Asthma patients complain about new, green inhalers
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: KOAA
Published Mon Jun 30, 2008, 09:42 AM MDT
Updated Mon Jun 30, 2008, 09:42 AM MDT
Starting January 1, the FDA is banning inhalers that harm the environment. But an asthma advocacy group is concerned the new green inhalers may not be as effective.
The old fashioned CFC inhalers contain chemicals that harm earth's protective ozone layer. Patients use inhalers during asthma attacks to dispense airway relaxing Albuterol, but some patients say the new inhalers have less pressure.
Dr. Alan Goldsobel, with Allergy and Asthma Associates, says they're still effective. Dr. Goldsobel said, "The research studies have shown that they work equivalently when they're compared. The force of the inhaler has nothing to do with how it opens up your lungs."
Patients also complain the taste is different and the HFA inhalers require much more cleaning to prevent clogs.
Patients are also concerned about the cost because there is no generic version of the new green inhalers.
