Albuterol Inhalation?

Question

I was just told at Wal-Mart that they cannot fill this prescription anymore. The government is taking it off the market because it is bad for the environment. Do not know how since it goes into you lungs. Has anyone else heard this. They are asking the dr to prescribe something new called ProAir HFA which is an albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol but not dangerous for the environment. I do know it sure costs a whole lot more. It's not on the $4.00 list anymore. Can anyone help with this question? Thanks. Barb

I just called Walgreens and they also said they are discontinuing the medication since it damages the environment. They are also going to Pro Air. The pharmacist told me it costs more. Another medication that will hurt seniors and get them to the donut hole faster.

Answer 1

First of all, Walmart didn't discontinue carrying because it damages the environment. They don't care about the environment! They haven't stopped carrying it either. They just can't get it.....consistently anyway.

My pharmacy is in the same boat. The Proair HFA is much more expensive, but sometimes it's all we can get. And after 2007 (perhaps sooner), it will be all that there is.

It is safe for your lungs. It just damages the ozone. It sounds like a lie......but it's true.

Answer 2

http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=gooduphigh.ozone

http://voice.paly.net/view_story.php?id=547

http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/acid_rain.htm

http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/ozone_home.htm
http://mason.gmu.edu/~klargen/111lectozonedepletionspring04.htm


Your question caused me to check out these websites. (Only a few of many). I could not see where CFC's have any history of direct lung damage when using the albuterol or other inhalers. I did read of the damage CFC's do cause to the Ozone which will directly affect the quality of the air we breathe and increase our asthma symptoms greatly.

I also have the albuterol inhaler to use but there is a switchover happening to safer propellants in inhalers. I also am using a new medication Spiriva which is a power inhalant which is a great help to me.

Just as freon was removed from the market and other CFC based products, they're finally coming after the inhalers but only because they have finally developed a (hopefully) safer propellant. Check out the net and the sites I've included for your information. The change is happening and it's not going away. As with anything new, we will have to keep researching the web, newspapers, TV and magazines for any negative reports. Of course, the first negative is $$$$. Please don't get me going on pharmaceutical companies and their greed.

Answer 3

You might still find that another pharmacy can get them, but yes, these "metered dose inhalers" are being phased out. They are all to be phased out by December 31, 2008. You'll need to talk with your doctor about a new prescription for what's called an HFA inhaler.

Answer 4

I get my albuterol inhalers at Kroger's and these do seem to help. Isn't everything in a medicine container bad for the environment? I think Walmart just wants to make more money somehow. Look back far enough and find where they will benefit....

Answer 5

I just got my prescription filled about a week ago.. If they really do take it off the market I don't know what I'm going to do whenever I get sick, especially bronchitis like I have now.

My advice is to call your doctor's office & verify the information. If he tells you you can still get the prescription filled, ask him where you can go that will do it.

Good luck.!

Answer 6

Those metered dose inhalers are being discontinued because they have CFCs in them. The ones with no CFCs are all on patent. This is happening to a number of Metered dose drugs.

Answer 7

I cannot verify that albutorol has been taken off the market anywhere. You may want to call another pharmacy to double check!