Relenza Difficult to Use by Elderly
May 19, 2001
Relenza (zanamivir), an anti-influenza product delivered through an inhaler, has been reported to be difficult to use by the elderly population. The maker of Relenza, Glaxosmithkline PLC, recently reported that many of the elderly patients who attempt to use the inhaler are unable to do so.
Dr. Paul Diggory, on staff at Mayday Hospital in Croydon south of London stated that, "most elderly people cannot use the inhaler device used to deliver the anti-influenza zanamivir. Better delivery systems for inhalers should be used or developed."
Dr. Diggory and his colleagues conducted a study to compare Relenza, which uses a Diskhaler with the Turbohaler, another commonly used inhaler. Their research proved that over half of the 72 elderly patients 65 years and older had trouble using the Diskhaler versus just two patients who had trouble using the Turbohaler. Therefore, Relenza in its current inhaler form is unlikely to be effective for elderly patients.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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