Changes Ordered for Inhalers

FDA REQUIRES ASTHMA INHALER CHANGES

Albuterol metered dose inhalers (MDIs), also called “short-acting” or “rescue” inhalers, are made by several manufacturers. They have traditionally used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to “propel” the albuterol into the lungs. But now, a new safe and effective alternative propellant, hydroflouroalkane (HFA), has been created to replace CFCs, and will become the required standard for all inhalers starting in 2009. (See official FDA announcement to learn more.)You don’t have to wait until 2009 to make the switch, you can do it today. Many HFA albuterol inhalers are already available. Talk to your doctor today about writing a new prescription for an HFA inhaler and make the switch early so you'll make the 2009 deadline. Between now and December 31, 2008, CFC inhaler production will begin to be phased-out. But as the supply of CFC inhalers decreases, supplies of HFA inhalers will increase to ensure that the total supply meets the total patient demand, up to and beyond the 2009 required transition date.HFA albuterol and levalbuterol medications currently available include:
Proventil-HFA (NDC 00085-1132-01) from Schering-Plough, Ventolin-HFA (NDC# 0173-0682-00) from GlaxoSmithKline lbuterol-HFA (NDC 59310-579-20) from IVAX ,Xopenex-HFA (NDC 63402-510-01) from Sepracor