May has been designated as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and the Food and Drug Administration is using the classification as a platform to inform persons suffering from both asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) about an upcoming regulatory deadline that could have an impact on their therapy.
By the end of this year, two types of inhalers used to treat the aforementioned conditions will be taken off the market, and it’s imperative that persons who use these inhalers speak with their doctors at once to obtain an alternative treatment. The first inhaler, Combivent Inhalation Aerosol, will be pulled in July, while the Maxair Autohaler will cease to be sold by December 31.
At issue is the fact that these inhalers’ chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) have the potential to do damage to the ozone layer. Back in the 80s, the United States and countries across the globe entered into a pact known as the Montreal Protocol. That protocol called for the gradual phaseout of products containing CFCs, and already such items as deodorant, air conditioners, and hairsprays have seen that ingredient removed from their makeup.
It’s important to understand that alternate therapies exist to those inhalers that use CFCs. In fact, many inhalers that already use CFCs have already been taken off the market. If you use one of these last holdouts, speak with your doctor as soon as possible so that you can promptly begin treatment with a new type of inhaler.