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With the buzz about an Albuterol Inhaler shortage, what is a mom to do when she wants to get her son?s asthma inhaler prescription refilled?
More than 59 million inhalers are sold annually to treat asthma and allergy symptoms. For the more than 20 million Americans with asthma, a shortage of albuterol inhalers could be a real challenge. Many allergy and asthma sufferers experience a constricted airway, resulting in difficult breathing. Albuterol inhalers (Proventil, Ventolin, and generic versions) are known as ?rescue? inhalers and when a quick puff is inhaled, the airway becomes relaxed and breathing is restored to normal. As a potential shortage happening, this may be a challenge for these ?pre-exercise? individuals. Why a potential shortage? The problem starts with a new mandate that goes into effect on December 31, 2008. The most popular inhalers on the market today use a propellant that is considered to be an ozone-harming agent known as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). Other CFC?s that a person may be familiar with include the refrigerant Freon, some foam and solvent aerosols, and even some older fire extinguishers! The move away from CFC?s started back in the 1970?s. In order to protect the environment, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that the manufacturers use a more environment friendly propellant known as hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). Asthma inhalers aren?t the only medications affected by the change. Metered device inhalers (MDI) filled with Combivent and Atrovent are also affected. Speculation on why a potential shortage includes: What can be done to deal with a potential shortage? This potential shortage does have a good news, bad news side to it. The bad news is the shortage; the good news is that it raises the potential to visit with your doctor to see if a new program is available for controlling a person?s breathing problems. Rescue inhalers like albuterol do have the potential for side affects when they are used too often! Albuterol has been the gold standard for use as a rescue inhaler. But experts say if you go through more than one inhaler per month, six inhalers per year, or using an inhaler more than once or twice a week, it may be a sign that a person?s asthma is not under control! New regimens for treating asthma and allergies are available which includes oral tablets, steroid inhalers (Flovent, Azmacort, Pulmicort). Longer acting albuterol-type inhalers (Servent) and combination inhalers (Advair) have greatly improved a patient?s outcome and quality of life. Please see you doctor if you fall into this category of usage. And don?t be surprised if your pharmacist makes a suggestion based on the amount of inhalers used in a period of time. Conclusion Although there is an abundant supply of albuterol available, it just may not be exactly what you are used to in terms of availability and cost! This may be an opportunity to check out your treatment program and have it reviewed by your health care professional. Remember that seasonal allergies are right around the corner and now would be a good time to take inventory of your allergy medicines. You can be assured that your Cub Pharmacist is watching the potential shortage and will work with all parties involved to make sure that medication is available to you. As always, you can ask your friendly, knowledgeable Cub Pharmacist about any questions with your asthma and allergy medication program. Information provided by Doug White, RPh, Cub Pharmacy.
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