Use inhalers more effectively

If you or someone in your home uses an inhaler, using a spacer can help ensure that more medication gets directly into the lungs rather than staying in the mouth or throat.

Spacers are plastic or metal tubes that fit onto the mouthpiece of an inhaler. The user breathes normally while using the inhaler instead of having to take a deep breath at just the right time. Spacers increase the effectiveness of inhaled asthma medications by slowing the delivery of the aerosol from inhalers. This slower release allows more medication to get directly into the lungs. This is especially important for use with inhaled corticosteroids, such as Flovent HFA, because accumulated medication in the mouth and throat can cause irritation and infections.

UPMC Health Plan has Easivent and Inspirease spacers on its formulary and has recently added Optihaler as well. Optihaler is smaller and more portable and, therefore, more convenient for some people. Spacers will last a lifetime if cleaned and stored properly. Talk to your doctor to see how a spacer can benefit you.

* Check your pharmacy benefits to determine if you are covered for these products.