COPD

Chronic Condition Management

Tip of the Month

Message from the Medical Director

This month's condition management tip focuses on choosing appropriate inhaler therapy for your patients with COPD.

COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is the third leading cause of death globally and over 16 million adults in the US have received a COPD diagnosis.

I encourage you to refer to the resources shared in this month's issue to support you in caring for your patients living with COPD.

Thank you for your commitment to delivering high-quality care to our patients and in support of their health.

Kind regards,

X. Shirley Chen, MD, MS

In this Issue

MSHS-NJRI-Respiratory-COPD-2col-770x420-v2 image

Medications for COPD
Patient resources
When to prescribe an inhaler
Key points for using bronchodilators
Choosing and using inhalers

*MSHP Care Management prioritizes patients in our MSSP and Healthfirst contracts and those patients with Medicaid

Medications for COPD

Medications for COPD are available in a variety of formulations and delivery mechanisms.

Short-acting bronchodilators

(rescue inhaler)

Inhalers containing albuterol or ipratropium, or a combination of the two
These generally last 4-6 hours and are used as needed
Quickly opens your airways to relieve sudden attacks

Inhaled corticosteroids

Reduce inflammation
Taken daily to prevent attacks

Long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) and

Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMAs)

Opens your airways
Taken daily to control COPD

Combination

Multiple medications in one inhaler
Taken daily

Source: Cleveland Clinic

Icons provided by Flaticon.com

Types of inhalers

Metered-dose	Dry powder	Soft mist
Puffs dose of medicine when you press on it	Delivers powder medicine when you inhale	Sprays dose of medicine when you press on it

Patient Resources

How to use a metered-dose inhaler

English | Spanish

How to use a dry powder inhaler

English | Spanish

How to use a nebulizer

English | Spanish

LAMA overview

English

When to Prescribe an Inhaler

Click here to enlarge the image below

Source: Mount Sinai COPD Quick Reference Guide

Key Points for Using Bronchodilators

LABAs and LAMAs are preferred over short-acting agents, except for patients who have only occasional dyspnea

Start patients on a single LABA or dual LABA
If dyspnea persists in patients on one bronchodilator, escalate treatment to two bronchodilators

Inhaled bronchodilators are preferred as they have a quicker onset of action and fewer side effects than oral bronchodilators

Theophylline should only be used if other LABAs are unavailable or unaffordable and is used as an add-on therapy

Ensure your patients understand how to correctly use their inhalers

Choosing and Using Inhalers

Weigh access, cost, and patient ability and preference when choosing an inhaler

It is essential to provide instructions and demonstrate proper use

Re-check inhaler technique at each visit to ensure continued proper use

Assess inhaler technique and adherence prior to modifying pharmacological therapy

Find more on the Chronic Condition Management Hub

Mount Sinai Health System's Chronic Condition Management Hub is an online resource center for primary care physicians, specialists, and other care providers with resources and information to help them manage chronic health conditions

P: 877-234-6667

E: MSHP@mountsinai.org

Provider Engagement Team