Before explaining the exact reason why most asthma rescue CFC inhalers are being transformed now into HFA-based inhalers let me write a few introductory sentences about penguins, ozone layer and sun radiation, because there is, in fact, a certain connection between asthma inhalers and all those above mentioned things (no, no – I am not trying to say that penguins use inhalers…)
The seriousness and obviousness of global warming and ozone layer depletion concerns have definitely increased over the past years. Now the melting of Antarctic ice raises significant concerns not only between penguins living there, but among many and many scientists around the Globe, who build pretty pessimistic prognoses on the future of Planet Earth. The only way for humans to prevent further development of the problem, which may lead to global cataclysm, is to stop depleting the ozone layer.
The point is that ozone layer, which protects all living beings on Earth from destructive ultraviolet rays from outer space, is depleted and exhausted these days. Scientists believe that the increased volume of emitted CFC or chlorofluorocarbon gases, widely used in many industrial processes, as well as in common everyday things, like refrigerators or air conditioners, is one of the causes of ozone layer depletion. Besides, the same CFC substances are also commonly used in certain medications, manufactured in the form of sprays or inhalers, such as asthma rescue inhalers, where CFC gas is used to deliver the medicine’s working agent right into the human lungs.
The problem is that CFC is safe for humans, but it is harmful for the ozone layer. Raised concerns about depleted ozone layer made the pharmacists look for ozone-friendly alternatives, which could be used in asthma inhalers. Such alternative was found, and its name is hydrofluoroalkane or just HFA.
So, the one and the only difference, as well as advantage between older CFC-based asthma inhalers and the new HFA ones, is the new ozone-friendly substance, which is used to deliver the medication into the human lungs. The working ingredient, which provides the medicinal effect and treats asthma attacks, remains the same – in most cases it is albuterol.
Finally, what does such CFC to HFA transition mean for a patient?
First, using HFA instead of CFC-based asthma inhalers, one helps not only himself to prevent asthma attach, - he is also helping Planet Earth to regenerate its ozone layer and prevent collapse because of global warming.
Second, new HFA asthma inhalers, such as Proventil HFA or Ventolin HFA, will work just the same as older generic albuterol or Proventil and Ventolin. The working ingredient, mode of action, effectiveness and safety profile of the medications remain unchanged. The only thing is that because of another propellant gas use, a patient may feel change in taste or spray force while using new HFA-based asthma inhalers.
Third, unfortunately manufacturers of asthma inhalers say that it is likely that new HFA-based products will be more costly in comparison to the older versions. That is obviously because the ozone-friendly gas is more expensive; plus most of the HFA-based inhalers will be brand medications, which have always been more expensive than generic ones.
Nick
User Contributed Comments
GodisGreat
This is a change for the worse. Global warming is a scam. Follow the money trail. Once we see we are having to pay this and that because of global warming, then we should become suspicious. Now they are taking away our medications. Sick evil people.
Patrice
YOU, Mr. Echo-terrorist Whinef are FULL OF CRAP! You and your tree and bug hugging friends don't give a DAMN about people. You only care about "saving the environment"! What the hell good us the environment if children, mothers, dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles DIE because YOU have determined that grass is mire important than individual people are!! It us CRAP that the HFA inhalers are just as good as the CFC inhalers. THEY ARE NOT!! They do not deliver the medication properly AND many asthmatics are seriously ALLERGIC to the so-called inert ingredients that are DIFFERENT than the inhalers with CFCs. If course YOU don't give a damn if 1 million people drop dead from SUFFOCATION. It's just an easy way to "reduce the surplus population"! I have an idea...YOU and your evil tribe of ecoterrorists make the ultimate sacrifice for the environment and go jump off a glacier!!!
pharmo
you people need to calm down, these new inhalers aren\\\'t going to suffocate anyone and patrice where are you getting your information from exactly? yourself? so you dont like the new inhaler you just need to give some time to get used to it. It tastes and feels different because less of the drug is going to the back of your throat and in your mouth and actually going where it will help you - to your lungs. If you are still having problems after using your inhaler you\\\'re probably not getting the right dose - pay a visit to you GP and tell them your issues instead of giving misinformation on this website.
TBlue
To the other posters. You are betraying your ignorance. The ozone layer and global warming are two completely independent problems. CFC's are not greenhouse gases and would not affect global climate change if it is indeed occurring. CFC's do have the potential to affect the ozone layer which protects us from UV (nothing to do with global climate change). I do know that in Australia, which is close to the Antarctica ozone hole, children are required to wear hats to school to protect them from sunburn/skin cancer. I would tend to agree with you on things like carbon trading being nothing more than a scam.
As for the new inhalers, I am not sure if I can tell whether they are working. Since the medicine inside is supposed to be the same, either it is not getting delivered as well, or the medicine (albuterol) is not helping me as much.
As for the new inhalers, I am not sure if I can tell whether they are working. Since the medicine inside is supposed to be the same, either it is not getting delivered as well, or the medicine (albuterol) is not helping me as much.
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