CFC-Containing Asthma and COPD Inhalers To Be Phased Out

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Asthma on April 18, 2010

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In accordance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, seven metered-dose inhalers (MDI) used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be phased out from the U.S. marketplace over the next three years. These inhalers contain ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants that move medication out of the inhaler and into the lungs of patients. Alternative medications that do not contain CFCs are available.

The affected products and their phase out schedule include:

Tilade Inhaler (nedocromil)- June 14, 2010
Alupent Inhalation Aerosol (metaproterenol)- June 14, 2010
Azmacort Inhalation Aerosol (triamcinolone)- Dec. 31, 2010
Intal Inhaler (cromolyn)- Dec. 31, 2010
Aerobid Inhaler System (flunisolide)- June 30, 2011
Combivent Inhalation Aerosol (albuterol and ipratropium in combination)- Dec. 31, 2013
Maxair Autohaler (pirbuterol)- Dec. 31, 2013

If you are using any of the above inhalers, consult your doctor for a suitable alternative treatments that are currently available. For more info, see the FDA news release.