If you are not someone who uses an asthma inhaler regularly, questions like ‘Do inhalers expire?’ can pop into your mind. And why not?! Learning about this is as essential as understanding the uses of inhalers. For those who are unaware of the expiration of the inhalers, they may stumble upon health risks unknowingly.
In this blog, we will discuss the basics of inhalers, their types & almost everything that relates to the expiration of inhalers. Meanwhile, you may take a moment to check one of the bestselling inhalers for asthma management – Tiova Inhaler.
About Asthma Inhalers
Asthma inhalers are handy devices with medication contained within them. They are used for improving overall respiratory health among individuals and relieving symptoms like coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, etc. Overall, they enhance respiratory well-being by decreasing airway inflammation and clearing nasal passages from mucus blockages. Thus, the patient having symptoms of asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) can breathe comfortably.
These inhalers work as preventers, relievers, and rescuers. As the name suggests, they can be prescribed for the prevention and relief of asthma and COPD. Such inhalers are mostly prescribed for regular or on-demand use. On the other hand, rescuer inhalers are used for managing the symptoms during emergencies like asthma attacks. During such circumstances, preventers and relievers (like Budecort Inhaler) fail to control the situation and so the rescuer helps.
In a nutshell, you may use an asthma inhaler if you are suffering from asthma or COPD only when prescribed by a physician.
Types of Inhalers
Inhalers can be broadly categorized as:
- Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)
Such inhalers deliver medication in a specific measure spray and may come with a dose counter too (such as Asthalin Inhaler). They are commonly prescribed for asthma and COPD.
- Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)
Also known as accuhaler, these powder inhalers dispense the medication in powdered form. Thus, it can only activate upon inhalation and helps in addressing certain respiratory conditions only.
- Soft mist inhalers (SMIs)
As guessed by the name, such inhalers deliver medication in the form of mist spray. Hence, the slower the release of medicine, the improved deposition happens in the lungs.
Asthma inhalers can be suggested to adults and children for managing the underlying symptoms. However, the type of inhaler you are prescribed can vary according to age, overall medical conditions, underlying respiratory symptoms to improve, etc. In addition, the abilities of using the device are also considered. So, it is advised to pick yours only after consulting the healthcare provider.
How to determine the right type of inhaler for use?
After discussing several types of inhalers above, you may get confused about which inhaler is best for you. Well, only a qualified medical professional can share correct guidance on what inhaler you can use. Your age, ability to use the inhaler, severity of asthma/COPD, overall medical conditions, etc play an important role in determining the same. So, it is essential to continue with an inhaler under medical guidance only. After all, you need to learn how to use the inhaler, when to use the same, and some dos/don’ts too.
Do inhalers expire?
Yes, they do! Just like any other medications, asthma inhalers come with an expiration date too. Typically, all inhalers have manufacturing and expiration dates printed on the packaging as well as the canister. Being a responsible user, you should eye on these dates before using the inhaler.
With the mention of the expiration date, you get to know the exact period of effectiveness of this inhaler right after the manufacturing date. In other words, this medicine will only be effective before its expiry date printed on the label. If used beyond that, it has already lost effectiveness and has the risk of contamination/side effects.
So, if you are thinking ‘Do inhalers expire?’ you already have your answer!
What about expired inhalers?
Expired inhalers are like outdated roadmaps. They are no longer reliable for navigation but only lead to setbacks or unforeseen detours.
If you use an expired inhaler, it shall not offer the desired effectiveness in improving respiratory health. On the contrary, they have a stronger potential for serious side effects like asthma attacks. To keep away from such adverse reactions, it is better to discard them properly.
How are inhaler expiration dates determined?
Every inhaler can have an expiration date different from another. It varies according to the medication contained within (whether it is a bronchodilator, corticosteroid, or others). Factors like manufacturer, quality of drug, and sustainability of ingredients also determine their shelf life. In short, the longer the active contents can sustain and be effective, the longer the expiration date will be. Usually, asthma inhalers come with an expiration date of 12 to 24 months from the date of manufacture.
If you have to use it regularly, it will be less of a topic of concern but if you are to use it occasionally (on-demand), you must check the expiration date every time before using the inhaler.
Now, before you think like – ‘Do inhalers expire?’, you only need to count them as any other medications. They surely expire and you need to find this out by checking the package label or canister.
How to store inhalers safely?
Your healthcare provider will share guidance on the correct storage method for inhalers. Typically, they are stored in a cool and dry place only. You should be aware of where you keep your inhalers. Never store them in damp places like bathrooms and keep them away from direct heat and sunlight. Ensuring proper storage will help retain the potency of the medicine and keep its effectiveness intact until the expiration date.
Side Effects of Using Expired Inhaler
First things first, using an expired inhaler offers inadequate relief from the symptoms and leads to potential side effects. Hence, it is extremely important to replace expired inhalers on a priority and ensure optimal outcomes with the treatment.
Approximately how long does it take for the inhaler to expire?
After discussing all this about – Do inhalers expire? You may doubt when they expire?! Most inhalers expire after a year or two from their manufacturing dates. As these inhalers can be a part of short or long-term asthma management, you can buy the ones with shorter or longer expiration dates respectively.
For regular users, a shorter expiration date (until a year) is not an issue while on-demand users may opt for an inhaler with a longer expiration date (until two years). This way, you can make sure your investment in this medication is worth it.
Conclusion
Although asthma inhalers are valuable in the management of the symptoms, they should be used on a prescription only. In addition, make responsible use of the medication by checking the expiration date right before inhalation. You can thus ensure optimal treatment of effectiveness and safety during treatment. Lastly, if you want to ensure the best-quality inhalers then search for yours at Specialitymedz.com. We ensure top-notch quality at reasonable prices so you are far away from adversities and focus on respiratory health improvements only.