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1. How does the
Trigger Guard Work?
The Trigger Guard (clip)
attaches easily over the canister portion of most popular metered dose
inhalers. The clip is a "C" shaped piece of polypropylene with
two serifs on the ends. It rests securely on the top rim of the body of
the inhaler, and together (clip and inhaler body) with the support of the
canister, form sort of an "exoskeleton" protecting the canister from
being pressed into the body and actuating the inhaler's release valve
(trigger). The serifs help to support the clip in the open area of the
"C".
2. Why didn't you
just make a cap for the inhaler?
That was our first idea, but
you would have to remove the cap to use the inhaler, and in an emergency every
second is precious. Secondly, not all MDIs are exactly the same. A
specific cap would have to be made for each inhaler. The beauty of the
MDI TriggerGuard is that in an emergency the inhaler can still be used with
the clip in place. The open top design allows the user to depress the
canister without having to remove the clip first. It requires only
slightly more pressure than usual. We tested to see how much pressure
was necessary, and followed up with field research to see at what age younger
children could still use the inhaler. FDA ruled that all persons over
the age of 8 for whom MDIs have been prescribed could use the
clip.
3. Will it fit my
inhaler?
The MDI TriggerGuard was
designed to fit most popular brands of inhalers, (Ventolin and Proventil, and
their generic equivalents) but may not be right for your inhaler. Exact
size limitations are included in the instruction sheet, but if you are unsure,
we suggest you consult your pharmacist. A poorly fitting Trigger Guard
may be ineffective or dangerous. A list of acceptable inhalers has not
been issued because manufacturer's specifications may change at any
time.
4.
Is it only for Albuterol inhalers?
The Trigger Guard was
designed for use with fast acting rescue inhalers, because it is necessary
that they be available to the patient at all times, and are therefore more susceptible
to accidental discharge. However, you may wish to use the clip with your
other MDIs. Again, check with your pharmacist if you are unsure of the
fit.
5. Why don't they just fix the inhalers?
They're not broken.
Metered Dose Inhalers are designed to provide a fast, safe, effective,
inexpensive, measurable doses of medicine to the patient. Current MDIs
do that very well. Left sitting on a shelf, your MDI will not lose
medicine. The MDI Trigger Guard was developed to address the active
lifestyles of this generation of asthmatics and suffers of COPD.
6. Is this thing
safe?
To be available in America,
FDA required that it be as safe, effective and useful as the device to which
it is attached. Like a life jacket, if it fits its safe. Again, if
you are unsure of the fit, please consult your health care professional.
7. Can I still use
my dose counter?
Sorry, the clip occupies the
same space your counter did. But if you use the clip, maybe you won't
need your counter. For example, if you are prescribed two doses, four
times a day, and your inhaler contains 200 doses, then you can be sure you
will have at least a 25 day supply of medicine. It is easier to keep
track of missed (or not needed) doses than it is to count doses taken.
8.
Where can I buy one?
In Canada, the clip is
available now at most pharmacies under the brand name PharmaSystems. In America, the clip will be available from
your local drug store under the Apex brand name. If your pharmacy does
not carry the clip yet, please ask them to order it your you. You can
download a product information sheet that will assist your pharmacy in
ordering. If you
wish to order today, you can order online by clicking on the link at the
bottom of this screen or the top of the page.
9. How much can I
expect to save?
Depending on how you carry
your inhaler, and how active you are, you may save a little or a lot.
The inventors daughters were at the extremes. One tripled the life of
her inhaler, while the other considers it only a "fashion
accessory" The greatest benefit of the clip is peace of mind... you
know your medicine is safe, your caregivers can accurately track your
albuterol usage and better decide your correct therapy so you can get on with
your busy life.
10. Does my insurance plan
cover this product?
Not yet... they're
considering it, but it takes time. You can help by asking your HMO or
talking with your human resources people at work. Lost productivity
associated with asthma costs America billions annually. Not accidentally
running out of medicine would help.
11. Why so many different
colors?
Personal choice. At one
time rescue inhalers were almost all blue. That is not the case
today. If you are prescribed more than one inhaler, it might be easier
for you, or your care giver if the most important one was designated a certain
color. Maybe there is more than one asthmatic in the house. Maybe
you keep spare inhalers in the car, shop, school, gym etc. and you would like
to be able to differentiate them.
12. I don't think my
inhaler leaks?
It doesn't... the way you
carry it determines whether it "leaks" or not. Maybe you never
lose a drop. By simply looking under the cap of your old inhaler, just
before you pick up the new one will tell the story. If there is white
powder present, then your inhaler has gone off unintentionally. If not,
you don't need the clip... but why not get one just to keep your mom happy.
Stay Well,
Mike Goulet
MDI
TriggerGuard Canada Inc.
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