reply to post by KySc5
WHATEVER. The OP of this thread is shamefully misleading. If you actually take the time to
read the article referenced in the OP you will see
this (emphasis is mine):
Asthma sufferers who use inexpensive, over-the-counter Primatene Mist (PM) inhalers will no longer be able to obtain them beginning in 2012,
thanks to a phase-out of the product initiated by the Obama administration. In accordance with the Montreal protocols adopted during the Bush
administration, products that emit chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which include PM inhalers, are an alleged threat to the ozone layer, and are thus being
withdrawn from use."
Source
So, as you see, it is the chloroflourocarbon (aka CFC) propellant in the inhaler that is being banned which is why the current version of Primatene
Mist is being phased out. And, if you take a couple of minutes to do a web search to educate yourself about the Montreal Protocol, you will
immediately see that the treaty that involves the Montreal Protocol was first opened for discussion and signature in
September of 1987. Click
HERE to go to the Wikipedia page regarding the Montreal Protocol treaty. As a matter of
fact, it was then president RONALD REAGAN who first signed the United States into the treaty.
Furthermore, according to the Wall Street Journal's Health Blog, Amphaster Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Primatene Mist is already
developing a replacement inhaler using a different propellant that will be in accord with the banning of the use of CFC's.
Dan Dischner, an Amphastar spokesman, tells DJN that the company’s subsidiary, Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, is talking with the FDA about bringing
a new version of the drug — using a different propellant — to market
Source
This thread is a perfect example of why it is crucial for people take a minute to actually read the sources referenced in a discussion and then do a
couple of minutes of research to track down the truths and facts behind the story presented.
It is not just Primatene Mist that has had to change its formula. I have moderate to severe asthma that was diagnosed in 1984. The prescription
inhaler I use altered its formula to phase out the CFC propellant about 4 or 5 years ago in accordance with the Montreal Protocol.
Primatene Mist is not really a useful product anyways. At one point about 10 years ago, I purchased a Primatene Mist inhaler late one evening when I
ran out of my prescription inhaler and didn't make it to the pharmacy in time to get a refill. I guarantee you, anyone with even a moderate case of
asthma who has used Primatene Mist will tell you that it barely makes even a tiny dent in asthma attack symptoms. I ended up at the ER with an asthma
attack later that night anyways, despite having used the Primatene Mist inhaler to treat my symptoms.
Asthma is a very unpredictable disease. During an asthma attack, a mild case can suddenly become a life threatening severe case with no prior warning.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma is gambling with their life if they rely on over the counter remedies like Primatene Mist or tablets.
Serously tho, I doubt the cfc free ones will cost you any
more than the old ones if you gotta pay. 