Your Metered-Dose Inhaler is Changing
to Help Improve the Environment
This
resource is also available as a public service announcement in
PDF
format
An updated Public Service Announcement is available.
Updated information is now available on the phase-out of Chlorofluorocarbon-containing (CFC) Albuterol MDIs |
Although chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in medicines are
safe for patients to inhale, they are harmful to the
environment. CFCs reduce the amount of ozone in the
ozone layer that surrounds the earth and protects the
earth against the sun's harmful rays. The loss of ozone
can increase the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other
health problems. Replacing the CFCs in your metered dose
inhaler with another substance, called HFA, will
make the environment safer for everyone.
-
MDIs with CFCs are being phased out.
-
FDA has found these ozone-friendly inhalers to be safe
and effective when prescribed for FDA-approved uses.
-
Many types of CFC inhalers will continue to be sold
until similar HFA inhalers are widely available.
Most HFA inhalers will be clearly marked with the phrase,
"HFA," or will state they contain no CFCs.
In what ways will an "HFA" metered-dose
inhaler be...
the same? |
different? |
- Safe and effective
for the same FDA approved
uses
- Shape is similar
- Size is similar
- Convenient to use
|
- Ozone-friendly
to the environment
- May be slightly
different in smell
and taste
- May need to be
cleaned and cared
for differently
|
Discuss the use and care of the HFA metered-dose inhaler with your healthcare professional.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov/cder/mdi
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Date created: September 22, 2003; updated May 30, 2008 |