Anyone know if/when they will be required? I've read that the FDA is recommending that MDIs now be manufactured with them, but - is that a *requirement* or simply a recommendation? What would be the timeline on a requirement?

I have used a MDI that had a built in counter; that was Flovent, which, as a regularly used controller med, was relatively easy to figure when I needed a new one anyhow. But with my rescuer - xopenix - it's making me crazy, trying to guess when I need to order a new one.

Not sure when (or even if) all of the MDIs will have them but I noticed that Flovent added a counter when I refilled my prescription last time so they're starting to appear on some inhalers.

If my medication doesn't have a counter, I use a Counterstrip. It's a small "scratch-off" card that you keep with your medication. One dose, one scratch-off. It's wonderful for keeping track of how many doses you have left. You can order from the website.

Thanks, Buffalo Gal. I've seen those things on their web site, but wondered how durable they are. You know - carry the inhaler around in pocket/backpack where it - and the strip - get dinged and maybe scratched. Does the strip hold up to that kind of abuse? Does the coating wear off, does the thing stay stuck to the inhaler holder? It looks like a good idea (although I'd still like the mechanical kind that comes built in with Flovent).

It would have to be something that sticks to the canister - I thought the one I saw did. Carrying a separate card thing wouldn't work for me - I have enough problems carrying the inhaler with me (never mind the spacer - I'm trying to break my spacer dependency!)

Well, both my Albuterol & Combivent have no counters, so I use the Counterstrips with both. I don't use spacers. But I don't do any sticking. I carry the inhaler in its box. It isn't very big. The Counterstrip card fits in the box perfectly. When I'm done using the inhaler, I scratch off the Counterstrip, put them both in the box and throw it in my purse. :)

You carry the inhalers in their boxes? That's a thought except there again, the box wouldn't last long the way I carry stuff around. I don't use a purse at all - especially since I work outside on our farm so much....the box wouldn't last long that way.

Rats. So it doesn't stick to the canister holder? Oh well....Since flovent has "broken the ice" with their built in counters, maybe the others will be soon to follow? I can dream...it doesn't seem that hard to do - a mechanical counter couldn't be that hard to implement - ? Although the drug companies probably come out ahead with people tossing their inhalers while there is still medication in them...phooey.

No, the Counterstrips will stick. You can peel off the backing and stick them on. I just prefer not to do that. They're cheap enough. Why not buy some and give it a try?

Does anyone know if I could find such a counterstrip at a drugstore?

Can they be obtained at a drugstore? Good question, but it doesn't appear that way on their web site (look for it using a search engine - apparently I'm not supposed to tell you which one I used. ;-[ Oh well)

Like BG says, though, they are inexpensive - if they work out, they could easily save the cost of a new inhaler or trip to ER (if you tried using an empty one). $4 for a pack of 5 strips, plus $1 for s/h.

When I get the chance, I'll order a package and see if they work for me.

The counterstrips arrived yesterday; I think they'll work fine. They seem durable and like they will stick to the inhaler quite well. I am using them a bit differently than the Counterstrip instructions say: I am only scratching off one number for each dose (a dose is two puffs for me). This instead of scratching off a number for each puff. That way, I only need one Counterstrip for the 200 puff inhaler instead of two...

I still wish the drug manufacturers would all do built in counters. It can't be *that* difficult to manufacture; I know of one MDI that comes that way already (but it is not, alas, my rescue medication).

Gabby, I'm from Seattle. Do you go to Northwest Asthma and Allergy?
That is where I went before I moved to the Salt Lake area. Would you do me a favor and read my thread? I would really appreciate it.

Thank you.