ISSUE 76
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No truly new drugs have been approved for treatment of asthma since omalizumab (Xolair) in 2003, but some randomized controlled trials of older drugs have been published, and new guidelines have become available.1
INHALATION DEVICES
Inhalation is the preferred route of delivery for most asthma drugs. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have ozone-depleting properties, are being phased out as propellants in metered-dose inhalers; albuterol inhalers with CFCs will not be available in the US after December 31, 2008. Non-chlorinated hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants, which do not deplete the ozone layer, will replace them.2
Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) require coordination of inhalation with hand-actuation of the device. Valved holding chambers (VHCs) or spacers can help young children or elderly patients use MDIs effectively. VHCs have one-way
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