As part of the company's commitment to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in respiratory health, is updating healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients that the transition to COMBIVENT® RESPIMAT® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol) Inhalation Spray for the maintenance treatment of COPD is nearly complete. Distribution of COMBIVENT (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol (COMBIVENT MDI) will cease in May, and once the supply runs out, COMBIVENT RESPIMAT will be the only COMBIVENT product available. COMBIVENT RESPIMAT is a unique, propellant-free inhaler that uses a slow-moving mist to deliver the same active ingredients of COMBIVENT MDI. Patients transitioning to COMBIVENT RESPIMAT from COMBIVENT MDI will require a new prescription prior to the transition.
COMBIVENT RESPIMAT was developed in response to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty enacted to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion, including some inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) propellants, such as Combivent MDI.
"We are excited to offer a medication for COPD patients that uses an inhaler which has the ability to convert liquid medication into a slow-moving mist without the need for chlorofluorocarbon-propellants," said Tunde Otulana , M.D., Acting Head, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Respiratory, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "COMBIVENT RESPIMAT is an example of Boehringer Ingelheim's commitment to providing unique products to help people living with respiratory conditions effectively manage their disease."
The recommended dose for COMBIVENT RESPIMAT is one inhalation four times a day as compared to COMBIVENT MDI, which is administered as two inhalations four times a day. The total number of inhalations for COMBIVENT RESPIMAT should not exceed six in 24 hours.
COMBIVENT RESPIMAT offers a dose indicator to inform patients of the approximate amount of remaining medication in the inhaler, and the device locks when all of the medication has been used. When used as directed, each COMBIVENT RESPIMAT delivers 30 days' worth of treatment compared to 25 days' worth of treatment in each COMBIVENT MDI. COMBIVENT RESPIMAT patients may require two less inhalers over the course of a year.
"Helping people breathe better is our passion," said Otulana. "We are continuing to research the RESPIMAT inhaler with other late-stage compounds for respiratory patient populations beyond COPD."
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