Over the Counter Asthma Inhalers Being Phased Out
SIDE NOTE: I don't know about you, but I don't really like the new HFA-style inhalers. They just don't feel as though they're working as well, do they? The fact is, the new inhalers are still supposed to be just as effective, so we probably just need to adjust to the change.
Now, the FDA is proposing an expansion of the CFC ban to over the counter epinephrine inhalers, such as Primatene Mist. They would be removed from the market by the end of year 2010. This is probably a good thing for the health of asthmatics. You see, epinephrine inhalers don't really treat asthma effectively. Though they can be useful as a quick-relief medicine, the better bet for optimal asthma control is to use a preventive asthma medicine, namely an inhaled steroid.
Most asthmatics have probably used an over the counter inhaler at some point. I know I have. The main selling point is that you can buy them without a doctor's prescription and without health insurance approval. And they're fairly affordable. But they're not that effective, and they may also be dangerous, especially if over used. The fact that you can buy them without your doctor being involved is not really a good thing. Asthma control is always more effective when you work together with your physician to develop an Asthma Action Plan and asthma treatment plan that work for you.
Comments
I carry inhaled epinephrine with me at all times. You see I have severe anaphylaxis to peanuts, even others eating them, the inhaled epi gives my just enough to open up my breathing passages, and sometimes, I don’t have to take an epi pen. I am sad to see it go, it has literally been a life saver for me.
CFC propellants harm the ozone? that’s like saying a gnat would break a camel’s back. The ozone is in danger from larger sources. Meanwhile those who cannot afford the increasing cost of doctor visits and the outrageous cost of Rx medications suffer, excuse me, die due to asthma and not being able to treat the constriction of the bronchioles. That’s our government for you. I used otc asthma products for years and to me the benefits outway the risks. The pulling otc treatments off shelves under the guise of “ozone damage” and “may be dangerous” is nothing but political rhetoric that disguises the fact Uncle Sam could care less if you die. Good ol Uncle Sam only cares for the money they get from pharmaceutical lobbyists asking to remove otc to increase their cash flow. Anyone who would disagree is a fool or a lobbyist or politicians. You people disgust me. There’s a place in Purgatory for you people.
Hi Scott… I’m not sure if your comment was meant to be a joke, but there’s no reason to be angry with me. I’m in agreement with you. This whole CFC propellant issue seems a bit over the top when it comes to our little asthma inhalers. I miss my CFC inhaler too!
This is wrong. I knoe i have been in need of an inhaler without medical coverage and have had to buy an over the counter inhaler. I wonder how many people have to die of an asthma attack for the government to realize this is a bad idea.
I think this is a bad idea as well. Yes taking medication without seeing a doctor isn’t the best idea but if you don’t have insurance like my daughter and make too much for medical assistance but not really enough to pay a doctor bill attached then people like her just end up dead. Thinking they can just concentrate ang get their breathing back on track and then they end up dead. Over 5000 americans die of a severe asthma attack every year and idiots with insurance and money to pay doctors dictate how medications should be dispense. My daughter earns 7.50 and hour and has bills to pay and shes too proud to accept money from us and her job works her practically full time but just not enough to give her full time so she would get medical.
She needs every cent she earns to pay bills and buy food. Where is she suppose to fit the doctor bill to only get perscription for a max of 3 inhalers every 3 months. That is all the doctors will perscribe because she has no insurance. Said it was a Virginia Law. She has had asthma all her life but I guess law makers think she will get over it even though there is no cure.