Taking the CFCs out of your MDI

» phillipkeen - Inhaler Questions

Excellent article on the topic of upcoming changes to inhalers. I was wondering, is there a non-CFC formula for GlaxoWellcome Flovent® and Boehringer Ingelheim Combivent® inhalers? I know Flovent® is made by the same people who make Serevent®; however, my doctor tells me Flovent® is much more powerful than Serevent®. With my extremely bad acute asthma problems he specifically wants me to be on Flovent®. Years ago before my asthma got as bad as it is, I do believe I was on Serevent®. I am also curious to know, does the Albuterol Sulfate, USP Inhalation Solution for nebulizers contain the dangerous CFCs or is this strictly for the airesol inhalers only? One problem I have had over the years when I get my Albuterol refilled, I always have to specify the solution for the nebulizer. If I do not, quite frequently I get the Albuterol inhalers instead. Has anybody else had this problem?

Will Medicare and Medicaid cover the new non-CFCs MDIs? I hope so. I am very concerned about protecting the ozone layer. I unfortunately live in the Houston metropolitan area -- the petrochemical capitol of the world. I am interested in doing all that I can to protect the ozone layer.

I need to be going now. See you later; take care, and God Bless.

-- posted by phillipkeen

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» LeighGK - Re: Inhaler Questions

In response to message posted by phillipkeen:

Phillip,
Thank you for the kind words. They are always appreciated.

In answer to some of your questions, Flovent and Serevent perform two different functions. The Flovent, an inhaled steroid, controls the underlying inflammation associated with asthma. Serevent is a long-acting bronchodilator which opens the airways but does not treat the inflammation. The Flovent is more powerful in the sense that it helps control your asthma in general, not just asthma attacks. See my first article on understanding asthma medications. By the way, my son is on both medications. It is very likely that the Combivent will be available in a non-CFC form, but I will need to do some research on that front.

Second, the Albuterol for your nebulizer does NOT contain CFCs. The medicine is aerated by a continuous stream of air generated from the pump in the machine...which is why some of them are so noisy! Only the pocket inhalers contain the CFCs that are not harmful to you, so continue to take them following your doctor's instructions. Also, prescriptions for Albuterol for your nebulizer as opposed to a pocket inhaler are written differently by your physician. Be sure your pharmacist is reading the prescriptions properly. You should not have to specify.

As far as I know, insurance companies should cover the new non-CFC inhalers as they come on the market. Since they are a replacement for a medication you are already taking, there shouldn't be a problem. However, I am no expert so please contact your insurance company directly.

Stay healthy and breathe well!
Leigh

-- posted by LeighGK

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