Anyone experiencing misfiring of your inhaler?

Posted by britelite @britelite, 4 days ago

I’ve been on Breyna (generic Symbicort) for a few months now. I take 2 puffs twice a day. Lately, when I get to the last 30 puffs or so, it starts to misfire. I use a transparent spacer so I can see that nothing comes out when I press the canister down but the counter still counts down. It happens about 1 in 3 or 4 actuations. The inhaler is supposed to last for 30 days so I’m afraid It’ll run out before the month. Will the pharmacy rectify this problem? Thanks for any advice.

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I have had this experience and told my pulmonologist. She wrote a new script for budosenide formoterol generic, and that doesn't have the problem. Also, since it can now be used for up to 6 times in 24 hours she rewrote the dosing info so it can be filled more often. I always keep a spare.

One more note - unopened boxes are to be stored upright, that might solve the problem.

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@sueinmn - thanks so much for your input. I have an appt. with my pulmonologist next month so I will bring it up with her. I’ll also follow your suggestions.

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@britelite - glad to see you've gotten some useful input from @sueinmn. I especially liked your reminder about proper storage of inhalers, sueinmn. I will have to check my own inhaler storage.

I'm tagging a few other members who have mentioned inhalers to see if they have experience with an inhaler misfiring and nothing coming out when pressing the canister, including @labloverfl @barbharps @anna17 @maryfb23 @vmorton.

I've used inhalers for years for my asthma, but not budesonide and formoterol fumarate (Breyna). I take formoterol and mometasone (Dulera) and ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA). I've not experienced a misfire to date.

Britelite, along with your pulmonologist, there may be some parties who'll want to know about your inhaler experience with nothing coming out and offer a remedy or suggestions. Did you end up contacting the pharmacy or the manufacturer about the misfiring? If so, what did they say?

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@sueinmn, @lisalucier - as you suggested, I started keeping my inhaler upright when not in use and its been working properly. And sure enough, it says right on the box - “store inhaler with mouthpiece down.” I did email the parent company of Mylan, the manufacturer of Breyna but haven’t heard back from them. Thanks for your comments.

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