Last gasp for Primatene Mist?

Last updated: June 2011

Primatene Mist, the only asthma inhaler sold without a prescription, will be pulled from store shelves by Jan. 1, 2012, because it currently contains environmentally harmful chlorofluorocarbons.

The ban is the result of an international agreement to phase out CFCs because they deplete the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere that shields us from some of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

A CFC-free version of Primatene Mist that would contain the same active ingredient—epinephrine, a drug that dilates the airways to improve breathing—is being developed, according to an executive at Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures the inhaler. But Armstrong would still have to obtain approval from the Food and Drug Administration before the drug could be marketed.

In the meantime, people who depend on Primatene Mist for asthma relief should consult their health-care providers to assess their symptoms and discuss other treatment options. Experts we interviewed agreed that patients who have asthma should leave that appointment with:

A written action plan that covers preventive strategies, such as dealing with seasonal allergies and other asthma triggers.
Guidelines for what to do if symptoms flare.
A treatment to use in place of Primatene Mist when needed.

Prescription asthma medications can cost substantially more than Primatene Mist, which sells for around $20 for a 0.5-fluid-ounce canister (about 270 puffs) plus mouthpiece. If the increased cost is a hardship, you might be eligible for financial assistance. To find out more, get in touch with the manufacturer of your prescribed drug or contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at www.pparx.org or 888-477-2669.