Volume 5, Issue 12

Inhalers:  CFC to HFA Switch
Contributed by: Ashley Stepp, Pharm.D. Candidate
                       KU School of Pharmacy

June 2007

What is asthma?
Approximately 20.5 million Americans currently have asthma. Many people with asthma have an individual or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Others have no history of allergies. Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.  When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swell. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by, and can lead to wheezing sounds.  A common way to measure the air flow and severity of asthma is to use a peak flow meter.  If you have asthma and are not familiar with this device; talk to your physician or pharmacist about this inexpensive meter to help keep your asthma under better control.

Why is my albuterol inhaler suddenly switching to a different inhaler?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that the sale of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) containing inhalers must stop by December 31, 2008.  CFC is safe for people, but has been shown to deplete the Earth's ozone-layer allowing harmful sun rays to pass easily through it.  The new inhalers are referred to as HFA or hydrofluoroalkane containing inhalers and are an earth-friendly alternative.  The HFA or CFC serve the same purpose to act as a propellant in the inhaler.  Both inhalers contain the same medication so patients should experience the same relief from their asthma symptoms.

What are the name changes for the inhalers?
The current albuterol is changing to ProAir®, Proventil® HFA, Ventolin® HFA, or Xo

penex® HFA.  Other inhalers that are available in the HFA form are Flovent® HFA and Advair® HFA.

What differences will I notice?
The new HFA inhalers are just as easy to use, but do take some getting used to since they have a slightly different taste and spray force.  The "thrust" into the lungs is not as strong in the HFA as compared to CFC propellant.  Patients HFA inhalers also require slightly different cleaning and care methods than the CFC inhalers.  Patients are required to cleanse the HFA at least once a week by removing the canister and the mouthpiece cap and run water through the device for 30 seconds.   

Is there a difference in cost?
The new HFA inhalers do cost more than the existing CFC inhalers due to lack of a generic.  Insurance companies generally have a higher co-pay on name brand medications and some insurance companies will not cover the new products.

Where Can I find more information?
Patients are encouraged to see their physician or pharmacist with any questions or concerns.  For additional information: www.lungusa.org.

Co-edited by:
Sarah Hare, Pharm.D.
Miranda Wilhelm, Pharm.D.

Inside this issue: