Anyone experiencing misfiring of your inhaler?

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.

@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.

@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?

@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.

Yes, I have two brands doing that to me and need to report that to the pharmacy. I find it quite alarming and haven't been able to cure it by cleaning as the instructions suggest. We shouldn't have to keep a spare on hand since we should get what we paid for. I may also try to contact the makers.

@patrick1000 - one of the mentors suggested storing the inhaler upright and the instructions written on the box says to “store inhaler with mouthpiece down”. I have been making sure I set the inhaler down that way between uses and the last remaining 20 sprays have been good. Hope that helps. I did write to the manufacturer and never received a reply. Good luck. Happy Holidays! 🎄🎊

There’s an FDA reporting for for problems with drugs.
https://www.fda.gov/media/85598/download?attachment

You may also report directly online.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1

So far the response I got regarding storing albuterol in an upright position I've been unable to substantiate..of course it is meant to be used whenever needed and kept in a purse, pocket, etc. So the upright position can't be maintained all the time. Also Googled it and found nothing there along with the instructions and box it comes in.

Hi Patrick - You are right, rescue inhalers don't usually have this caution because they are meant to be carried along.

I only see the caution on my Symbicort/Breyna inhaler, which contains a combination of drugs. When I used a different, 3 drug combo, it also had the warning. My grandson uses an inhaler that will sometimes misfire if it is not shaken for at least 15 seconds.

That said, I have only ever experience a "misfire" of albuterol or levalbuterol if the inhaler is nearly empty, or if it is very near the expiration date. My local pharmacist says it can also happen if the inhalers have been frozen or stored in too hot a temperature (like in the car in summer.) If that didn't happen in your possession, they said it should be returned to them for replacement.

Have you had albuterol inhalers misfire?