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Inhaler
Fact Sheet
Your inhaler is changing…
Inhaled medicine is a safe, easy way for people with lung problems to
take medicine. The medicine in most inhalers is mixed with a gas. The
gas carries the medicine into the lungs. CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) is
the most common gas used in inhalers. CFC's are safe for people;
but, destroy the ozone layer in our environment.
Loss of the ozone layer makes us more prone to skin cancer,
cataracts, and other health problems.
The Montreal Protocol an international treaty requires countries to stop
using gases that break down ozone. The United States will stop
making and selling CFC inhalers December 31, 2008.
The following inhalers contain CFC and will be changing: Atrovent®
(ipratropium); Combivent®; Albuterol; Alupent®; Aerobid®
(flunisolide); Azmacort® (triamcinolone); Flovent® (fluticasone);
Intal® (cromolyn); and Tilade® (nedocromil).
Currently, HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) is being used in place of CFC.
Inhalers with HFA work just as well as CFC but will be more
expensive until generics are available. The HFA inhaler may feel or
taste different when used. HFA inhalers are also prone to clogging so
the plastic holder must be cleaned regularly (see package
instructions).
Talk to your provider about switching to a HFA inhaler. Some mail
order pharmacies may switch you automatically. The FDA states there
should not be a shortage of inhalers. CFC inhalers will be sold until
there are enough HFA inhalers for everyone who needs them.
To learn more about inhalers and the environment, visit:
To learn more about CFC inhalers and the environment visit:
www.fda.gov/cder/mdi/default.htm
Revised 12/08