NEW YORK, Mar 09 (Reuters Health) - Difficulty using an inhaler device may prevent many elderly patients from reaping the benefits of an influenza drug, study findings suggest.
The report, published in the March 10th issue of the British Medical Journal, found that half, or 19 of 38, hospitalized patients aged 71 to 99 were unable to use the inhaler device that delivers GlaxoSmithKline's zanamivir (Relenza) to the lungs, immediately after they were shown how.
By the following day, 65% of patients were unable to use the inhaler, called the Diskhaler.
"The design is so obviously flawed that an alternative is needed," Dr. Paul Diggory from Mayday Hospital in Croydon, UK, said in an interview.
Indeed, only 2 of 35 patients using another type inhaler, the Turbohaler, had trouble with the device one day after instruction. That is because this device requires only two steps to use compared with seven steps for the Diskhaler, Diggory explained. "Zanamivir is a nice idea but Relenza fails to deliver," he said.
"Treatment with this drug is unlikely to be effective in elderly people unless the delivery system is improved," the study authors conclude.
About 80% of deaths from influenza occur in people over 65 years, who are more vulnerable to serious complications from the virus due to weakened immune systems. While a flu vaccine has been shown to protect against complications, less than half of the elderly population is vaccinated, the report indicates.
Reuters Health |
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