OTC Asthma Inhalers With CFCs Being Phased Out

US Pharm. 2011;36(10):8. 

Gaithersburg, MD—The FDA has announced that OTC epinephrine inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) cannot be made or sold after December 31, 2011. Primatene Mist, marketed by Armstrong Pharmaceutical Inc., is the only nonprescription inhaler that uses CFCs as a propellant. This action is being taken to comply with an international agreement to phase out substances, such as CFCs, that deplete the ozone layer. Many manufacturers have already replaced their CFC inhalers with hydrofluoroalkane (HFA), an environmentally-friendly propellant. Current users of Primatene Mist should plan to get a prescription for a replacement product to relieve their asthma symptoms. The product currently carries a prominent notice about the phase-out date on its label.