COPD Info

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not
to use inhalers stolen from a Virginia warehouse after some of the
pilfered medicine turned up in some pharmacies.

The stolen Advair Diskus inhalers (fluticasone propionate and
salmeterol inhalation powder) were found recently - the first batch
known to have hit the supply chain since the August 2009 theft. As
the investigation continues, FDA officials warned the public that
more of the stolen inhalers could still be on the market.

More than 25,000 of the inhalers were stolen from drug maker
GlaxoSmithKline's distribution center near Richmond, Va., last year.
They are set to expire in September. FDA experts are advising anyone
who uses the Advair Diskus inhaler to check the label for the
following lot numbers:

Lot 9ZP2255 - NDC 0173-0696-00, Advair Diskus 250/50, 60 Dose Lot
9ZP3325 - NDC 0173-0697-00, Advair Diskus 500/50, 60 Dose

Patients who have inhalers with matching lot numbers should
discontinue use and call GlaxoSmithKline's Customer Response Center
at 888-825-5249.

See Alert: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm217879.htm

People exposed to wood smoke, especially smokers, are not only at greater risk for COPD, but also may have changes to their genes (DNA) which increases the risk even more. The exposure can be from a number of sources, including home heating, cooking and even air pollution.

The combination of smoking, wood smoke exposure and genetic changes can increase the risk of COPD by a factor of 4 times.

The research conducted at Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute included 1800 current and former smokers between 40 and 75 years old. It is based on demographic and smoke exposure information, as well as sputum samples which were analyzed for epigenetic changes,

Source: American Thoracic Society (ATS) as reported in Med News Today
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/194921.php

Beginning Jan 2011, competitive bidding will replace the current "standard fee" system in selected areas. This was briefly implemented in 2008, then stopped by congress with the passing of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. This marks the beginning of implementing Medicare's competitive bidding program, which will be used to determine the price Medicare pays for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. Included in the lists are oxygen concentrators, walkers, wheel chairs, prosthetic limbs, and hospital beds.

The cuts will go into effect at the beginning of 2011 in the following cities: Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Dallas; Kansas City, Mo.; Miami; Orlando; Pittsburgh; and Riverside, Calif.

It is anticipated that it will result in a 31-32% reduction in the rates for the DME suppliers.

The American Association for Homecare, which opposes competitive bidding, said the new bidding program relies on "suicide bids" that will drive DME suppliers out of business.

source:http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/Medicare/21019

More Info: http://www.portableoxygen.org