CFC Inhalers: Grand Finale, Dec. 31!

December 22, 2008

CFC-containing albuterol inhalers will be exiting stage right on December 31, as the government’s ban on their use takes full effect.

Those of you who work with asthma patients have no doubt been busy educating your patients about the change for some time now, helping them understand why the FDA decided to remove these medications from the market and how to use the new, CFC-free inhalers in their place.

As the “grand finale” for these inhalers approaches, the AARC urges everyone to keep up the good work. Many patients are still confused about the change, and even those who do understand the why’s and wherefore’s may not be completely up to speed on the new devices. Cost concerns could also be causing some patients to turn to potentially dangerous over-the-counter rescue inhalers instead, or foregoing their controller medications in order to afford the newer rescue prescriptions.

Here are a few resources you can use as you help your patients adjust to life without their CFC inhalers:

• A Guide to Aerosol Delivery Devices for Respiratory Therapists: This web-based course from the AARC covers nebulizers, MDIs, and DPIs, plus the science behind them and educational tools you need to help your patients understand them. The course is approved for four CRCE credits and is FREE for AARC members.
• FDA Podcast: Read the transcript, or click on “Podcast” to listen to this informative eight minute session on the transition.
• Smart Moves to an HFA Inhaler: This site includes a video and FAQs on the change from the Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics.

For more on how to work with your local media to get the word out about the transition, visit the AARC’s Public Relations webpage. The resource includes a public relations guidebook, along with a media guide to help you search for and contact media outlets in your area.