Abstract
Background: The environmental impact of preventer inhalers has been a recent focus in respiratory care, despite widespread SABA overuse (≥3 canisters/year) and associated poor outcomes.
Aim: To assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for SABA vs total inhaler use (all respiratory indications), and SABA overuse for asthma, in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East as part of the CARBON programme.
Methods: This observational study used IQVIA™ sales data (2018–2019) for inhalers (all respiratory conditions) and SABINA III SABA prescription/ OTC purchase data for asthma (2019–2020) (Bateman ED, et al. ERJ 2021:2101402). GHG emissions as CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per actuation or canister were used for calculations.
Results: SABAs accounted for ≥50% of inhaler sales in 22/28 countries and inhaler-related GHG emissions in 24/28 countries (>70% in 19/28 countries). Across geographic regions and economies, >85% of SABA was prescribed to overusers. Per capita GHG emissions linked to SABA overuse were 866 and 732 tonnes CO2e/10,000 persons/year, with and without SABA OTC, respectively.
Conclusion: SABA comprises most of the inhaler use and inhaler-related GHG emissions, with overuse in asthma representing a potentially modifiable environmental impact. Implementing current treatment recommendations could improve disease control, reducing SABA overuse and HCRU and benefiting both patients and the environment.
Aim: To assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for SABA vs total inhaler use (all respiratory indications), and SABA overuse for asthma, in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East as part of the CARBON programme.
Methods: This observational study used IQVIA™ sales data (2018–2019) for inhalers (all respiratory conditions) and SABINA III SABA prescription/ OTC purchase data for asthma (2019–2020) (Bateman ED, et al. ERJ 2021:2101402). GHG emissions as CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per actuation or canister were used for calculations.
Results: SABAs accounted for ≥50% of inhaler sales in 22/28 countries and inhaler-related GHG emissions in 24/28 countries (>70% in 19/28 countries). Across geographic regions and economies, >85% of SABA was prescribed to overusers. Per capita GHG emissions linked to SABA overuse were 866 and 732 tonnes CO2e/10,000 persons/year, with and without SABA OTC, respectively.
Conclusion: SABA comprises most of the inhaler use and inhaler-related GHG emissions, with overuse in asthma representing a potentially modifiable environmental impact. Implementing current treatment recommendations could improve disease control, reducing SABA overuse and HCRU and benefiting both patients and the environment.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 2901 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | European Respiratory Journal |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | Suppl. 66 |
Early online date | 1 Nov 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2022 |
Event | European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress. - FIRA Barcelona Gran Via Congress Centre, Barcelona, Spain Duration: 4 Sept 2022 → 6 Sept 2022 https://www.ersnet.org/congress-and-events/congress/ |