FDA Bans CFC Inhalers, Walmart Offers Low-Cost Alternative

January 16, 2009

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An FDA mandate that came into effect on Dec. 31 dictates that all albuterol metered-dose asthma inhalers marketed in the U.S. must use hydrofluroalkane (HFA) propellants, as opposed to chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants.

Most manufacturers, like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Schering-Plough, hurried to make the transition and have increased production to ensure an adequate supply of HFA inhalers. Armstrong Pharmaceuticals has not yet done so, the FDA said.

Rescue inhalers can be costly: some HFA inhalers may sell for as much as $60 for certain brands. To make the life-saving medication affordable, Walmart is going to sell the ReliOn Ventolin HFA inhaler for $9.

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Reader Comments

This is a scam. Yes the inhalers cost a third of the price, but they are a third of the size in medication. SO….more waste with more inhalers. I need three inhalers ($30) to get the same dosage as one regular priced inhaler. Same price, more trips to the store, more inhalers, more waste. BRING BACK CFC INHALERS and BAN HUMMER’S BEFORE A PROPER BREATHING MEDICATION!!!

Michael T. | March 26th, 2009

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