Download HFA Inhalers - Life Servant

News from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Topic of the Month - May - Transition to HFA Inhalers
From CFC to HFA: New changes in your asthma inhaler
The United States has committed, along with most of the world, to discontinuing the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
because of their negative effects on the ozone layer. In an effort to protect the environment, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is requiring that manufacturers of albuterol inhalers use hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) in place of CFCs to
propel the medicine out of the inhaler. In spite of this, it's important to know that the medicine in your inhaler is not
changing.
Take the True/False quiz below to test your knowledge about the new HFA-based asthma inhalers
True or False: It's a good idea to switch to an HFA inhaler.
True. Since 1978, CFCs have been taken out of nearly every product because they reduce the amount of ozone in the
ozone layer that surrounds and protects the earth against the sun's harmful rays. Loss of ozone can increase the risk of
skin cancer, cataracts and other health problems. Replacing the CFCs in your metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with another
substance called hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) will make the environment safer for everyone.
Additionally, no CFC albuterol inhalers will be sold after December 31, 2008. The pharmaceutical industry is gradually
decreasing their production of CFC albuterol inhalers while increasing their production of HFA albuterol inhalers. Thus,
many physicians are already making the switch to HFA propelled inhalers for their patients.
Making the transition to an HFA-based albuterol inhaler is also a good opportunity to review your overall asthma
management plan with your doctor. Talk to your allergist/immunologist as soon as possible about making the transition to
an HFA-propelled asthma inhaler.
True or False: The medicine in HFA inhalers will stay the same.
True. The medicine in your asthma inhaler will not change. The medicine (albuterol) in the HFA inhalers is exactly the
same as the albuterol in the CFC inhalers. It's the substance used to push the medicine out of the inhaler that is changing.
HFA inhalers provide the same level of safety and effectiveness as CFC inhalers, but without harming the environment.
True or False: There are some differences between the new HFA-based inhalers and the old CFC-based inhalers.
True. After switching to an HFA-based inhaler, you will notice that there are a few differences from the CFC-based
inhalers, but there are also many similarities:
HFA vs. CFC
Similarities between HFA and
Differences in the new HFA inhalers
CFC inhalers
Same medicine in the inhaler
Ozone-friendly to the environment
Shape is similar
Might be slightly different in smell and taste
Size is similar
Mist is less forceful and warmer, but the medicine is the same
Convenient to use
May need to be cleaned and cared for differently (These
devices should not get wet; don't use the float test!)
True of False: A new prescription is needed to get an HFA inhaler.
True. To get an HFA inhaler you will need to get a new prescription from your physician. Work with your
allergist/immunologist to determine which HFA inhaler is right for you. You will not be able to exchange your current CFC
inhaler for an HFA inhaler at the pharmacy; a new prescription is required.
True or False: You can identify whether or not your current asthma inhaler is already HFA-based.
True. Most HFA inhalers will be clearly marked with the phrase, "HFA" or will state that they contain no CFCs. You can
also check with your physician to determine which type of inhaler you are currently using.
True of False: There is a difference in price between CFC and HFA inhalers.
True. HFA inhalers may cost anywhere from $30 to $60, which is considerably more than the $5 to $25 for a generic CFC
inhaler. Manufacturers of HFA inhalers are implementing programs to make sure patients who cannot afford HFA inhalers
will be able to get them. These programs include giveaways, coupons for reducing the price paid, and patient assistant
programs based on financial need.
Patients in need of financial assistance should contact The Partnership for Prescription Assistance by calling 1-888-4772669 or visit www.pparx.org
When should someone see an allergist/immunologist?
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide
information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or
ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:






Need education regarding inhaler technique.
Need education on asthma and guidance in techniques for self-management.
Need daily asthma reliever medications.
Have persistent asthma, particularly moderate-severe persistent asthma.
Have uncontrolled asthma.
Are not using medications as prescribed, and this is limiting their ability to control their asthma.
Your allergist/immunologist can provide you with more information on using inhaled asthma medications.
IMPORTANT: Inhalers should be used only as a back-up measure to treat asthma. For example, as pre-treatment
for exercise-induced asthma symptoms before exercising, before being exposed to pets that you are allergic to,
or for rapid relief of the symptoms of asthma.
If you are using your inhaler daily, contact an allergist/immunologist to get your asthma under control.
Find an allergist/immunologist in your area.
Additional Resources





Transition to HFA inhalers: Physician and Patient resources
Tips to Remember: Use of inhaled asthma medications
Fact Sheet: Treating asthma
Fast Facts: Asthma
Tips to Remember: Role of the allergist/immunologist
This topic was reviewed on 5/1/2007 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web
Editor.
© 1996-2007 · All Rights Reserved · American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology