INTRODUCTION
The carbon footprint related to inhaler use has been identified as a potential concern.
METHODS
Two different ICS MDIs were investigated, Flovent† 125 HFA (Fluticasone Propionate, GSK) and Alvesco† 100 (Ciclesonide, Covis Pharma), both available in the Canadian market.
MDIs were tested alone and combined with an AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Spacer. The pMDI+Spacer was evaluated by anatomical model and the airway coupled to a breathing simulator (tidal volume=770mL, I:E ratio = 1:2, rate=12BPM) via a filter to capture drug particles that penetrated as far as the carina.
Drug mass that could reach this point was assumed to be available to the lung. Mass of ICS was determined by HPLC assay then equated to a relative carbon footprint based upon published claims.1
RESULTS
CONCLUSION
Carbon footprint may be reduced by maximizing the benefit of the inhaler through drug selection and the addition of a chamber.
Use of the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* chamber along with a lower carbon emitting ICS MDI has the potential to improve lung delivery and reduce carbon emissions.
The improved lung delivery should provide the patient with better asthma control, in turn resulting in a reduced need for reliever medications, and consequently an additional environmental benefit
Requiring hospitalization has the highest impact on daily carbon footprint (g CO2e) Inhalers are lower impact than a glass of orange juice2,3,4
