by Alexis Cala, PIC Current Assistant Producer
Courtesy of Billaday
If you’re one of the 40 million people using an albuterol inhaler for asthma or other lung diseases, listen up. After December 31, 2008, inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) will no longer be available for sale in the United States.
Albuterol inhalers that contain CFCs destroy the Earth’s ozone layer. Under a new international environmental treaty, the U.S. is stopping all production and sale of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) including CFCs. New Eco-friendly inhalers containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) spray will take their place on the shelves.
According to the FDA, there are four approved HFA albuterol inhalers:
- Proair HFA Inhalation Aerosol
- Proventil HFA Inhalation Aerosol
- Ventolin HFA Inhalation Aerosol
- Xopenex HFA Inhalation Aerosol
If you’ve already switched to an approved HFA inhaler, than you’re in the clear. But there are still an estimated 14 million CFC prescriptions that have not been changed! The new HFA inhalers are safe, effective, and there are plenty available. So, if you haven’t talked to your doctor yet, now is a good time.
For more information please visit:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
