New federally mandated inhalers pricier

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In an effort to go green, CFC-containing asthma inhalers will be phased out, and all new inhalers must contain environmentally friendly ingredients. The federal mandate was passed in 2005, and time is running out for asthma sufferers to make the switch.

As of Dec. 31, 2008, all CFC inhalers will become obsolete. Manufacturers will no longer be allowed to make or distribute asthma inhalers containing ozone-harming chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons, or otherwise known as CFC. As the deadline approaches, the Food and Drug Administration is urging asthma patients to make the switch now.

Asthma sufferers will notice some major differences with the new inhalers. The CFC-free inhalers differ in taste, feel and cost. "The old inhalers were around so long there were generics available, and you could buy an old inhaler for between $5 and $25," said Dr. Robert Cook of Central Texas Allergy and Asthma Center. "The new inhalers are $60 plus."

The FDA has received more than 400 complaints from asthma sufferers. The new inhalers have a weaker spray leaving some patients to think the inhaler is not working.

"There's certainly a psychological component with asthma," said Pharmacist Chris Johnson, owner of MedSavers Pharmacy. "When you feel like you can't breathe and you have a little anxiety that is starting to kick in, you want to feel something and feel you're getting the medicine into your lungs."

Johnson's pharmacy specializes in generic prescription medication for the uninsured or underinsured. CFC-free inhalers are all brand name, and there are no generic versions. Johnson’s pharmacy is also one of the few in Texas with a supply of the old, cheaper inhalers which patients are scrambling to get before the Dec. 31 deadline.

"I'm unhappy and sad about it, because the very people we are trying to help this is actually hurting--the uninsured population," said Johnson of the federal mandate.

Drug companies are seeing huge sales. One report by a health care information company called IMS showed as people switched to the new inhalers, all inhaler sales jumped from $500 million to $1.1 billion.

While the new inhalers may be helping the environment, Johnson said it is hurting some patients. To help with the cost, all drug companies offer coupons. There is also a financial assistance hotline through the Partnership For Prescription Assistance at 1-888-477-2669.