Change in Albuterol Inhalers
Anyone in the United States who uses an albuterol inhaler containing chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFCs, must change inhalers.
The propellant—the "puff" that pushes the medication out of the inhaler—has been changed from CFCs to hydrofluoroalkanes, also known as HFA. Since December 31, 2008, albuterol inhalers that contain CFCs are no longer sold in the United States. Albuterol inhalers that contain HFA have now replaced CFC inhalers.
CFCs damage the Earth's ozone layer and harm the environment. The HFA inhalers are safe for the ozone layer, and they contain the same albuterol medication.
Some people have already switched over to the HFA inhalers. If you use an albuterol CFC inhaler talk with your doctor now about switching to an albuterol HFA inhaler. There are enough albuterol HFA inhalers for everyone who needs them.
More information is available at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/podcast/ albuterol_inhalers_20080926.htm.
- Page last reviewed: April 24, 2009
- Page last updated: April 27, 2009
- Content source: National Center for Environmental Health
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