihaler.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR AIRDUO DIGIHALER AND ARMONAIR DIGIHALER (Continued)
- Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes: AirDuo Digihaler should not be initiated in patients during rapidly deteriorating or potentially life-threatening episodes of asthma. ArmonAir Digihaler and AirDuo Digihaler are not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist, not ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath
- Avoid Excessive Use and Avoid Use with Other Long acting Beta2-Agonists: AirDuo Digihaler should not be used more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medicines containing LABA, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs. Patients using AirDuo Digihaler should not use another medicine containing a LABA (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol fumarate, arformoterol tartrate, indacaterol) for any reason
- Oropharyngeal Candidiasis has occurred in patients treated with ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler. Advise patients to rinse the mouth with water without swallowing following inhalation
- Immunosuppression and Risks of Infections: Patients who use corticosteroids, such as found in AirDuo Digihaler and ArmonAir Digihaler are at risk for potential worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex. A more serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles may occur in susceptible patients. Use with caution in patients with the above because of the potential for worsening of these infections
- Transferring Patients from Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy: Particular care is needed for patients who have been transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to ICS because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in patients with asthma during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically available ICS. Taper patients slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler
- Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression may occur with high doses of ICS, including fluticasone propionate, or at the recommended dose in susceptible individuals. If such changes occur, discontinue ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler slowly
- Drug Interactions with Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors: The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole) with ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler is not recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects may occur; increased cardiovascular adverse effects may also occur with AirDuo Digihaler
- Paradoxical Bronchospasm and Upper Airway Symptoms: Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur. if bronchospasm occurs treat immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator discontinue AirDuo Digihaler or ArmonAir Digihaler and institute alternative therapy
- Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after administration of ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler. Discontinue ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler if such reactions occur
- Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Effects: The salmeterol component of AirDuo Digihaler, can be associated with excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation which could present as the following symptoms: seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia. Use with caution in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, coronary insufficiency. Drug may need to be discontinued in certain patients.
- Reduction in Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Decreases in BMD have been observed with long-term administration of products containing ICS. Patients with major risk factors for decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids) should be monitored and treated with established standards of care when using ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler
- Effect on Growth: ICS may cause a reduction in growth velocity, Patients should be maintained on the lowest dose of inhaled corticosteroid that effectively controls their asthma. Monitor growth of pediatric patients receiving ArmonAir Digihaler and AirDuo Digihaler.
- Glaucoma and Cataracts: Long-term use of ICS, including fluticasone propionate, a component of ArmonAir Digihaler and AirDuo Digihaler, may increase the risk for cataracts or glaucoma. Regular eye exams should be considered
- Eosinophilic Conditions and Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Systemic eosinophilic conditions, such as Churg- Strauss syndrome, may occur when using ArmonAir Digihaler or AirDuo Digihaler. Be alert to eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications, and/or neuropathy
- Coexisting Conditions: Use AirDuo Digihaler with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis, and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines
- Hypokalemia and Hyperglycemia: Beta-adrenergic agonist medicines may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. Decrease in serum potassium are usually transient, not requiring supplementation. Be alert to hypokalemia and hyperglycemia in patients using AirDuo Digihaler
- Adverse Reactions with ArmonAir Digihaler: Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 3%) are: upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, headache, and cough
- Adverse Reactions with AirDuo Digihaler: Most common adverse reactions (reported in greater than or equal to 3% of patients) include nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, headache, cough and back pain
Please see full Prescribing Information for AirDuo Digihaler and ArmonAir Digihaler.
References:
- Hansen R, Seifeldin R, Noe L. Medication adherence in chronic disease: issues in posttransplant immunosuppression. Transplant Proc. 2007 Jun;39(5):1287-300. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.02.074. PMID: 17580126.
- Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention. 2020. Available at: https://www.ginasthma.org. Accessed June 2021.
- Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2020. Available at: https://goldcopd.org. Accessed June 2021.
- Sharma G, Mahler DA, Mayorga VM, et al. Prevalence of low peak inspiratory flow rate at discharge in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation. Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2017;4(3):217-224.
ADH-40556
August 2021