Americans with asthma face a shift in how they relieve the potentially deadly symptoms of asthma attacks. Because of environmental concerns, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants in inhalers have been banned in the United States and must be replaced by hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants. The transition presents an opportunity for asthma patients to make sure they are managing their condition effectively, says a report recently released by the American Council on Science and Health.

“Asthma patients must be sure to visit their doctors to pick up their new prescriptions and discuss the switch,” says ACSH president Elizabeth Whelan, MD. “Suddenly finding yourself without an inhaler in an emergency could have devastating consequences.”

Most inhalers deliver the drug albuterol, a fast-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways in order to quickly relieve asthma attacks. Until recently, the drug was available in inexpensive generic inhalers containing CFC propellants. But because CFCs have been shown to damage the ozone layer, the FDA required that all asthma patients switch to the more environmentally sound HFA propellants by December 31, 2008.

Although HPA inhalers are just as effective as your old CFC inhaler, be prepared for the mist to feel warmer and less forceful. Also, be sure to speak to your doctor and your insurance company about any cost increase you may experience. Because only name-brand HFA inhalers are currently available, the full transition will result in an increase of $1.2 billion per year to the health care system until generic HFA inhalers become available in 2010.

Some pharmaceutical companies have established programs to supply the newer HFA inhalers to patients who cannot afford them. “We urge you to speak to your doctor and look into these programs if you are worried you will not be able to afford your new HFA inhaler,” says ACSH medical director Gilbert Ross, MD. “While over-the-counter alternatives may be less expensive, they are also less safe.”

If you have asthma and rely on your inhaler more than twice per week, you should also consult your doctor about taking a controller medication, which works over time to reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, improve lung function, and reduce the number of asthma attacks you may experience. "Asthma: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment" contains information about many types of controller medications, from inhaled steroids to biologics, or substances engineered specifically to prevent irritants from affecting the airways of individuals with asthma.

“We at ACSH encourage asthma patients to stay informed about their condition and the various options for treating it, es 'Asthma: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment' can help you do just that.”

Source: American Council on Science and Health