Asthma patients will now be able to buy the enhanced version of a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) with a dose counter, from their local chemists.
Multinational drug-maker GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals has launched the product with this new technology in the country, a first of its kind, company officials said.
The inhaler has an innovative dose counter that keeps track of number of doses left. This helps the patients to take the right number of drug doses. The inhaler also has a locking system which prevents drug wastage when the inhaler is not in use.
It is priced at Rs 405 for 250 mcg, and Rs 298 for 125 mcg, and both products have 120 metered dozes, the official added.
The enhancement helps patients take the appropriate dosage of their medicine as prescribed by their physician, said Dr Hasit Joshipura, GSK Pharma Managing Director, in a statement.
The new technology has been introduced in the Seretide Evohaler pumps and the product is indicated for the management of asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) in patients above four years, the company said.