Your Asthma Inhaler Is Changing!

If you or your child are using an Albuterol metered dose inhaler (MDI), also called a “short-acting” or “rescue” inhaler, it is vital for you to know that you will need to change very soon to a new kind of asthma inhaler.

Soon all rescue inhalers will be changed to what are known as earth-friendly rescue inhalers. Until now, your albuterol inhaler may have used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to deliver the medicine into your lungs. CFCs are safe for you, but hurt the environment. They change the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere, letting more of the sun's harmful rays pass freely through it.

So the United States is requiring all inhalers to change to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA), an earth-friendly alternative to CFC. This change will help make the air better for everyone.

HFA inhalers contain the same medicine and provide the same relief as your current CFC inhaler.

It is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible about making a switch to an HFA albuterol asthma inhaler.

There’s no better time than now.

Information for health-care professionals ...

Why should I make the change now?

Here are some reasons why now is a good time to make the change:

• CFC-based inhalers are harmful to the environment
• CFC quick-relief inhalers will not be available much longer
• HFA quick-relief inhalers are now available with the same medicine as the CFC-based version
• Manufacturers are beginning to reduce their supply of CFC quick-relief inhalers as they increase supplies of HFA quick-relief inhalers
• HFA quick-relief inhaler manufacturers have programs to help patients who need financial aid to make the change
• Making the change to an HFA quick-relief inhaler may be a good opportunity to review your asthma plan with your doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my rescue inhaler changing?
First, you should know that the medication in your inhaler is not changing. What's changing is a chemical called chlorofluorocarbon (or CFC) that delivers the medication into your lungs. The problem is, CFCs are safe for you but hurt the earth. They damage the ozone layer that protects the earth from the sun's rays.

So as part of a global agreement, the United States will stop using CFCs.
CFCs have already been taken out of items like hair spray and deodorant. Instead, these items use hydrofluoroalkane—HFA, an earth-friendly alternative to CFCs. Now, HFA is being used in rescue inhalers too.

Will I have to stop using my current rescue inhaler?
You may continue to use CFC-based albuterol inhalers until the expiration date as directed by your physician.

If you are currently using a rescue inhaler containing a CFC propellant, you should talk to your healthcare provider about transitioning to an HFA albuterol inhaler.

Will the HFA inhalers work as well?
Yes. The medication in the HFA inhalers is the same as what you're using now—it's the chemical that delivers the medicine to your lungs that's different. Pharmaceutical companies have designed these inhaler to deliver the medication to your lungs as well as your current rescue CFC inhaler.

Are HFA inhalers safe?
They have passed strict FDA standards for safety and efficacy. Plus, HFA inhalers are not only safe for you, they're safe for the environment too.

Will the HFA inhalers be harder to use?
No. But because the propellant is different, it may take some getting used to. You may find that the HFA inhaler has a slightly different taste or spray force. Though it feels different, it still provides the same medication, and is just as effective.

How can I get my new HFA inhaler?
You will not be able to just exchange your current CFC inhaler prescription for an HFA inhaler at the pharmacy. You will need a new prescription for an HFA inhaler from your doctor.

Will the HFA inhalers cost more?
It's likely. There are no generic versions of HFA inhalers. They will be available only with brand names for a while. But many programs will help make sure those who can't afford HFA inhalers have access to them. If you are having trouble affording your medication, you can call 1-888-477-2669 to see if help is available.

At Your or Your Child’s Next Doctor’s Appointment

Ask These Questions
At your very next appointment, take some time to ask:

• How can I change to an HFA inhaler now?
• What should I expect from my HFA inhaler?
• Along with my quick-relief medicine, do I need a daily maintenance medication to manage my asthma?
• Am I doing the right things to manage my asthma?

Review Your Asthma Management Plan
Whether you or your child suffers from asthma, you know that it takes daily attention to manage properly.

So use your next appointment with your doctor to discuss your current asthma treatment plan and ask about changing to an HFA quick-relief inhaler.

When you talk to your doctor about making the change, think about whether you find yourself using your quick-relief inhaler more than twice a week.

If so, your asthma may not be properly controlled. You and your doctor may need to re-evaluate your long-term maintenance plan and the need for other treatments. Short-acting, quick-relief albuterol works to relax the airway muscles, but doesn’t treat other aspects of asthma inflammation.

You can also use the visit with your doctor to ask about the most up-to-date ways of avoiding asthma triggers.

When you do make the change to your HFA quick-relief inhaler, please make sure to monitor how your asthma responds.

Tell your doctor immediately if you think you, or your child, are not responding the way you should.

What to expect from your HFA inhaler

Even though your inhaler is changing, the medicine inside is not. HFA quick-relief inhalers are FDA-approved. They are as safe and effective as CFC quick-relief inhalers.

While the albuterol inside the HFA inhaler is the same as in the CFC inhaler, there are some differences between the two inhalers (such as taste and spray force). You should expect this as you make the change.

For example:

• The sensation of the HFA spray will be less forceful than what you may be use to with the CFC inhaler
• HFA inhalers have specific cleaning instructions that can be found within the information provided with the product or by asking your doctor

If you currently use a CFC quick-relief inhaler, speak with your doctor as soon as possible about transitioning to an HFA quick-relief inhaler.

You should know that during this transition period, both CFC and HFA albuterol inhalers are on the market.

Because of supply and demand in your area, an HFA inhaler may not be immediately available. If this is the case, you and your doctor can make a plan to change as soon as HFA inhalers are available where you live.

For More Information

• Free Breather
  
  
• Transition Now
  
  
• Asthma Allergy Foundation of America
  
  
• FDA Metered Dose Inhaler Information