OTC inhalers to be phased out to protect ozone layer

AP ^ | 9/22/2011 | MATTHEW PERRONE

[Mount Athos]

Asthma patients who rely on over-the-counter inhalers will need to switch to prescription-only alternatives as part of the federal government's latest attempt to protect the Earth's atmosphere.

The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday patients who use the epinephrine inhalers to treat mild asthma will need to switch by Dec. 31 to other types that do not contain chlorofluorocarbons, an aerosol substance once found in a variety of spray products.

The action is part of an agreement signed by the U.S. and other nations to stop using substances that deplete the ozone layer, a region in the atmosphere that helps block harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun.

But the switch to a greener inhaler will cost consumers more. Epinephrine inhalers are available via online retailers for around $20, whereas the alternatives, which contain the drug albuterol, range from $30 to $60.

[Sarajevo]

Wanna bet the improved inhalers do not work as well?

No wager is needed. I can attest that the new inhalers suck.

I had to go to a 1 hour class on the use and operation of the new inhaler and spacer. You have to shake the thing for 1 minute before you can be sure of getting adequate medication in suspension. You can take puffs before the minute is up, but you will receive a lesser dose of medication. That's all fine and dandy, but shaking the thing for a minute while an elephant is on my chest is not my idea of fun.