How to Make the Transition from Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Propelled Albuterol Inhalers to Hydrofluroalkane (HFA) Propelled Albuterol Inhalers If You Live in Indianapolis

We learned today (May 30) that the FDA just amended regulation 21 CRF2.125. Bottom line? December 31, 2008, is the date when sales of all old CFC inhalers must stop and consumers, including asthma sufferers, will only be allowed to purchase HFA albuterol inhalers. You can see the updates here: www.fda.gov/cder/mdi/mdifaqs.htm and here: www.aafa.org/display.cfm

We have members of our family who have asthma so we had already been transitioning from one type of inhaler to the other - and let me tell you, it can be a pretty bumpy ride! We weren't surprised to learn that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had received complaints about HFA Inhalers. We agree with some of those complaints but we always keep in mind the main purpose of the new regulations: to protect the earth's ozone layer.

We do care deeply about the earth's ozone layer. However, we also share the concerns of those who have to transition to hydrofluoroalkane inhalers (HFAs). Here is information which should be helpful for those dealing with this transition, with some additional sites for those living in the Midwest, particularly Indianapolis.

These are the main issues for those with asthma and other lung diseases or conditions:

A major concern with is cost of HFA inhalers

The old inhalers generally cost much less than HFA inhalers. According to many sites, including information found at the New Yorks Times here: www.nytimes.com/2008/05/13/health/13asth.html the average cost for old inhalers is about $13.50. That is about 1/3 the price of the new inhalers, information which I verified by calling a local Indianapolis pharmacy and talking to a CVS pharmacist. Indeed, the new inhalers do cost more.

Who picks up the additional cost?