Generic Albuterol Asthma Inhalers no longer available in USA after Dec 31, 2008

Posted April 2nd, 2008

Asthma Inhalers are Changing!

After December 31, 2008 generic albuterol inhalers will not longer be available for sale in the United States. New replacement inhalers will be available.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will ban the use of ozone-depleting propellants called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in many inhalers effective December 31, 2008.inhalers

This is a result of an international treaty designed to eliminate ozone-depleting chemicals that will have a positive effect on our environment, and will ultimately benefit lung health. But the transition to a new type of inhaler can be difficult and even confusing.

BREATHE LA encourages you to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe transition from your current chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) inhaler to a non-ozone depleting replacement inhaler.

tags:

The new albuterol inhalers - and lies your pharmacy tells

On July 25th, 2008 Breathe Visitor (not verified) said:

I went to a Rite-Aid today to pick up my inhaler. It's 7/25/08. They tell me that "all the generics CFC inhalers have been pulled off the market and this is all we have." The Proventil HFC one, $40 vs. $10. I don't have a good drug plan, and most insurance plans anyway will insist you pay brand-name prices/higher tier prices, despite the fact that a generic isn't going to be available.

Which I can't understand. It's not the albuterol being changed,but the propellant. Just how tight are the various patents, anyway? And I resent the fact that despite this being talked about since 2006, NOBODY has apparently thought to do anything to provide a generic?

I'm also po'd at my pharmacy. Tell me they're being phased out and you don't have any more,but don't pass on misinformation.