We learned today (May 30) that the FDA just amended regulation 21 CRF2.125. Bottom line? December 31, 2008, is 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
Plenty aren't happy about this because the new inhalers often cost more and many brands aren't covered by insurance. Also (and we know this from personal experience) the pumping strength isn't as strong so you might think the new ones are broken. They generally aren't. They just look, act and feel different. They tend to gum up - if you don't clean them properly.
To save money: ask your doc if you can try samples of the meds being used in the mandatory new inhalers. Find out if your insurance will pay. Start getting used to them now. Try not to stockpile the old inhalers.
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Comments: 27
wonder if they'll follow suit here
The group: We Comment Back
Thankfully I rarely use mine.
i am an astma sufferer, but it has been awhile since I have seen a doc about it. I was in highschool the last time I got an inhaler. (so over 9yrs ago) I don't have as many attacks as I used to (also not as active as I was then) but when I do it sucks not having that inhaler to use.
I really need to get back to see a doc again so I can get another inhaler for those times I really need it....
Triple Points Monday!! Enjoy It!