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Every industry seems to be getting a little greener. You might be surprised to know that this includes the pharmaceutical industry.
By the end of the year several million people with lung diseases like asthma will be switching to a more environmentally friendly albuterol inhaler to help them breathe. These newer inhalers use a greener chemical to propel the medication out of the inhaler and into the lungs.
Why are the inhalers changing?
The change in the chemical propellant is to protect the environment. Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, are the culprit chemical used in the old inhalers. After CFCs leave the inhaler they go on to damage the ozone layer, which helps protect the earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. A time extension was made for medical inhalers when CFC bans were passed in 1978 and 1987. That extension is almost up, and as of January 1, 2009 the old CFC inhalers can't be made or sold in the United States. This is a big deal for both patients and the environment because albuterol inhalers are one of the 10 most prescribed medications, with 52 million prescriptions filled each year. While the majority of people have already switched to CFC-free inhalers, a few million people will be making the transition in the next few months. What can they expect?
Most importantly, they can expect the CFC-free inhalers to be just as effective as the old CFC inhalers. CFC-free inhalers have been in use for a decade and studies have shown they work as well as inhalers with CFCs. Like with the old inhalers, spacer adapters can be used with the CFC-free inhalers to help keep the medication out of the mouth and get it into the lungs.
Still, a few small things are different with the new inhalers.
The CFC-free inhalers may feel different because they give a softer and warmer puff. However, the medication works on your lungs and not the back of your throat, so it is still getting to where it needs to go. The CFC-free inhalers may also smell and taste different.
Lastly, the new inhalers need to be cleaned more often and prepared for use, or "primed," more frequently than the CFC inhalers.
If you or someone you know is changing out their old CFC inhaler for a greener inhaler, breath easy. It is works just as well for their asthma and is better for our world.
Resources:
Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics—resources on the inhaler transition.
CFC-Free Inhalers: Time to Make the Switch. American Lung Association.
Rough Transition to a New Asthma Inhaler by Laurie Tarkan. NY Times. May 13, 2008.
The end is near for CFC-propelled inhalers by Susan J. Landers. American Medical News. July 14, 2008.
EPA Q&As on Ozone Depletion.
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