News
Digihaler Discontinuation May Cause Another Disruption in Care for People with Asthma
AAFA urges patients to work with providers to find alternative treatment options
Washington, DC, April 15, 2024 – In response to news that drug manufacturer Teva plans to discontinue U.S. distribution of its Digihaler® products, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issued the following statement which may be attributed to President and CEO Kenneth Mendez:
“It is unfortunate to hear that more asthma inhalers are being discontinued,” said Mendez. “The Teva Digihaler portfolio had offered an innovative approach to encourage adherence to treatment by integrating a digital solution with an inhaler. We hope manufacturers continue to invest in new asthma therapies.”
The products Teva discontinued include: ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler. Substitutes for both ProAir and AirDuo are available in Teva’s Respiclick devices – the same medicine formulations and delivery devices without the digital component. Teva does not offer the ArmonAir formulation in either a branded or generic alternative. Mendez notes that people currently using Digihalers should start exploring alternatives now.
“It is imperative that people using Teva’s Digihaler products to treat their asthma reach out to their provider now to determine the best alternative treatment options. Unfortunately, when GSK discontinued Flovent, some people using that inhaler may have been transitioned to the ArmonAir Digihaler. Because some formularies do not cover the authorized generic of Flovent, the discontinuation of ArmonAir could mean patients are once again searching for an alternative treatment. Continuity of treatment is important for effective asthma care, and these frequent changes threaten to disrupt the efficacy of care received by some patients.”
A notice sent via email from Teva to health care providers says in part:
On 6/1/2024 Teva will discontinue distribution of the Digihaler® products in the US [ProAir® Digihaler® (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Powder, ArmonAir® Digihaler® (fluticasone propionate) Inhalation Powder, AirDuo® Digihaler® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Inhalation Powder]. Software and technical support for the Digihaler app and dashboard will end on 6/1/2024.
To stay up to date on available asthma treatments, visit aafa.org/asthma-medicine
Press Contact:
Andy Spears
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
gro.afaa@aidem
About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies, and related conditions through research, education, advocacy, and support. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the only asthma and allergy patient advocacy group that is certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org