CFC Inhaler Countdown

This CFC Inhaler Countdown is presented by Nancy Sander, president of Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) to help asthmatics, their parents and friends get ready for the change in available inhalers by December 31, 2008.

“December 31, 2008, marks the first time in history that safe and effective medications have been banned in the United States – for any reason.  But on this date, our generic albuterol metered-dose inhalers will go away in compliance with an international environmental treaty to eliminate ozone-depleting substances.

With replacement inhalers already available, many people no longer use generic albuterol.  But we don’t know how many people have yet to make the switch to one of the four non-ozone depleting alternatives available today: ProAir HFA (formerly albuterol sulfate HFA), Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA or Xopenex HFA.

We’ve been checking in with members to see how the transition is going.  Here’s what we’ve learned:

• The loss of generics poses a financial burden for some families.
• Some incorrectly assume that the softer spray of HFA inhalers means the medication is less effective in opening the airways than the forceful spray of generic albuterol.
• The choice of which inhaler to use is often made by the pharmacist or health insurance plan without consulting the patient or physician.
• If a person has a bad experience using one brand of HFA inhaler, they are often fearful of trying another.

Financial Assistance: Help is available in the form of easy-to-download manufacturer coupons (check the Web site links below) and through the RxAssist Patient Assistance Program Center (rxassist.org) and the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org). In addition, AANMA is working to reduce the financial burden of higher copays and deductibles.  Join the efforts – become part of AANMA’s Advocacy Action Network at www.aanma.org/cityhall.

Soft Spray: The softer spray of HFA inhalers is actually a good thing.  It is easier to inhale correctly than the fast (60 mph) blast  of a CFC inhaler.  By the way, propellants do not inflate the airways! The spray must be inhaled slowly and deeply – and held in your lungs for 10 seconds – to have an effect.

Choice: All four replacement  bronchodilator inhalers are unique. The decision about which one to use belongs  with you and your physician.  If others (such as your local pharmacist or health insurance plan) are making choices for you, speak up.  Use a pharmacy that will stock your inhaler. Tell your employer about problems you have with the insurance plan’s pharmacy benefits program.

Try Again: Finally, if you had a bad experience with one inhaler, see your physician. Talk about what happened and steps you can take together to make a safe transition.  All four replacement bronchodilators are distinctly different from one another, even though the active ingredients of three of them are the same.  If one doesn’t deliver the results you expect and your inhaler technique is correct, another one will.”

HFAs on the Web

ProAir HFA
www.proairHFA.com

Proventil HFA
www.proventilhfa.com

Ventolin HFA
www.ventolin.com

Xopenex HFA
www.xopenex.com

Our thanks to Nancy Sander, President of AANMA, at www.breatherville.org. for permission to use this article.

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